Introduction: Book of Ra Casino – Experience the Original Online

We introduce you to Book of Ra Casino, the classic from 2005 by Novomatic. The slot has its origins in German gaming halls and convinces online with its Ancient Egypt setting, clear game mechanics and palpable excitement through high volatility. Today we can play the original legally and licensed in the United Kingdom, comfortably at home or on mobile. The loyal community has supported the slot for years because it's quickly understandable yet still offers genuine thrilling moments.

Key Facts About the Original

Feature	Details
Developer	Novomatic (Online version by Greentube)
Release	2005 (Original version)
Theme	Ancient Egypt
Reels / Rows	5 / 3
Paylines	9 (Classic version)
RTP (Return to Player)	92.13% (Classic version)
Volatility	High
Main Feature	10 free spins with special expanding symbol
Maximum Win	5,000x stake

Legal Framework in the United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, licensed online casinos provide the original as well as selected further developments. Operators must comply with the strict requirements of the UK Gambling Commission to legally offer Book of Ra. For us, this means an official, regulated gaming experience with the familiar gaming hall DNA, accessible on desktop and mobile devices without complications.

Book of Ra Deluxe: The Most Popular Successor

Book of Ra Deluxe has established itself as the most successful evolution of the original since its release in 2008. We have played this version extensively and can confirm that Novomatic – through its subsidiary Greentube – has implemented crucial improvements. They modernise the experience without touching the core of the classic.

The Key Differences

The Deluxe edition refines central aspects and is therefore preferred by many of us. The table shows the notable differences compared to the classic version.

Feature	Book of Ra Classic	Book of Ra Deluxe
Paylines	9	10
Return to Player (RTP)	92.13%	95.10%
Maximum Win	5,000x stake	5,000x stake
Graphics & Sound	Classic, 2D visuals	Modernised, HD graphics
Betting Range (typical)	£0.09 - £45	£0.10 - £50

Enhanced Gaming Experience

The tenth payline is immediately noticeable and opens up more combinations. Technically, the slot feels brand new: sharper visuals, more detailed symbols, smooth animations. Also important to us is the higher return to player rate of 95.10%, a clear jump from the original's 92.13%. The proven principle remains: the Book functions as both Wild and Scatter, the free spins begin with an expanding bonus symbol. This way, Deluxe combines familiar mechanics with contemporary presentation and can now be found in almost every licensed online casino featuring Novomatic games.

The Game Mechanics: Symbols and Free Spins

Symbols Overview

In the official online version of Book of Ra, we encounter symbols from Egyptian mythology. The values are shown in the paytable. For a win, we usually need three identical symbols on an active line from left to right. With premium symbols like the explorer or the sarcophagus, just two hits are sufficient.

Symbol	Meaning and Value
Explorer	The most valuable symbol. Five explorers on a payline pay 500 times the line stake.
Pharaoh (Sarcophagus)	The second highest symbol in the game.
Statue of Nut & Scarab	Medium values and thematically clearly anchored in ancient Egypt.
A, K, Q, J, 10	Card values with the lowest payout.

The Book as Wild and Scatter

The book is the key symbol. As a wild, it substitutes for all other symbols, except the special expanding symbol in free spins, and completes winning lines. As a scatter, it doesn't need to land on a fixed line. When three or more books appear anywhere on the reels, they trigger the free spin round and additionally pay their own coin win.

Free Spins with Expanding Symbol

With three or more books, we receive 10 free spins. Before the start, a symbol from the paytable, except the book, is randomly selected as the special symbol. If this reaches the required number during free spins, it expands across the entire reel after the regular evaluation. These expanded symbols pay like scatters, so they don't need to be adjacent. If three or more books appear again, another 10 free spins are awarded.

Payout Rates (RTP) and Winning Chances

The classic version of Book of Ra has a theoretical payout rate of 92.13 percent. This falls below the current industry average, which isn't surprising for a slot with roots in land-based casinos. Online we see better values. Book of Ra Deluxe offers 95.10 percent RTP and is therefore the more attractive choice for most of us when we prefer more stable rates.

RTP Values Compared

The variants differ slightly in payout rate. Here are the most important versions at a glance.

Version	RTP (Payout Rate)	Volatility
Book of Ra Classic	92.13%	High
Book of Ra Deluxe	95.10%	High
Book of Ra Magic	95.03%	High
Book of Ra Deluxe 6	95.03%	High

RTP in Practice

These values are statistical averages over millions of game rounds. In individual sessions our results can deviate significantly. Sometimes it runs better, sometimes worse. The RTP serves as guidance for long-term fairness and helps us realistically assess expectations and risk.

Volatility and Payout Patterns

Book of Ra is highly volatile. Wins occur less frequently, but there's potential for very high payouts, especially in the free spins round. We should expect periods without notable hits, but in return have the chance of up to 5,000 times our stake. Smaller wins from standard combinations stabilise our balance whilst we wait for the big feature. It's precisely this combination that creates excitement.

Legal Matters: Legality and Licences in the United Kingdom

Since October 2014, the Gambling Act 2005 and subsequent regulations govern all online gambling offerings in the United Kingdom. Anyone wishing to play Book of Ra online should only do so with operators that hold an official UK licence from the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). This licence requires casinos to adhere to strict guidelines for player protection and is regularly monitored.

How do we recognise licensed operators?

Reputable platforms display their licence details openly, usually in the footer. There we find the licence number and the official UKGC logo. Information about responsible gambling and a clearly visible link to self-exclusion tools should also be present. Only legal sites comply with the following requirements, which directly affect gameplay:

• Deposit limits: Players can set their own deposit limits across all operators, with mandatory cooling-off periods.
• Stake limits: Operators must offer stake limit options for slots like Book of Ra.
• Speed of play controls: Licensed operators must provide options to control the speed of gameplay.
• Autoplay restrictions: Automatic play features must include loss limits and other player protection measures.
• GAMSTOP exclusion: Mandatory connection to the UK's national self-exclusion scheme.

Why these rules are important

They protect us from excessive stakes, encourage breaks in play through controlled gaming sessions, and ensure transparent processes. This keeps gaming transparent and legally secure.

Greentube, the developer of the online version of Book of Ra, works exclusively with operators who comply with these requirements. We advise against offerings without a valid UK licence, as they provide neither binding player protection nor legally secure payout of winnings. The current list of all licensed operators is available on the official UK Gambling Commission website.

Novomatic: The Developer Behind the Cult Slot

Novomatic, founded in 1980 by Professor Johann F. Graf, is one of the largest technology conglomerates in the international gaming industry. As an Austrian company with roots in Gumpoldskirchen, the group has built a strong reputation over decades. Book of Ra, the company's flagship title, originally started as a physical slot machine for casinos and gaming halls, where it quickly became a cult favourite. Only afterwards did we find the title online as well, without losing its original character.

Founded	1980
Founder	Professor Johann F. Graf
Headquarters	Gumpoldskirchen, Austria
Key Subsidiary (Online)	Greentube
Most Famous Game	Book of Ra

Greentube as the Digital Driving Force

Greentube is responsible for the implementation into the digital world. The "Digital Gaming and Entertainment Division", which has been fully part of the Novomatic Group since 2011, develops and oversees the online implementation of Book of Ra. With their expertise, Greentube ensures that the authentic gaming experience of the cabinets is preserved on computers, smartphones and tablets. This close integration of Novomatic's hardware competence and Greentube's software expertise enables us to experience the classic seamlessly, anytime and anywhere.

We see a clear dual strategy within the group: land-based business with slot machines and casino equipment on one side, and a strong online segment on the other. The international presence in regulated markets has significantly contributed to Book of Ra being amongst the world's most recognised slots. Decades of experience with captivating game mechanics is reflected in the enduring quality of the game.

Playing for free: Using the demo version

Most licensed online casinos in the United Kingdom also offer Book of Ra as a free demo. We particularly recommend this route for beginners who want to get to know the game first. This way we can test all functions without risk and quickly develop a feel for the mechanics.

Starting the demo

With providers licensed in the United Kingdom, accessing the demo typically requires complete registration and verification of the player account. This is legally mandated for player protection. After logging in, we usually find a "Demo" or "Play Money" button directly next to the slot. One click starts the game with virtual credit, which automatically refills when it's used up or we reload the page.

Demo functionality

The free version corresponds to real money mode. Free spins function identically, the symbols pay according to the same table, and the return to player rate (RTP) remains unchanged. We use the demo to try out different stake levels and better assess the volatility. Withdrawing real winnings remains exclusive to real money play.

Demo mode vs. real money mode overview

Feature	Demo Version	Real Money Version
Risk	No financial risk	Wagering real money
Winnings	Only virtual play money winnings	Withdrawable real money winnings
Game mechanics & RTP	Identical to the real money version	Complete gaming experience
Purpose	Learning the game, testing strategies	Excitement, thrill, chance to win
Availability (in UK)	After registration with licensed providers	After registration and deposit

Real Money Adventure: How to Play for Winnings

Those who want to play Book of Ra in real money mode in the United Kingdom follow a clear and tested process. We show the steps that apply on officially licensed websites and in all legal online casinos.

Choose and register at a casino

We choose an online casino with a valid licence from the UK Gambling Commission. During registration, we enter our correct personal details.

Verify identity

Before a deposit is possible, we complete the legally required KYC check. This typically runs through video identification or an identity verification check. The process serves player protection and fraud prevention.

Deposit using secure methods

After verification, we deposit money. Common options are PayPal, bank transfers, credit cards like Visa and Mastercard, as well as Paysafecard. We should set our own monthly deposit limits through the casino's responsible gambling tools to maintain control over our spending.

Set stake in the game

We open Book of Ra and determine the stake per spin. The maximum stake varies by casino but can range significantly higher than in some other jurisdictions. With Book of Ra Deluxe, the minimum stake with 10 paylines activated is typically £0.10.

Withdraw winnings

We withdraw any winnings achieved. For money laundering prevention reasons, withdrawal occurs to the same account or same method as used for deposit. We observe the casino's minimum amounts, often £10 or £20, as well as internal processing times before transfer to the payment provider.

Where can we play Book of Ra legally?

In the United Kingdom, the Gambling Act 2005 and regulations by the UK Gambling Commission govern online slot games. We use and recommend exclusively online casinos with valid licences from the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). These operators are subject to strict requirements and ensure fair and reliable conditions. Playing Book of Ra is legally possible on such licensed platforms. This way we protect our budget and our data.

Licensed operators with Book of Ra

Several UK-licensed online casinos feature the classic from Novoline (Greentube). Examples:

• Stargames: As a well-known Greentube brand with a wide selection of Novoline games, including various Book of Ra variants.
• bwin: With UK licence and Book of Ra Deluxe in their slot portfolio.
• LeoVegas: UKGC-licensed casino with Novoline classics in their game library.

Recognising licensed operators

Reputable operators clearly display their licence in the footer of their website. We look for the official UKGC logo and verify the status via the official list on the UK Gambling Commission website, which lists all legal operators of virtual slot games in the UK. Only domains listed there are considered permitted. We strongly advise against playing on platforms without proper authorisation.

What we consider when choosing

Besides the licence, three points matter to us:

• Secure payment methods: PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, Paysafecard, bank transfer
• Player protection according to UKGC standards: deposit limits, session time limits, reality checks, connection to GamStop self-exclusion system
• English-speaking customer service, competent and reliably accessible

Other Book of Ra Variants

Alongside the original and Deluxe version, Novomatic, through its subsidiary Greentube, has developed the Egyptian theme in several directions. Each variant brings its own mechanics and visual adjustments to keep the gameplay experience fresh. We summarise the key differences concisely and highlight the features that make the difference.

Variant	Reels and Rows	Paylines	Special Feature
Book of Ra Deluxe	5x3	10	Free spins with one special expanding symbol
Book of Ra Magic	5x3	10	An additional expanding symbol with each retrigger, up to nine
Book of Ra 6	5x3 (optional 6x3)	10	Sixth reel can be activated via extra bet for higher potential
Book of Ra Deluxe 10	2 reel sets (5x4 and 5x12)	100	Wilds transfer from the first to the large second reel set

Book of Ra Magic

Here the familiar concept gets a noticeable twist. In the free spins, each retrigger adds another random symbol as an expanding special symbol, theoretically up to nine simultaneously. The modernised graphics remain true to the classic style.

Book of Ra 6

This version offers an optional sixth reel. With the extra bet, which doubles the stake, payouts for six matching symbols are possible. We experience higher volatility with more potential, but also longer periods without wins.

Book of Ra Temple of Gold

We accompany a female adventurer searching for the treasures of El Dorado. At the start of the bonus round, up to three special expanding symbols can be active instead of one. Play takes place on a 5x3 setup with 10 paylines.

Mobile Availability: Book of Ra on All Devices

Book of Ra is fully optimised for mobile use and runs seamlessly on smartphones and tablets. Based on modern HTML5 technology, licensed online casinos provide a version that automatically adapts to any screen size and launches directly in the web browser. A separate app installation is typically not necessary, which facilitates instant access. We simply open the casino website on our mobile device, log into our account and begin playing. Controls and layout adapt to the available space, allowing us to play on the go without any complications.

Desktop vs. Mobile Experience Comparison

Technical Aspects and Operation

The mobile version runs smoothly on iOS and Android. The HTML5 foundation ensures that graphics, sound effects and animations appear crisp even on smaller displays, without excessively draining the battery. The controls are optimised for touchscreens: we adjust stakes with a finger tap, the spin button is prominently placed and easily accessible. All core functions, from paylines to the gamble feature, are identical to the desktop version. Our game progress and balance are synchronised via the casino account, allowing us to switch seamlessly between smartphone, tablet and desktop at any time.

Our Verdict: Why Book of Ra Continues to Fascinate

Book of Ra has established itself as a true classic over the years and is still considered one of the most influential slot machines today. The combination of ancient Egypt and clear, easily accessible gameplay mechanics developed by Novomatic appeals to a broad audience. The deciding factor is the free spins round with a randomly selected, expanding bonus symbol. It creates palpable excitement and turns every spin into a small adventure.

What Drives Its Success

• Simple Mechanics: Without feature overload, we focus on a clear concept that immediately engages and has lasting appeal.
• High Volatility: High wins are possible in the free spins; this appeals to many experienced players and ensures sustained excitement.
• Iconic Theme: The adventure in ancient Egypt remains timeless and awakens the spirit of discovery in newcomers and veterans alike.
• Further Developments: Variants like Book of Ra Deluxe or Magic keep the series fresh without changing the core principle; the series remains recognisable, the essence unchanged.

Convenient and Legal

Thanks to complete mobile compatibility and a freely accessible demo, getting started is easier than ever today. The regulation of the UK market creates legal certainty, so we can play the slot legally in licensed online casinos. This combination of nostalgia, accessible mechanics and a modern, secure environment explains why Book of Ra loses none of its fascination even after decades.