What is Book of Ra?

Book of Ra is a legendary online slot from the Austrian developer Novomatic (Greentube). You journey to ancient Egypt and follow the explorer on the hunt for the Book of the Sun God Ra. The basics are classic: 5 reels, 3 rows. Depending on the version, you get up to 9 paylines in Book of Ra Classic or up to 10 paylines in Book of Ra Deluxe. Often, you can choose the number of active paylines yourself, giving you control over your playing style and pace.

Why it’s so popular

You get straightforward gameplay without any fuss, but still real excitement. The high volatility means wins are less frequent, but they can be much bigger. It’s this mix of risk and reward that makes Book of Ra so appealing. Add to that the authentic Egyptian setting with symbols like the explorer, the pharaoh’s mask, and of course, the book. With an RTP of around 95.10%, this slot sits in the typical range for this classic and stays true to its roots.

Your aim in the game

Your goal is to land identical symbols from left to right on active paylines. The book symbol is key: it acts as a wild, substituting for other symbols to complete winning combinations. At the same time, it’s the scatter. When three or more books land anywhere on the reels, the bonus game with 10 free spins is triggered. Before the feature starts, a random special symbol is chosen. During the free spins, this special symbol can expand across entire reels and pays out even if the symbols aren’t adjacent. If you land more books during the feature, you can re-trigger the free spins and keep the adventure rolling.

How to Play Book of Ra

You can start your adventure in just a few steps. Choose your bet, activate paylines, hit Spin, and keep an eye out for the golden book. This way, you make use of all the core mechanics without any detours.

Bet and Paylines

First, set your bet per payline. The number of lines depends on the version: in the Classic version, you can choose up to 9 lines, while the Deluxe version offers up to 10. Use the plus and minus buttons to adjust your line bet, which often starts as low as $0.01. Your total bet per spin is simply: bet per line × number of active lines.

Spin and Wins

Click Start or Spin to set the five reels in motion. You win when identical symbols land from left to right on an active payline. Higher-value picture symbols pay out with just two matches: the explorer, the pharaoh, the statue, and the scarab. Card symbols A, K, Q, J, and 10 require at least three matches. You can always check the exact values in the payout table within the game.

The Book as Wild and Scatter

The golden Book of Ra is the key symbol with a double function:

• Wild: It substitutes for all other symbols and completes winning lines.
• Scatter: Three or more books anywhere on the reels trigger the bonus game and award an instant win. Five books pay 200 times your total bet.

Free Spins with Expanding Symbol

If at least three books appear, you start with 10 free spins. Before the free spins begin, one of the winning symbols is randomly selected as a special bonus symbol. If this special symbol lands during the free spins, it expands to cover the entire reel. It pays like a scatter, so it doesn’t have to be on adjacent reels to pay out. If you land three or more books again during the free spins, you’ll get 10 more free spins as a re-trigger.

If you’re unsure, the paytable with all symbol values and rules is available directly in the game.

Comparing the Variants

Book of Ra is now available in several versions, which you can find at Australian online casinos. Each version is based on the familiar 5x3 layout, but adds its own twist in terms of paylines, features, and presentation. This overview will help you choose:

Variant	Reels	Paylines	RTP (approx.)	Special Feature
Book of Ra Classic	5	9	92.13%	The original version with cult status
Book of Ra Deluxe	5	10	95.10%	Improved graphics and higher RTP
Book of Ra Deluxe 6	5 (+1 optional)	10	95.03%	Optional 6th reel for 6-symbol wins
Book of Ra Magic	5	10	95.03%	Up to 9 expanding symbols during free spins
Book of Ra Mystic Fortunes	5	10	~95.00%	4-level progressive jackpot

Classic vs Deluxe

Book of Ra Classic is played on 5x3 reels with 9 paylines and an RTP of 92.13%. Book of Ra Deluxe increases this to 10 lines, features polished graphics, and offers an RTP of around 95.10%. In both games, the book symbol acts as both Wild and Scatter. Thanks to its higher payout rate and improved visuals, Deluxe is usually the go-to choice these days.

Deluxe 6 with Extra Reel

Book of Ra Deluxe 6 takes the Deluxe base game and adds an optional sixth reel through the Extra Bet. Activating this bet doubles your stake, but unlocks 6-symbol combos with noticeably higher payouts. Volatility increases, especially during free spins, when the special symbol can expand across all six reels. The RTP is 95.03%.

Magic and Mystic Fortunes

Book of Ra Magic takes the free spins round up a notch: every retrigger adds another expanding special symbol, up to a maximum of nine at once. This creates winning combinations across multiple symbols.

Book of Ra Mystic Fortunes links the base game with a jackpot feature. Any book symbol can randomly trigger it. You then play for one of four progressive jackpots: Mini, Minor, Major, or Grand.

If you prefer the classics, go for Classic. If you like more risk, Deluxe 6 is for you. Want variety? Give Magic or Mystic Fortunes a try.

RTP and Volatility Explained

RTP in Brief

The Return to Player, or RTP, shows you what proportion of all bets a slot machine theoretically pays back to players in the long run. The values can vary significantly depending on the version. The original classic Book of Ra Classic offers an RTP of just 92.13%, while the popular Deluxe version comes in at 95.10%. Most of the newer versions fall within this range. What does this mean for you? If you bet $100 on the Deluxe version, on average $95.10 will be paid back as winnings. The remaining amount is the casino's house edge.

RTP of the Popular Versions

Your choice of version affects your results over many spins. Here’s a direct comparison.

Game Version	RTP (approx.)	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

Understanding Volatility

Book of Ra features high volatility. Wins are less frequent, but when they hit, they can be substantial. The hit frequency is low. The free spins round with the expanding special symbol leads to big swings. You’ll need patience for stretches without significant wins, but there’s always the chance of a sudden big payout.

Finding RTP in the Game

In licensed online casinos, the RTP is usually found in the game info or paytable. Tap the info icon, an ‘i’, or a question mark, or open the menu. Some providers also list these values together on an overview page. If you can’t find the info, the support team can help you out.

Why Sessions Fluctuate

RTP is a statistical average calculated over millions of rounds. It doesn’t reflect your individual session. On any given night, you might double your bankroll or lose it all. Both outcomes are possible and don’t indicate whether the game is fair or unfair. The high volatility increases these swings. Don’t expect the theoretical RTP to show up in short-term play.

Features and Symbols

The Book of Ra takes centre stage. This symbol plays two roles at once. As a Wild, it substitutes for any other symbol on a payline and helps you complete combinations. As a Scatter, it’s independent of active lines. Three or more Books anywhere on the reels pay out and trigger the bonus game. This dual function makes the Book the most important symbol in the game and explains why you should always keep an eye out for it with every spin.

Free Spins with Expanding Symbol

Land three or more Book symbols to trigger 10 free spins. Before the first spin, the game randomly selects one of the regular symbols from 10 to Explorer as a special symbol. If it appears often enough, it expands to cover the entire reel. Payouts are then awarded even when symbols aren’t adjacent. This means wins can be spread across different reels, which greatly boosts your potential in the bonus round.

If a high-paying symbol like Explorer or Pharaoh is selected, the chances for big wins increase. Just two or three of these symbols on any reels can lead to a full screen and high payouts. If three or more Books appear again during the bonus, you’ll get another 10 free spins with the same special symbol.

Optional Features Depending on Provider

Many versions offer a Gamble Feature. You can bet your round winnings on red or black and double them with the right pick. However, keep in mind the regulations in Australia. Some risk features or auto play options may be disabled by certain licensed sites, depending on local laws and operator policies.

Payments in Australia

For Book of Ra at Australian online casinos, you’ll find secure, regulated payment methods. Pay attention to processing times, limits, and the requirements of the Australian licence. Fees are rare, but may apply depending on the provider and method.

Method	Type	Deposit	Withdrawal	Special Features
POLi	Online Banking	Instant	No	Widely used and secure in Australia.
Osko	Online Banking	Instant	No	Direct link to Australian banks.
Credit Cards (Visa/Mastercard)	Card	Instant	Yes (3-5 business days)	Widely accepted, fees uncommon.
paysafecard	Prepaid	Instant	Yes (via myPaysafe account)	Anonymous when purchasing, account required for withdrawals.
Trustly	Online Banking	Instant	Yes (often very fast)	No registration needed.
Bank Transfer	Bank Transfer	1–3 business days	Yes (1–3 business days)	Traditional but slower method.
PayPal	E-Wallet	Instant	Yes (usually within 24h)	High buyer protection, available only at licenced casinos.

Depositing

Bank transfers take 1 to 3 business days but are done directly without third parties. You’ll get your balance instantly with POLi, Osko, or Trustly. Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere, deposits are instant, and fees are rare. paysafecard lets you pay with a prepaid code and stay anonymous when buying. Apple Pay is increasingly supported and especially convenient on mobile.

Withdrawing

First, expect the casino to take 24 to 48 hours for internal processing. After that, the timing depends on the service: bank transfers usually take 1 to 3 business days, credit cards 3 to 5 business days. E-wallets like PayPal are often the fastest and usually complete withdrawals within a few hours of approval. Trustly can also be very quick.

Verification and Limits

Before your first withdrawal, you’ll need to verify your identity (KYC). You’ll upload an ID and a recent proof of address. Deposits and withdrawals can only be made from accounts in your name. In Australia, most casinos set a monthly deposit limit of AU$1,700 across all providers. Many casinos have minimum deposits of AU$15 to AU$35 and their own withdrawal limits per transaction or per day. PayPal is only available at casinos with an Australian licence.

Legal Regulations and Licences in Australia

How to Spot Legitimate Operators

For Book of Ra, you’ll find trustworthy providers only on the official whitelist of the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). The ACMA regulates all legal online gambling in Australia. Reputable casinos display their Australian licence and the ACMA logo clearly, usually in the footer. The licence number should be directly verifiable through the ACMA database. If this licence is missing, the provider is operating illegally in the Australian market.

What Player Protection Really Means

The Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA 2001) sets strict requirements for online pokies like Book of Ra. The aim is to prevent problematic gambling behaviour. These rules have a noticeable impact on your gaming experience:

• Bet Limit: You can wager a maximum of $1 AUD per spin.
• Game Duration: Each spin must last at least five seconds on average.
• No Autoplay: Automatic spins are disabled; you start every round manually.
• Reality Check: After 60 minutes of continuous play, a five-minute mandatory break will prevent you from playing further during that time.
• Panic Button: A clearly visible button allows you to self-exclude instantly for 24 hours.

Limits and Prohibited Features

Australian providers enforce a cross-operator monthly deposit limit of $1,000 AUD. Monitoring is carried out via the National Self-Exclusion Register. Increases are only possible under strict conditions and after a financial assessment. Features that can quickly increase risk are disabled. These include the gamble feature (card risk) and turbo spins. The bonus round in Book of Ra with free spins operates as usual, but without additional risk features. Progressive jackpots are not permitted for online pokies in Australia.

Before you play, check your provider’s licence on the official ACMA whitelist. This ensures your winnings are fair and protected, and you have access to legal support if any disputes arise.

Winning Strategies That Make Sense

Plan Your Budget Wisely

Before you start playing Book of Ra, set a loss limit for yourself. Divide this budget into several sessions and stop playing once the amount is used up. Link your bet size to your bankroll: don’t wager more than 1–2% of your balance per spin. For a $100 budget, that’s $1–$2 per spin. In Australia, there are no strict maximum bet limits for online slots, but sticking to this guideline is a solid strategy, especially with smaller budgets. Fine-tuning your bets per spin is important to make your money last.

RTP, Volatility and Game Conditions

Check the payout rate (RTP) in the game menu before you start. The classic version of Book of Ra usually has an RTP of 92.13%, while the popular Deluxe version typically offers 95.10%. These are theoretical values calculated over millions of spins, so individual sessions can vary significantly. Book of Ra is a high volatility game: wins are less frequent, but can be larger. Also, read the paytable and the terms and conditions of your casino. This helps set realistic expectations, plan your session length, and avoid surprises.

Target Free Spins

The biggest potential lies in the bonus game with 10 free spins and an expanding special symbol. There’s no guaranteed trigger frequency. With high volatility, this feature typically lands only every few hundred spins. Make sure your budget allows for enough spins to give yourself a shot. If your balance is running low, consider reducing your bet to stretch your playtime and boost your chances of hitting the free spins round, rather than stopping abruptly.

Clear Session Goals

Discipline pays off. Set clear goals before every session and keep in mind your provider’s requirements as well as any local regulations, such as monthly deposit limits in Australia.

• Loss Limit: Reached your limit? Stop immediately and don’t top up.
• Profit Target: Decide on an amount to cash out or to secure your initial stake. Doubling your starting balance is a practical benchmark.
• No Chasing Losses: Don’t increase your bets to try to “win back” losses. This usually leads to even bigger losses.

Bonuses and Free Spins for Book of Ra

Making the Most of Welcome Bonuses

Many online casinos offer welcome bonuses that you can use on Book of Ra. Typically, you’ll find 100% to 200% match bonuses on your first deposit. Less common but popular are no deposit bonuses with a small starting balance or free spins just for signing up. Before activating any offer, check whether slots like Book of Ra contribute fully to the wagering requirements or only partially count.

Understanding Free Spin Packages

Free spins are often part of the welcome package. The value per spin is usually between $0.10 and $0.50. These spins are often valid for just 24 to 72 hours, so make sure to use them in time. Winnings from free spins are usually credited as bonus funds and must meet the specified wagering requirements before you can withdraw them.

Keeping Wagering Requirements in Mind

Bonus money usually needs to be wagered 30 to 50 times before you can cash out. For example: With a $100 bonus and a 35x wagering requirement, you’ll need to place bets totalling $3,500 ($100 × 35). Book of Ra usually counts 100% towards these requirements, while table games often contribute less. While a bonus is active, there’s often a maximum bet limit of $5 per spin. Higher bets can lead to your bonus and any winnings being voided.

Comparing Offers Smartly

Don’t just look at the bonus amount—make sure the requirements are achievable. A $100 bonus with a 35x wagering requirement is often better than $200 with a 50x requirement. Also check time limits and game weighting. Some providers offer reload bonuses for returning players or run Book of Ra tournaments with free spin prizes.

Checklist for Comparing Bonuses

• Wagering: How many times must the bonus or bonus plus deposit be wagered?
• Time limit: How many days do you have, usually between 7 and 30?
• Bet limit: Is there a maximum per spin, such as $5?
• Game weighting: Does Book of Ra count 100% towards wagering?
• Free spins: What’s their value and what wagering is required for winnings?
• Payout cap: Are winnings from the bonus capped?

Play on Mobile and Technology

Seamless Experience Thanks to HTML5

Book of Ra and its different versions run just as smoothly on your smartphone or tablet as they do on desktop. With HTML5, you don’t need a separate app—your mobile browser is enough. Compared to the old Flash technology, HTML5 offers better performance, more security, and is easier on your battery. Whether you’re using an iPhone with iOS, an Android phone, or a tablet: thanks to responsive design, the game automatically adjusts to your screen size and remains easy to read.

Optimised for Touch

You can play in either portrait or landscape mode. In portrait, the reels appear larger and fill the screen; in landscape, it looks more like the desktop version and shows more of the game environment. The controls are designed for touch: the spin button is easy to reach, and you set your bets with just a tap. The paytable and settings are often tucked into a single icon to keep the game area clear and uncluttered.

Performance and Requirements

Loading times are short, and a stable 4G connection is enough for smooth gameplay. For a consistently good experience, especially to avoid interruptions during free spins, Wi-Fi is recommended. Data usage is low and, depending on the version and length of play, averages about 2–5 MB per hour. All you need is a modern mobile browser like Chrome, Safari, or Firefox running on a standard operating system.

App vs Browser

Many online casinos offer both options. Both are safe choices if you play with a provider licensed in Australia. Here’s a quick overview to help you decide:

Feature	Play in Browser	Play via Casino App
Access	Ready to play instantly, no installation needed	Download and install from the App Store required
Storage	Does not use device storage	Takes up space on your smartphone or tablet
Updates	Always the latest version of the game	Updates are installed manually or automatically
Notifications	No special alerts	Optional push notifications for bonuses and promos
Performance	Very good, depending on browser and connection	Sometimes even smoother thanks to system optimisation

FAQ

Is Book of Ra legal in Australia?

Yes. You can play Book of Ra as long as the online casino has a valid licence from a recognised Australian gambling authority, like one of the state or territory regulators (for example, the Northern Territory Racing Commission). These operators are listed on official registries and meet strict player protection standards. Without such a licence, you’re entering a grey area and miss out on important safety measures.

Which version has the best RTP?

The payout rate varies slightly depending on the provider. Newer versions usually offer higher RTPs than the classic. Typical RTPs are:

• Book of Ra Classic: around 92.13%
• Book of Ra Deluxe: around 95.10%
• Book of Ra Deluxe 6: around 95.03%
• Book of Ra Magic: around 95.03%

You can find the exact RTP in the paytable or in the game info section of the casino.

Is there a free demo mode?

Yes, many online casinos let you try Book of Ra for free with play money. The features and gameplay are the same, and there’s no risk involved. At casinos with an Australian licence, some demo modes may only be available after you register, depending on the operator’s terms and local regulations.

How do you trigger the free spins?

You need at least three book symbols as scatters in a single spin. This will start 10 free spins. Before the round, a special symbol is randomly chosen. This can appear and expand to cover the whole reel, helping you win bigger. If you land three more books during the free spins, you’ll get another 10 free spins.

Which payment methods are the fastest?

For deposits, options like PayID, POLi, and instant bank transfer usually credit your account straight away. Withdrawals via e-wallets are often processed within 24 hours. Bank transfers typically take 1–3 business days. To withdraw, you’ll need to complete a KYC (Know Your Customer) verification process.

Why are Auto-Play and Jackpots missing in Australia?

Auto-Play is restricted or unavailable on many online slots in Australia due to local regulations. There’s also often a mandatory pause between spins. Progressive jackpots are less common, as they require extra licensing. That’s why classic versions with fixed paytables are more common here.