Book Of Ra Slot Game
What is Book of Ra?
| 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 recognisable 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 whilst keeping the gameplay straightforward. That blend helped make Book of Ra a casino floor favourite 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 whilst 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 the United Kingdom 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 the United Kingdom, adding a 10th payline, improved graphics, and 95.10% RTP whilst 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 the UK 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 UK regulations under the Gambling Act 2005 and UKGC licensing requirements, 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 British 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 UK-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 UK Guide
Playing Book of Ra for real money in the UK 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.
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Find a UKGC-licensed casino
Choose an online casino licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), Britain's national regulator. Look for the UKGC licence number on the site and verify the operator on the official UKGC register. Only UKGC-approved platforms can legally offer services to UK players and fully comply with British player protection laws.
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Complete account setup and verification
Register with your name, address, and date of birth. UK law requires identity verification before you can deposit and play. This typically involves uploading your driving licence, passport, or other photo ID, plus a recent utility bill or bank statement for address verification. Verification confirms you are of legal age and helps operators comply with anti-money laundering requirements.
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Make your first deposit
After verification, go to the cashier. Common options for UK players include debit cards, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Paysafecard, and bank transfers. Typical minimum deposits range from £10 to £20. Most deposits arrive instantly, so you can start playing right away. Remember that credit card deposits for gambling are banned in the UK.
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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 the United Kingdom
You have reliable ways to fund your casino wallet in the UK 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 Pay by Bank and Trustly 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 |
| Pay by Bank / Trustly | 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. Pay by Bank, Trustly, 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 pounds 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 sizeable 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 centre stage.
Book of Ra: Is It Legal in the United Kingdom?
Current legal framework
You can legally play Book of Ra in the United Kingdom, but only at online casinos licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). Since the Gambling Act 2005 came into force, the UK has maintained a well-regulated market for online slots. To play Book of Ra legally, you must choose a casino with a valid licence from the UK Gambling Commission, which ensures consumer protection and fair gaming standards.
Rules for licensed casinos
UK-licensed operators must meet strict standards to offer Book of Ra. They display their UKGC licence information prominently and use mandatory player protection tools. Core rules include:
- Deposit limits: Players can set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits, with a minimum 24-hour cooling-off period before increases take effect.
- Stake limits: Online slot stakes are generally unrestricted, though operators must implement affordability checks for high-spending players.
- Spin speed controls: Operators must provide options to control the speed of play, including the ability to disable fast play features.
- Reality checks: Regular pop-up reminders about time and money spent, with session time limits available.
- Autoplay restrictions: Autoplay features must include loss limits and session time limits, with the ability to disable the feature entirely.
Finding legal sites and taxes
Legal casinos offering Book of Ra appear on the official UKGC register of licensed operators. You can expect SSL encryption, responsible gambling tools, and clear terms and conditions. Always verify the licence status before you play. Winnings from gambling are generally tax-free for recreational players in the UK. Licensed operators pay a 21% tax on their gross gambling yield, which is factored into their business model but doesn't directly affect Return to Player (RTP) percentages.
Playing at unlicensed offshore casinos is illegal under UK law and violates the Gambling Act 2005. These sites lack the consumer protections required by UK regulation, 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 UK Gambling Commission licence.
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 fancy stretches of suspense followed by potential big hits, this style may suit you. Use RTP to compare games, not to predict tonight's outcome, whether you play in the UK 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.