From the stables of leading iGaming developer, Novomatic, comes a thrilling online slot game, the Book of Ra. This engaging, high-volatility game offers an escape into the ancient mysteries of Egypt, taking casino players on a captivating expedition across its 5 reels and 10 paylines. With intriguing themes and rewarding features, the Book of Ra holds a rich bounty for adventurous players at South Africa’s best casinos.
The game, originally featuring 9 paylines, became so popular across Europe and the United States that it was re-released in a Deluxe version with an extra payline. It features unique slot symbols, including a Pharaoh, the Goddess Cleopatra, a Scarab, an archaeologist reminiscent of Indiana Jones, and the Golden Book of Ra.
- Offers a thrilling high volatility gaming experience.
- Exciting Ancient Egyptian theme.
- Rewarding free spins and bonus features.
- One of the biggest slot titles of all time.
- High volatility may not suit all players.
- The graphics might feel dated for some players.
If you prefer crisper modern graphics, have a look at the Book of RaDeluxe Slot.
How to Play the Book of Ra
In the Book of Ra slot game, you are on a mission to align two to five matching symbols on adjacent reels, from left to right. The Golden Book of Ra functions as a Wild symbol, stepping into the shoes of any other symbol to complete a winning payline.
However, in a slight twist, the Scatter symbol, which is also represented by the Book of Ra, doesn't need to appear on adjacent reels to award a win. With just three or more of these symbols anywhere on the reels, you activate the Bonus Rounds feature.
Book of Ra Free Play – Play the Demo Version
If you're eager to experience the allure of Book of Ra purely for fun without wagering any money, the Book of Ra demo version is just what you’re looking for. allows you to grasp the gameplay and strategies before you dive into playing Book of Ra for real money.
Book of Ra Symbols
The slot symbols in the Book of Ra are all carefully designed to align with its captivating Ancient Egyptian theme. Each symbol in the game carries unique relevance, further enhancing the engaging gameplay experience. Let's break down what each symbol represents:
Archaeologist
This adventurous Indiana Jones-like character represents the highest-paying symbol within the game. Aligning five of these symbols on an active payline can reward you with up to x5,000 your bet, turning your quest into a thrilling treasure hunt.
Pharaoh
This symbol, representing the iconic ruler of Ancient Egypt, is one of the high-value symbols in the game. When you land these symbols, it can lead to significant wins, further magnifying the excitement of the game.
Goddess Cleopatra
Another high-paying symbol, the enchanting Egyptian queen Cleopatra, adds both allure and significant payout opportunities to the game. Land several of these on an active payline to be rewarded handsomely.
Scarab
Symbolising rebirth and immortality in Ancient Egyptian culture, the Scarab represents a mid-tier payout symbol in the Book of Ra. Though not as high in value as the archaeologist or royalty, these beetles can still pile up a good chunk of winnings when landed in the right combination.
Golden Book of Ra
The titular symbol, the Golden Book of Ra, serves a dual role in the game. It acts as both the Wild and the Scatter symbol. As a Wild, it can substitute for all other symbols to complete a winning payline. Landing three or more of these symbols triggers the game's bonus feature, introducing free spins and expanding symbols.
Standard Card Symbols (Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and 10)
These symbols, though lower in value compared to thematic symbols, represent frequent payouts. They offer more frequent, albeit smaller, wins that keep the game captivating and the balance ticking over.
Book of Ra Paylines
With up to 9 active paylines, the Book of Ra allows South African players to maximise their potential winnings, offering exciting possibilities.
In the original version of Book of Ra, there are 9 paylines. However, the newer “Deluxe” version offers 10 paylines, providing more opportunities for wins. The paylines are not fixed, so players can decide how many to activate for each spin. This increases the flexibility and dynamism of the game, making it suitable for both conservative bettors and high-rollers.
Book of Ra Payout and Volatility
The high volatility nature of the Book of Ra slot game means you may not win as frequently, but when you do, the payout can be significant – particularly with the archaeologist symbol that can increase your bet from 10 to 50,000.
Book of Ra of Ra Graphics
While the graphics of Book of Ra might not be on the cutting-edge of modern design, they carry an undeniable charm and authenticity that's truly captivating. The game uses its graphic style to craft a nostalgic and mesmerizing environment, making each spin feel like an adventure of discovery filled with mysteries and treasures. It's a timeless, immersive slot experience that manages to stand out despite its classic aesthetic.
Book of Ra Special Features: Bonuses & Free Spins
The game boasts several special features that enhance gameplay:
Wild/Scatter Symbol
The Golden Book of Ra is both the Wild and the Scatter symbol. As a Wild, it can substitute for all other symbols, while as a Scatter, it can trigger bonus rounds when 3 or more appear on the reels.
Free Spins
On landing 3 or more Scatter symbols, players unlock 10 free spins. During these free spins, a special expanding symbol is selected, which can cover the entire reel and enhance winning possibilities.
Gamble Feature
After every win, the gamble feature becomes available. You can choose to double your winnings by correctly guessing the colour of the next card (red or black).
Book of Ra On Mobile
Despite being of older stock, the Book of Ra slot game is mobile-friendly. South African players can enjoy this exciting game on the go, adding convenience to its long list of attractions.
For more casino games to play on the go, see our list of the Best Mobile Casinos in SA.
Book of Ra Bonuses & Free Spins
Scatters and wild symbols activate the bonus round, granting 10 free spins with a unique symbol substitution feature that can lead to substantial rewards.
The primary bonus feature in Book of Ra is the free spins round. When three or more Golden Book of Ra symbols lands on the reels, the game awards 10 free spins. These free spins also come with a Special Expanding Symbol, increasing your chances of a substantial payout.
The Book of Ra online slot game’s simplicity, coupled with exciting bonus features, makes it a firm favourite among slot game lovers.
Should You Play the Book of Ra?
The Book of Ra slot is a thrilling choice for South African players who relish high-volatility games and are enchanted by the mysteries of Ancient Egypt. It offers exciting bonus features and the potential for significant wins, making it worth your while if you don't mind the occasional dry spell. Frankly, in our opinion, this is a slot classic that should not be missed.
Best Casinos To Play the Book of Ra For Real Money
Being such a hugely popular title, the Book of Ra is available at most top-tier real money casinos that feature Novamatic slot titles. South African players can play Book of Ra at popular online casinos such as:
For more exciting games from Novomatic, see our full list of recommended Novamatic online casinos.
Other Online Slots You May Be Interested In
If you enjoy the Book of Ra, you may also like other online slots such as:
Cleopatra's Gold
Aztec's Millions
Pharaoh's Fortune
These are all timeless classics that should be on every player’s favourites list.
FAQs
Can I play Book of Ra on my mobile?
Yes, the Book of Ra slot game is mobile-friendly.
What is the minimum bet in Book of Ra?
The minimum bet in Book of Ra is $0.01.
How many paylines does Book of Ra have?
Book of Ra has 9 paylines.
What is the RTP of the Book of Ra?
The Book of Ra boasts a relatively high RTP (Return to Player) of 96.99%. This means that over a long period of play, the game will, on average, return 96.99% of all money wagered.
Is the Book of Ra mobile-friendly?
Yes, Novomatic has optimized the Book of Ra for mobile devices. You can enjoy the game on the go without compromising the quality of graphics or gameplay.
Can I play Book of Ra for free?
Yes, most online casinos offer a demo version of the game, allowing players to familiarize themselves with the gameplay and features before wagering real money.
What is the volatility of the Book of Ra?
Book of Ra is considered a high-volatility game. This means wins may not occur frequently, but when they do, they can be quite significant.
Where can I play Book of Ra for real money?
Book of Ra is available at many online casinos. Make sure to choose a casino that is licensed and has a good reputation. Some popular choices among South African players include Casino XYZ, Casino ABC, and Casino 123.
How does the bonus feature in Book of Ra work?
The bonus feature is triggered when three or more Golden Book of Ra symbols appear on the reels. This awards the player with 10 free spins and a special expanding symbol. The special symbol can cover the entire reel, potentially leading to higher winnings.
Rudie Venter is a seasoned online casino games expert with 13 years of industry experience. Holding a degree in psychology, he combines academic insight with practical knowledge of casino game strategies. Rudie's talent lies in demystifying game mechanics, making them accessible and fun for everyone. On his time off, Rudie loves a good ol’ braai and watching the rugby with a naughty Klippies & Coke (in moderation, of course).
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