✅ Continuation with multiple installments and respawns
✅ Classic design and simple gameplay
✅ It’s the pioneer of the popular “book of” slot category
✅ Big maximum reward of 5,000x the stake
Launched in 2005, Book of Ra was the first slot to introduce the iconic “book of” feature, setting a trend that reshaped the online slot landscape. This innovative approach laid the foundation for a wave of similar games, including Play’n GO’s Book of Dead, which elevated the concept to new heights. Over the years, countless developers have attempted to surpass Book of Ra, but it remains the gold standard for this genre and continues to inspire new game releases.
One of the first things you’ll notice about the Book of Ra slot is the somewhat dated graphics. However, its visuals were among the best the online gaming industry had to offer in 2005. In terms of gameplay, Book of Ra is a true classic, thanks to the simple 5×3 board with 9 bet lines. The game is set against the backdrop of a dark, mysterious ancient tomb or temple buried beneath Egyptian pyramids. The eerie atmosphere is enhanced by mythological treasures like scarabs, golden relics, and pharaoh masks scattered throughout the reels. The versatile Book and excited explorer (Indiana Jones-like figure) adds a modern touch to this experience.
Novomatic also did solid work on this slot’s music and sound effects. Everything seems quiet initially, with only jingles whenever the reels are spinning. However, the developer ups the tempo during the free rounds by playing traditional music. The music and sound effects resemble the Book of Ra’s land-based version, blending nicely with the symbols to create a nice retro vibe.
Let’s continue this Book of Ra slot review by breaking down the game’s paytable. To form a win, you must match symbols on any of the bet lines. Keep in mind that the winning combos must align themselves from left to right, except for the versatile Book symbol. The use of fixed bet lines enhances the odds of forming winning combos, making for more rewarding gameplay.
The playing card letters are the low-value icons. These symbols can pay out after matching at least three on a bet line. The 10, J, and Q symbols pay out the least. You can also find the scarab, golden statue, pharaoh’s head, and rugged explorer. These high-value icons pay out after matching at least two on a line.
True to the “book of” slot genre, the Book symbol is the most rewarding and versatile icon. It plays two roles by acting as the scatter and the wild symbol. This means it can help you unlock the free spins round while substituting for all paying symbols to create bigger winning combinations. It pays out for at least three of a kind anywhere on the reels.
Novomatic doesn’t give out much info about the RTP and volatility of this entertaining slot. However, Book of Ra has been around for two decades, so there’s enough information about how it pays out.
This slot’s theoretical RTP (return to player) is 92.13%, which is way below average. The volatility is also high. However, players weren’t too keen on these statistics back in 2005. So, it’s clear Novomatic was focusing more on entertainment than numbers.
Book of Ra is a high-risk slot that appeals to players looking to win big. I played Book of Ra with a $1.80 bet per spin using the Autoplay option. You can click the rabbit icon to enjoy faster or slower gameplay rounds.
Initially, payouts were infrequent, with a few spins required before matching two scarab symbols on a line. If you’re a budget-conscious player, I recommend sticking to the lowest possible bet limit to stretch your bankroll. Slowing down the game rounds is another great way to extend your playing time. Don’t miss out on maximizing casino bonuses and free spins to enhance your overall experience.
As I played, my focus was on landing enough Books to trigger the bonus game. While I occasionally completed winning lines with other symbols, the real excitement came when I hit three scatter symbols, unlocking 10 free spins. During these spins, the letter Q became the Expanding symbol, covering reels to create potential windfalls.
The game’s volatility seems to lean toward medium, but be prepared for occasional barren spells. Book of Ra is a slot where patience and strategy can pay off, especially during those thrilling bonus rounds.
I had no issues finding an online casino to play the Book of Ra slot game. This game is available to play for fun or real money at Golden Star Casino, a new gaming site with a welcome package offering a match deposit bonus of up to $3,000 + 350 Free Spins. The site also offers other Book of Ra slots and trending Novomatic titles like Sizzling Hot and 5 Sevens. Read our in-depth Golden Star Casino review to get more details.
Below is how to sign up and play Book of Ra at Golden Star:
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After playing Book of Ra, I can see why it has a loyal fan base despite the countless modern variations. It’s an excitingly simple slot with vibrant graphics and immersive free rounds. The expanding symbols during the bonus games can be highly rewarding on a good day. However, the volatility and RTP are high, which may not be ideal for casual gamers. These are just theoretical estimations.
🏆Best for: Fans of Ancient Egyptian-themed slots with a nostalgic touch.
💰Payout potential: Win up to 5,000x during the free spins with Expanding symbols.
🎮Play it if: You value Ancient Egyptian-themed slots with the versatile Book symbol.
Yes, you can play this Novomatic slot for free using casino bonuses and free spins. You can also play the Book of Ra demo on this review page without spending a dime.
The Book of Ra Deluxe game is the upgraded version of this slot. Released in 2008, it comes with sharper graphics and an increased RTP of 95.10%. The maximum payout potential is also 10,035x the stake.
The Book of Ra RTP is 92.13%, below the industry average of 96%. This means the maximum you can win a long period of time is theoretically $92.13 for every $100 bet. However, thanks to volatility, a regular gaming session can deliver very different results.
Despite being an old slot, Book of Ra is optimized to provide a smooth mobile gameplay experience. You don’t need to download this slot to play it on your Android or iOS device.
Yes, this Novomatic slot will reward you with 10 free rounds after landing three or more Book symbols on the reels. You can get 10 respins for landing more scatters during the free rounds.
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