Book of Ra Deluxe online slot review

Book of Ra Deluxe is often mentioned as Novomatic’s flagship release, a polished follow-up to the original that many Australian pokie players know by heart. The Deluxe edition didn’t reinvent the wheel, but it did bring smoother animations, clearer artwork, and a more atmospheric soundscape. For those in Australia, where pokies are part of the local gaming culture, this slot became a familiar choice very quickly. The setting, ancient Egypt with all its myths and treasures, might sound overused—but here it works. What makes the slot stand out is not just its design but the rhythm of the gameplay: quiet stretches, sudden bursts of action, and the promise of big wins. That mix of suspense and reward is the essence of Book of Ra Deluxe, and in this review we’ll unpack everything—symbols, payouts, features, and of course where Australians can actually play it for real money.
Game Overview
The Deluxe version appeared as an update to the old Book of Ra, which had been popular in land-based venues long before it went online. The game layout is simple—5 reels, 3 rows, and up to 10 paylines that players can adjust. No endless side games or complicated mechanics here, just straightforward slot action. Visually, the difference compared to the original is easy to notice. The reels look sharper, with deeper colours, and the explorer symbol (clearly based on an old-school adventurer) now has a stronger presence. Supporting symbols include Pharaohs, scarabs, and the usual card icons. The soundtrack doesn’t overwhelm; it’s minimal, almost understated, which oddly enough adds to the immersion.
Slot Book of Ra Deluxe for Real Money
Playing for free has its place, but most Australian players are interested in Book of Ra Deluxe for real money. That’s where the excitement builds—wins feel significant, and losses sting a little, too, which makes the experience more intense. The slot is designed for wagers in AUD, and the betting range covers both ends of the spectrum. Beginners can start low, while experienced punters who prefer bigger stakes won’t feel limited. Many players try the demo first, but the real adrenaline kicks in once actual dollars are on the line.
Symbols and Payouts
Symbols are divided into two groups: card values (10–Ace) and themed icons. The scarab, the Pharaoh, and the explorer provide the larger wins. The explorer, in particular, can make or break a session, with payouts reaching impressive heights. The Book symbol is where things get interesting. It plays a double role: Wild and Scatter. That means it substitutes for others and also triggers the free spins round. Players often talk about “waiting for the Book,” since it really does change the course of a session when it lands. Table 1: Symbols and Multipliers
Symbol | 3x | 4x | 5x |
Explorer | 100 | 1,000 | 5,000 |
Book (Wild/Scatter) | 20 | 200 | 2,000 |
Pharaoh | 50 | 400 | 2,000 |
Scarab | 30 | 100 | 750 |
A, K | 10 | 40 | 150 |
Q, J, 10 | 5 | 25 | 100 |
When the explorer lands across the right paylines, the payout can go up to 5,000x the line bet. Rare, yes, but that’s exactly the thrill—many spins with nothing major and then, suddenly, a life-changing hit.
Bonus Features
The slot doesn’t overload players with gimmicks, but the free spins round is a real highlight. Three Books or more anywhere on the reels will give you 10 free spins. Before they begin, one symbol is randomly chosen to become the expanding symbol. This feature adds a layer of suspense. When the selected symbol lands during free spins, it expands to fill an entire reel. If that symbol is a high-paying one, the results can be dramatic. The free spins can also be retriggered, which extends the session further. In practice, it often feels like you’re one spin away from either disappointment or something extraordinary.
RTP and Volatility
The 95.1% RTP of Book of Ra Deluxe places it slightly below some newer online pokies. But that number only tells part of the story. The slot has high volatility, which means payouts aren’t frequent but can be very large when they arrive. So, expect runs of small or empty spins. Then, at some point, a major win shows up, and suddenly the whole session looks different. This is why some players swear by it, while others find it too unpredictable. It’s not for everyone, but those who enjoy the ride keep coming back. Table 2: Game Specifications
Feature | Value |
RTP | 95.1% |
Volatility | High |
Reels | 5 |
Paylines | 10 |
Min Bet | 0.10 AUD |
Max Bet | 50 AUD |
Mobile Gaming
On a mobile device, Book of Ra Deluxe performs just as smoothly as on a desktop. Novomatic made sure the design adapts to smaller screens without losing clarity. Controls are intuitive with touch, and the game runs well on both iOS and Android devices. Whether on Wi-Fi at home or using mobile data on the go, the slot plays without stuttering. For many Australians, that portability is now as important as the slot itself.
Slot Book of Ra Deluxe Strategies and Tips
Although no trick changes the outcome, there are habits that many players follow.
- Bankroll planning: Decide how much to spend before you start. Easy advice, often ignored.
- Changing bet sizes: Some players raise stakes after wins, others after losses—it’s more about rhythm than strategy, but it can make sessions last longer.
- Practice first: Running a few demo spins is never wasted time. It helps understand paylines and volatility before money is at risk.
These aren’t guarantees, of course. Book of Ra Deluxe is unpredictable, and that’s precisely what attracts people who enjoy pokies with a bit of risk.
Australian Online Casinos with Book of Ra Deluxe
For Australians, Book of Ra Deluxe is available mainly through licensed international casinos. These platforms accept AUD, which is essential, and they offer secure deposit and withdrawal methods. Table 3: Recommended Online Casinos
Online Casino | License | Games Offered | Payment Options |
King Johnnie Casino | Curacao | Slots, Table Games | Visa, MasterCard, Crypto |
PlayCroco Casino | Curacao | Pokies, Live Casino | Neosurf, POLi, Bitcoin |
Fair Go Casino | Curacao | Slots, Roulette, Blackjack | Bank Transfer, Visa, Neosurf |
Joe Fortune Casino | Curacao | Pokies, Live Dealers | Bitcoin, Card Payments |
Each of these sites is known among local players, and while their offers differ, Book of Ra Deluxe is a regular part of the selection.
Interesting Facts
- The game first gained popularity in Europe before spreading globally, including into Australia.
- It has inspired sequels and variations, yet the Deluxe version remains the favourite.
- For many players, especially those who started with land-based pokies, Book of Ra Deluxe is almost nostalgic—it’s one of those titles people return to.
FAQ
How are free spins activated in Book of Ra Deluxe?
You’ll need three or more Book symbols on the reels to unlock 10 free spins. Before the round starts, one symbol is chosen as the special expander, which is what makes the feature so exciting.
Can I change the number of active paylines?
Yes, players can select how many of the 10 paylines they want to use. Fewer lines mean cheaper spins but also fewer chances for winning combinations.
Is Book of Ra Deluxe much different from the original?
The gameplay core is nearly the same, but the Deluxe edition brings improved visuals, smoother play, and a slightly more immersive feel. That’s why most players prefer it.
What devices can run the slot without issues?
It works across desktop, tablet, and mobile. Both iOS and Android users report smooth performance, even on slower connections.
Which Australian casinos feature Book of Ra Deluxe?
Sites like Fair Go and PlayCroco include the slot, supporting deposits in AUD and offering trusted payment methods such as POLi or Neosurf.