What is Book of Ra?

Book of Ra Classic: Key Features
Developer Novomatic (Greentube)
Reels / Rows 5 / 3
Paylines 9 (Adjustable)
Volatility High
Key Feature Free Spins with Special Expanding Symbol
Wild & Scatter Symbol The Book of Ra

Book of Ra is one of the most recognizable slot games in the online casino world. Created by Austrian gaming giant Novomatic and distributed through the Greentube platform, it drops you into Ancient Egypt alongside an intrepid explorer. You’re drawn into tombs and pyramids in search of hidden treasures, with a setup that’s easy to grasp and built for pure slot action.

Core gameplay

The original release, Book of Ra Classic, uses a 5-reel, 3-row layout with 9 adjustable paylines. You match symbols from left to right on the lines you activate. The Book of Ra symbol is the star here. It acts as a Wild to substitute for other symbols and as a Scatter at the same time. Hit three or more Books anywhere on the reels and you trigger 10 free spins. Before those spins start, one regular symbol is randomly chosen to become a special expanding symbol. When it expands, it can cover entire reels and set up significant wins in a single spin.

Theme and presentation

The Egyptian atmosphere carries the experience. You’ll see the Book of Ra, golden pharaoh statues, sacred scarab beetles, and the brave explorer on the reels. Subtle, atmospheric sounds support the archaeological adventure vibe, so each spin feels like another step into a long-lost chamber. The visual design taps into Egyptian mythology while keeping the gameplay straightforward. That blend helped make Book of Ra a casino floor favorite before it moved online

Book of Ra Versions Explained

Novomatic, also known as Greentube, turned Book of Ra into a series that keeps the Ancient Egypt vibe while shifting how you play. Changes to paylines, RTP, volatility, and bonus features set each title apart. Compare the versions most visible and popular with players in Germany below.

Version Reels / Paylines RTP Key Feature Volatility
Book of Ra Classic 5 / 9 92.13% 10 free spins with one special expanding symbol. High
Book of Ra Deluxe 5 / 10 95.10% Adds a 10th payline and improved graphics. High
Book of Ra Deluxe 6 5-6 / 10 95.03% Optional 6th reel via an Extra Bet for bigger wins. Very High
Book of Ra Magic 5 / 10 95.03% Retriggers add new special expanding symbols up to 9. High
Book of Ra Temple of Gold 5 / 10 95.28% Up to 3 special expanding symbols in free spins from the start. High

Book of Ra Classic runs on 5 reels and 9 lines with 92.13% RTP and features the explorer, pharaoh, and the Book scatter that triggers 10 free spins with one random expanding symbol. Deluxe is the most popular in Germany, adding a 10th payline, improved graphics, and 95.10% RTP while keeping the same bonus. Deluxe 6 lets you activate a sixth reel via the Extra Bet; your stake doubles, 6 of a kind becomes possible, and payouts rise. Magic starts with one expanding symbol, then every retrigger by landing three scatters adds 10 spins and selects another, up to nine, enabling full screen outcomes. Temple of Gold brings a female explorer and a new trigger: 3, 4, or 5 scatters award 10 free spins with one, two, or three expanders active from the start.

Playing Book of Ra for Free

Demo mode access

You can try Book of Ra without spending money by using its demo mode. Many online casinos licensed in Germany offer a free-play option right on their sites. Open the slots library, find Book of Ra, and choose Demo or Play for Fun. Because of German regulations under the Glücksspielstaatsvertrag 2021, some licensed operators may ask you to create an account and complete age verification before you can access free-to-play content.

Where to find free versions

Demo versions are easy to find. You’ll see them on licensed casino websites serving German players and on slot review portals that embed the game for practice. These demos work on desktop and mobile, so you can play on your preferred device without installing anything.

Benefits of free play

Demo mode helps you learn the rules and flow of the game with zero financial risk. You can test different bet sizes, watch how often bonus features appear, and get comfortable with the interface. If you’re new, it’s a simple way to understand the expanding symbol in the free spins round and to sense the game’s high volatility before you stake real funds.

Feature Free Play (Demo Mode) Real Money Play
Cost Completely free Requires a real money deposit
Winnings Virtual credits only; cannot be withdrawn Real cash prizes that can be withdrawn
Risk Zero financial risk Risk of losing deposited funds
Registration May be required at German-licensed casinos Always required for wagering
Gameplay Identical mechanics, symbols, and RTP Identical mechanics, symbols, and RTP
Purpose Learning, practice, and entertainment Entertainment and the chance to win money

Limitations to consider

You can’t win real money in demo mode. All payouts are virtual credits with no cash value and they reset when you reload the game. While the demo mirrors the real version with the same RTP, features, and payout logic, it lacks the real-money tension and excitement that comes with actual stakes.

Real Money Play: A German Guide

Playing Book of Ra for real money in Germany is straightforward when you follow the rules in place. Use the steps below to pick a legal site, complete verification, make a safe deposit, and handle bonuses with clear expectations.

  1. Find a GGL-licensed casino

    Choose an online casino licensed by the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL), Germany’s national regulator. Look for the GGL seal on the site and verify the operator on the official GGL “Whitelist” (Weiße Liste). Some EU-licensed casinos, such as those with an MGA license, may be accessible, but only GGL-approved platforms fully comply with German player protection laws.

  2. Complete account setup and verification

    Register with your name, address, and date of birth. German law requires identity verification before you can deposit and play. This often happens instantly via SCHUFA checks, IDnow, or by uploading your ID card (Personalausweis). Verification confirms you are of legal age and links your account to the national self-exclusion register OASIS.

  3. Make your first deposit

    After verification, go to the cashier. Common options for German players include Sofort (Klarna), Giropay, PayPal, Paysafecard, and SEPA bank transfers. Typical minimum deposits range from €10 to €20. A nationwide monthly deposit limit of €1,000 applies across all licensed operators. Most deposits arrive instantly, so you can start playing right away.

  4. Understand bonus wagering requirements

    If you take a welcome bonus, read the terms closely. Wagering requirements state how many times you must bet the bonus before withdrawing. Example: a €50 bonus with 35x wagering requires €1,750 in bets. Slot games like Book of Ra usually contribute 100% toward wagering, while table games may count only 10% or not at all.

Deposits and Withdrawals in Germany

You have reliable ways to fund your casino wallet in Germany for Book of Ra. Visa and Mastercard are widely supported and land instantly. For speed and more privacy, Skrill and Neteller are strong picks. Instant bank transfer tools like Sofort (by Klarna) and Giropay are common and move money straight from your bank. Prefer prepaid? Paysafecard supports anonymity and tighter budget control.

Payment method comparison

Payment Method Type Average Deposit Time Average Withdrawal Time
Visa / Mastercard Credit / Debit Card Instant 3-5 business days
Skrill / Neteller E-Wallet Instant 24-48 hours
Sofort / Giropay Instant Bank Transfer Instant Not available (payout via bank transfer)
Paysafecard Prepaid Voucher Instant Not available (payout via bank transfer)
Bank Wire Transfer Traditional Bank Transfer 2-5 business days 5-7 business days

Withdrawals and processing

Cashing out winnings is straightforward. If your deposit method supports payouts, you can usually withdraw back to it. Sofort, Giropay, and Paysafecard don’t support withdrawals, so casinos pay those wins via a standard bank transfer. E-wallet cashouts are the quickest, typically completing within 24-48 hours. Payouts to Visa or Mastercard can take 3-5 business days, while traditional bank transfers may need 5-7 business days.

Fees and limits

Most reputable online casinos don’t charge deposit fees, though your provider might. Withdrawal fees vary by casino and method; bank transfers may sometimes include a small fee, while e-wallet transactions are often free. Minimum deposits commonly start at €10. Withdrawal limits usually begin at €20 and can reach several thousand euros per transaction, depending on the casino’s policy. Check the payment page terms and conditions before you play.

Understanding Book of Ra Payouts

Symbol values and paytable

Book of Ra uses a clear payout ladder. Low-paying royals are 10, J, Q, K, and A. High-value icons are tied to Ancient Egypt. The Explorer is the top regular symbol and pays the most for five on a line. Next come the Pharaoh, the Statue of Isis, and the Scarab Beetle with mid-range returns. The Book symbol also carries its own payout and appears as a Scatter. Below is a typical paytable for Book of Ra Deluxe, showing multipliers of your line bet unless noted.

Symbol 3 on a Payline 4 on a Payline 5 on a Payline
Explorer 100x 1,000x 5,000x
Pharaoh 40x 400x 2,000x
Statue / Scarab 30x 100x 750x
Book (Scatter) 20x (total stake) 200x (total stake) 2,000x (total stake)
Ace / King 40x 150x 150x
Queen / Jack / 10 25x 100x 100x

Note: Some premium symbols, such as the Explorer, also pay for just two on a line.

Bonus features and payouts

The golden Book symbol does double duty as Wild and Scatter. It substitutes for other symbols and, with three or more anywhere, triggers 10 free spins. Before those spins start, one symbol is chosen at random to become a special expanding symbol. During the feature, if enough of that symbol lands to create a win, it expands to cover its reels. These expanded wins pay on all active lines, even when the symbols are on non-adjacent reels, which can lift your returns sharply.

Volatility and win potential

Book of Ra is a high volatility slot. You may see fewer hits, but the wins can be sizable when they land. The maximum potential is 5,000 times your stake, achieved by filling the entire screen with Explorers during the free spins round. The base game can deliver smaller hits, yet the largest payouts come from free spins where the expanding symbol takes center stage.

Book of Ra: Is It Legal in Germany?

Current legal framework

You can legally play Book of Ra in Germany, but only at online casinos licensed under the Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021 (Glücksspielstaatsvertrag or GlüStV 2021). Since 1 July 2021, Germany has a regulated national market for online slots. To play Book of Ra legally, you must choose a casino with a valid license from Germany’s central gambling authority, the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL).

Rules for licensed casinos

German-licensed operators must meet strict standards to offer Book of Ra. They display their GGL license information prominently and use mandatory player protection tools. Core rules include:

  • Monthly deposit limit: A universal €1,000 limit applies across all licensed providers for each player.
  • Maximum bet: The highest stake allowed per spin on any slot is €1.
  • 5-second rule: There must be an average of at least five seconds between spins.
  • Reality checks: After every hour of play, a pop-up appears and a five-minute cool-down is required.
  • No autoplay: Autoplay is banned. You must start every spin manually.

Finding legal sites and taxes

Legal casinos offering Book of Ra appear on the official GGL whitelist. You can expect SSL encryption, responsible gambling tools, and clear terms. Always verify the license status before you play. Winnings from games of chance are tax-free for you in Germany. The operator pays a 5.3% tax on all stakes, which can affect the Return to Player (RTP) percentages offered.

Playing at unlicensed offshore casinos is illegal under German law. These sites lack the protections required by the GlüStV 2021, and you have no legal recourse if disputes arise over payouts or unfair practices. Your safest and only legal option is to use established online casinos with a proper German GGL license.

Winning Rates and RTP Explained

What RTP and volatility mean

Return to Player (RTP) is the share of all stakes a slot is designed to pay back over time. In Book of Ra, it indicates what you can theoretically receive back from your total bets. It is a long-term statistical average based on massive numbers of spins, not a promise for a single session. Volatility describes the risk and the size of swings. Book of Ra games are known for high volatility, so wins can be less frequent but often larger when they land, especially during bonus rounds. If you like stretches of suspense followed by potential big hits, this style may fit you. Use RTP to compare games, not to predict tonight’s outcome, whether you play in Germany or elsewhere.

RTP by version

The RTP varies slightly across the Book of Ra series. While these percentages sit around the online slot average, the consistently high volatility shapes how the game feels. Here is a look at popular versions:

Game Version Return to Player (RTP) Volatility
Book of Ra Classic 92.13% High
Book of Ra Deluxe 95.10% High
Book of Ra Deluxe 6 95.03% High
Book of Ra Magic 95.03% High

How theory plays out

Because the series is high volatility, your short-term results can differ a lot from the stated RTP. You may face long spells with few notable wins, then a strong payout when the free spins feature triggers. This all or nothing rhythm is a hallmark of Book of Ra. Treat RTP as guidance on long-term performance only. In the short term, volatility drives the pace and the size of wins, so expect sharp swings and plan your play with that in mind.