Book of Ra Deluxe by Novomatic is one of the most recognisable slots in the history of iGaming. Released back in 2008, this updated version of the legendary “Book of Ra” has outlived over fifteen iterations and remains a symbol of classic gameplay. With its ancient Egyptian theme, moderate volatility, and potential payout up to 5,000× per line, this slot continues to attract players more than a decade after launch.
Game overview
The following table outlines the main parameters of Book of Ra Deluxe, showing its balance between vintage structure and reliable math model.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Provider | Novomatic (Greentube) |
| Release Year | 2008 |
| Theme | Ancient Egypt, Treasures |
| Reels / Rows | 5 × 3 |
| Paylines | 10 adjustable |
| RTP | 95.0% (UK version – 94.26%) |
| Volatility | Medium |
| Min Bet | €0.01 |
| Max Bet | €50 |
| Max Win | €250,000 (x5,000 per line) |
| Platforms | Desktop, Mobile |
| Bonus Features | Free Spins, Gamble Feature, Expanding Symbol, Wild/Scatter |
The slot’s RTP may seem modest by modern standards, yet its popularity remains strong due to its simple structure, transparent payouts, and nostalgic feel – especially for players familiar with classic Novomatic cabinets.
Design and atmosphere
The setting of Book of Ra Deluxe takes players deep into the Egyptian desert. Behind the reels, stone walls covered with hieroglyphs glow in the light of sunset. The soundtrack features low, mysterious tones, reinforcing the impression of being inside a pharaoh’s tomb. The main protagonist, an adventurer reminiscent of Indiana Jones, guides the player through the treasure hunt for Ra’s sacred book.
Symbol design combines traditional card ranks with high-paying icons like the scarab beetle, pharaoh mask, statue of Ra, and explorer portrait. The overall visual style preserves the vintage aesthetic that defines Novomatic’s early 2000s slots.
Book of Ra Deluxe slot structure and mechanics
The game plays on a 5×3 reel grid with up to ten active paylines. Players can manually adjust the number of lines and line bets between €0.01 and €5. Combinations form from left to right, and some symbols pay from just two matches. Wins of five premium symbols can yield multipliers up to x5,000.
Although the slot offers no progressive jackpot, it compensates with the Gamble Feature, where players can double winnings by guessing the colour of a hidden card. However, this feature is unavailable during autoplay and capped at a maximum of 500× total stake per round. Exceeding this limit disables the gamble button automatically.
Key features
Book of Ra Deluxe keeps a minimal set of core functions – each rooted in its land-based origins – yet they work cohesively to maintain tension and reward timing.
- Wild / Scatter Symbol – represented by the ancient book, replacing all other symbols and paying in any position.
- Free Spins – triggered by three or more books anywhere on the reels, awarding 10 free rounds.
- Expanding Symbol – a random symbol chosen at the start of free spins expands vertically to cover the entire reel.
- Gamble Feature – optional round allowing players to double their payout up to five times.
This simplicity explains the slot’s timeless success – easy to grasp yet capable of high returns through expanding symbols and full-screen hits.
Paytable
The payout structure scales dynamically with stake size. The following values correspond to a single-credit line bet for clarity.
| Symbol | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10, J, Q | – | 5 | 25 | 100 |
| K, A | – | 5 | 40 | 150 |
| Scarab, Ra Statue | 5 | 30 | 100 | 750 |
| Pharaoh Mask | 5 | 40 | 400 | 2,000 |
| Explorer (Indiana Jones) | 10 | 100 | 1,000 | 5,000 |
The Book symbol pays independently with multipliers of x20, x200, or x2,000 for 3, 4, or 5 symbols, respectively. It also triggers the free spins round.
Book of Ra Deluxe free spins and expanding symbol
Landing three or more Book symbols activates the free spins feature, granting 10 rounds. Before the bonus starts, the Book reveals a randomly selected expanding symbol. Whenever this icon appears during free spins, it expands vertically to fill its reel, awarding payouts even on non-adjacent positions – a hallmark mechanic of the Book of Ra series.
Additional free spins can be retriggered by hitting three or more Book symbols again during the feature. The animation sequence shows the explorer discovering Ra’s Book inside the tomb, followed by glowing hieroglyphs – a subtle cinematic touch that enhances immersion without breaking the slot’s rhythm.
Interface and accessibility
The modern version of Book of Ra Deluxe is fully compatible with HTML5, meaning it runs seamlessly on smartphones, tablets, and desktops. The control panel sits below the reels and includes transparent buttons for bet adjustment, line selection, autoplay, and access to the paytable. Demo mode is available for players who want to explore the slot without registration or deposits.
Pros and cons
Book of Ra Deluxe remains an industry icon, bridging the gap between land-based nostalgia and online play. Its simplicity is its strength, but it also shows the limitations of early-generation slot design.
- Part of the legendary Gaminator series by Novomatic.
- High payout multipliers up to x5,000 per line.
- Scatter symbol doubles as wild for flexible wins.
- Expanding bonus symbol during free spins.
- Retriggerable free spins feature.
At the same time, players should note a few drawbacks.
- RTP below the modern 96% average.
- No thematic bonus round or progressive jackpot.
- Fixed number of free spins regardless of scatter count.
Conclusion
Book of Ra Deluxe remains a milestone in slot game history. Despite its age and simple mathematics, it continues to engage both long-time fans and new players exploring the classics. The combination of gamble rounds, expanding symbols, and iconic soundtrack ensures its status as one of the most influential titles in the online casino world. For anyone who values timeless mechanics and nostalgic visuals, this Novomatic classic still holds its charm.
