Book of Ra
Playing Book of Ra from Germany
Book of Ra is one of Novomatic's longest-running slots, and for English-speaking players in Germany it is offered at casinos licensed by the GGL. The game keeps a deliberately classic shape — five reels, three rows and fixed paylines — rather than the cluster or tumble mechanics of newer releases. The standard reference build is Book of Ra Deluxe.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Provider | Novomatic / Greentube |
| Standard build | Book of Ra Deluxe |
| Layout | 5 reels by 3 rows |
| Lines | 10 selectable (9 on the original) |
| Book symbol | acts as both scatter and wild |
| Bonus | 3 or more Books trigger 10 free games |
| RTP | about 95.10% (92-96% depending on build, varies) |
| Variance | High |
| Top win | up to about 5,000x the bet |
German licensing layers on a few rules that change the pace noticeably, set out further down. The underlying loop of paylines, the Book symbol and the free games is unaffected by them.
The explorer beneath the sand
The story unfolds deep below the Egyptian desert. A film-style adventurer works through ancient pyramids in search of the golden Book of the sun god Ra. He shares the reels with a pharaoh mask, a scarab beetle and the familiar card values running from ten up to ace.
The explorer is the strongest regular symbol, paying from just two matching images on a line. Yet the Book carries the narrative: it is the gateway to the bonus round and to the slot's central goal of uncovering buried treasure.
A line game, not a grid game
Play takes place on a 5x3 layout with up to 10 selectable lines in the Deluxe build; the original ran on 9. A win is created when matching symbols sit side by side along an active line, beginning at the leftmost reel.
That fixed-line approach clearly separates Book of Ra from slots where symbols count anywhere on the grid. Switching on more lines covers more combinations and raises the total bet per spin — here always within the German stake limit described below.
One Book, two functions
The golden Book combines scatter and wild in a single symbol. In its wild role it substitutes for any other symbol and completes lines. In its scatter role it pays without needing a line and calls up the free games once three or more Books appear anywhere on the reels.
Three Books award 10 free games. Because one symbol handles both duties, a single spin can produce both a regular line win and the entry into the bonus — part of why this simple classic stays compelling.
Free games and the expanding special symbol
As the 10 free games begin, the game picks one ordinary symbol at random to act as the special symbol. It keeps that role for the full round.
When it lands during the free games, it spreads across the whole reel and can pay even when the matching positions are not directly adjacent. Three further Books grant another 10 free games. If a high-value image becomes the special symbol, this is where the largest payouts are possible.
German licensing rules (GGL)
At German GGL-licensed casinos, Book of Ra follows a fixed set of rules:
| Rule | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Maximum stake | EUR 1 per spin |
| Minimum gap between spins | 5 seconds |
| Autoplay | not available |
| Gamble / risk ladder | generally disabled |
These measures make Book of Ra run noticeably calmer than in unregulated markets. They do not change how the paylines, the Book or the free games actually work.
RTP, volatility and top win
Book of Ra Deluxe is generally listed at an RTP of about 95.10%, while across builds the figure ranges roughly between 92% and 96% and varies. Volatility is high, and the top win is commonly cited at up to around 5,000x the bet. Confirm the exact RTP in the info panel of the licensed game you play.
Opening the free demo
Book of Ra is available here as a free demo. Because Novomatic demos cannot be embedded inline, you will see a launcher button rather than a game window built into the page.
Clicking it opens the official provider demo in a new browser tab. It runs on play money with no registration and no deposit, letting you explore the lines, the Book and the special symbol before switching to real-money play at a German-licensed casino.
Editions and related book slots
Book of Ra has expanded into a full family of games:
- Book of Ra Deluxe — the most-played version with 10 lines.
- Book of Ra Magic — adding two linked playfields and selection elements.
- Book of Ra 6 — introducing a sixth reel.
Other studios followed the idea too. Book of Dead by Play'n GO is the best-known related book slot and also uses an expanding special symbol in its free spins.
Book of Ra in Germany: Classic Slot Available at GGL-Licensed Casinos
Book of Ra Deluxe is available in Germany at GGL-licensed casinos. As a classic 5-reel slot with fixed paylines, it naturally fits within GGL rules: the 1-euro maximum bet and 5-second pause apply. The gamble feature (risk game after each win) may be restricted or unavailable depending on the licensed operator.
For English-speaking expats and international players in Germany: Book of Ra requires no complex understanding of cluster mechanics. The expanding special symbol in free spins can significantly increase wins. The demo link above opens the official Greentube demo in a new tab.
Germany (GGL) Quick Reference
- Max bet: 1 EUR per spin
- Gamble feature: May be restricted
- RTP: 95.03%
Book of Ra: everything you need to know
Is Book of Ra legal to play in Germany?
Yes, at online casinos holding a GGL licence. Those sites apply the German rules, including the EUR 1 stake cap and the five-second gap between spins.
Why is the stake limited to EUR 1?
German regulation caps slot stakes at EUR 1 per spin and disables autoplay across all licensed operators, Book of Ra included.
How do I start the free games?
With three or more Book symbols anywhere on the reels. You receive 10 free games featuring a randomly chosen expanding special symbol.
Is Book of Ra a Pragmatic Play slot?
No. It comes from Novomatic via its Greentube studio and is a classic line-based slot rather than a Pragmatic Play tumble game.
Can I practise for free first?
Yes. The launcher button opens the demo in a new tab, where you play on play money with no deposit.
Is the Gamble feature available in Germany?
Usually not. The risk ladder is generally disabled under German licensing, so the gamble often does not appear at all.
Who made Book of Ra?
Book of Ra was created by Novomatic and was originally a land-based casino classic. The digital version is by Greentube (Novomatic's online subsidiary) and is one of the most-played slots in casino history.
What is the expanding symbol?
At the start of the free spins bonus, one symbol is chosen at random. If it appears on any reel, it expands to fill the entire reel height, dramatically increasing potential wins.
Is there a gamble feature?
Yes. After any win you can guess the card colour (red/black) or suit. A correct guess doubles or quadruples your win; a wrong guess forfeits it.
What's the difference between Book of Ra and Book of Ra Deluxe?
Book of Ra Deluxe uses a 5×3 grid with 10 paylines instead of the original's 9 lines. Gameplay is identical but graphics are updated.
What is Book of Ra Deluxe's RTP?
Book of Ra Deluxe has an RTP of 95.03%, slightly below the industry average. The trade-off is the potential for large single-hit wins through the expanding symbol feature.