Book Of Ra
What is Book of Ra?
Book of Ra is a classic Egyptian-themed online slot developed by Novomatic and its digital division, Greentube. Released in 2005, it is one of the most recognised slot games in Europe and remains highly popular with Swiss players today.
The game's straightforward five-reel layout and distinctive sound design helped set the standard for a whole generation of adventure-themed slots.
| Provider | Novomatic (Greentube) |
|---|---|
| Release Year | 2005 (Classic), 2008 (Deluxe) |
| Layout | 5 reels, 3 rows |
| Paylines | 9 (Classic), 10 (Deluxe) |
| Volatility | High |
How the game works
Book of Ra Deluxe is played on a standard 5-reel, 3-row grid with 10 paylines. You set your stake, press spin, and win by landing matching symbols from left to right.
The Book symbol acts as both the wild and the scatter. It substitutes for other symbols to complete winning lines and triggers the bonus round if three or more land anywhere on the reels.
Free spins feature
Landing three or more Books gives you 10 free spins. Before the round starts, one regular symbol is randomly chosen to be the expanding symbol. During your free spins, this special symbol expands to cover the whole reel whenever it helps form a win.
Because the expanding symbol pays across all 10 lines, it can lead to larger payouts. You can also retrigger another 10 free spins by landing three or more Books during the bonus round.
Symbols and bonus features
Regular symbols
Lower-value symbols are playing cards (10 to A) with an Egyptian design. Higher-value symbols include an explorer, a golden sarcophagus, a scarab beetle, and a pharaoh. All pay from left to right across active paylines.
The free spins feature
Landing three or more Book symbols triggers 10 free spins. Before the round starts, a random expanding symbol is chosen. When this symbol lands during the free spins, it expands to cover the entire reel and pays out even if the symbols aren't next to each other on a payline.
This special symbol stays active for the full duration of the round. Landing three more Books during the feature retriggers another 10 free spins with the same expanding symbol.
RTP, volatility, and winning feel
Book of Ra has a base RTP of 92.13% in its original version and 95.10% in the Deluxe edition. The exact return depends on the operator and the variant you play.
This is a highly volatile slot. Wins arrive less often, but payouts can be much larger when they do. Expect long dry spells followed by sharp spikes, particularly during the free spins round.
Session rhythm
The game’s pacing is uneven by design. The base game is mostly about waiting, and you might spin twenty or thirty times with only small returns or complete misses. The real draw is the bonus round. When the Book symbols trigger free spins, a single expanding symbol can fill the screen and deliver the bulk of your payout in a few seconds.
Because of this high volatility, short sessions often end in a loss. The game rarely feels generous spin-by-spin; instead, it builds toward occasional big moments.
Book of Ra versions and variants
Swiss players mostly encounter two versions: the original Book of Ra and Book of Ra Deluxe. The 2005 original uses nine paylines. The 2008 Deluxe version upgrades to ten paylines, along with sharper graphics and smoother animations.
Key differences
Both games use the same core mechanics, where the Book symbol acts as both the wild and the scatter. Deluxe updates the paytable, triggers free spins slightly more often, and usually allows a higher maximum stake.
Other popular variants include Book of Ra Magic, Book of Ra Mystic Fortunes, and Book of Ra Deluxe 6, which adds an optional sixth reel. While these spin-offs tweak the reel count or bonus rules, they all keep the main Egyptian theme and expanding-symbol free spins intact.
Where Swiss players can play it
You can legally play Book of Ra at online casinos licensed by the Swiss Federal Gaming Board (ESBK). The game's developer, Greentube, supplies the regulated Swiss market, making the title easy to find.
Legal Swiss options
Several licensed platforms carry Book of Ra Deluxe and its main variants. Popular regulated options include:
- StarVegas.ch (Casino Interlaken)
- Jackpots.ch (Grand Casino Baden)
- MyCasino.ch (Grand Casino Luzern)
Stick to regulated Swiss sites. Playing on unlicensed offshore platforms blocked by Swiss authorities can lead to payment complications and sudden account closures.
Licensing and legality in Switzerland
Swiss law requires online casinos to be authorised by the Federal Gaming Board (ESBK). Only licensed land-based casinos in Switzerland can legally offer real-money slots like Book of Ra.
Unauthorised foreign sites are blocked by Swiss internet providers. The national blocking list is maintained by Gespa to prevent access to illegal platforms.
Verification steps before playing
Before you play, ensure the casino holds a valid Swiss licence. You can do this by looking for the official ESBK approval seal on the website or by checking the Gespa blocking list at gespa.ch.
Demo mode and free play
Demo mode lets you play Book of Ra for free. The game runs exactly like the real-money version, but uses virtual credits that reload when you run out.
Most Swiss online casinos offer this directly on their site. Just look for a "demo" or "play for fun" button. Many operators let you play without an account, though some require you to register first.
Why use demo mode
Free play gives you time to understand how the Book symbol triggers and how the expanding symbols work during free spins. It lets you test different bet sizes and experience the game's high volatility without any financial pressure.
You can also use it to compare different Book of Ra variants or check that the game runs smoothly on your phone before making a deposit.
Playing on mobile
Book of Ra runs smoothly on phones and tablets through any modern browser. No app download is needed. The game loads directly on the casino site with touch controls that mirror the desktop version.
Interface and performance
The game adapts easily to portrait and landscape modes. Buttons are large enough for accurate tapping, and the reels scale clearly to fit smaller screens. It loads quickly on standard Swiss mobile networks.
Animations and bonus features run without lag on recent iOS and Android devices. The mobile layout drops unnecessary desktop elements to focus on the main grid. Performance is consistent across Safari and Chrome, and battery drain is low since the game relies on relatively simple graphics.
Playing smarter
Book of Ra is a high-volatility slot. This means you might experience long dry spells between wins, making careful bankroll management essential.
Set a session budget
Decide what you are willing to spend before you start. A sensible starting bankroll for a volatile game is often 100 to 200 times your base stake. When your budget is gone, stop playing.
Choose your stake size
Bets usually range from 0.02 to 10.00 per spin. Start low while you get used to the game. Only raise your stake if your balance can easily handle 50 to 80 spins without a win.
Know when to stop
Set a loss limit and a win target, and end your session when you hit either. Chasing losses after a cold streak will quickly empty your balance.
Be careful with the gamble feature. It can be tempting to try doubling your payouts, but using it repeatedly makes an already volatile game much riskier. Play only what you can afford to lose and treat any profit as a bonus.
Book of Ra FAQs
What is the minimum and maximum bet?
You can usually start from 0.20 CHF per spin on the Deluxe version. The maximum bet is around 100 CHF, depending on the casino.
Does the Book symbol act as both wild and scatter?
Yes. It replaces all other symbols and triggers the free spins bonus when three or more land anywhere on the reels.
How many free spins do you get?
Three or more Books award ten free spins. The expanding symbol feature also activates during this bonus round.
Is Book of Ra available in Swiss casinos?
Yes. Fully licensed Swiss online casinos like StarVegas.ch and Jackpots.ch offer Book of Ra Deluxe and its variants.
Can you play Book of Ra for free?
Yes. Several Swiss casinos offer demo versions with virtual credits, letting you test the game before playing with real money.
Is there a strategy that beats the game?
No. The game uses a random number generator. Setting a budget and managing your stakes are the only practical controls you have.