Book of Ra online slot review

Among the most iconic titles in the wide world of pokies, Book of Ra has a special place. Novomatic created it years ago, first for brick-and-mortar casinos, and then later brought it online. For many Australians, this game was the first encounter with an Egyptian-themed slot. Some even say it helped define the whole category. In this review, I’ll walk through the essentials: what the game looks like, its features, payout structure, bonus round, and of course where you can find it at Australian online casinos. You’ll see the facts laid out clearly, without unnecessary hype. If you’ve been curious whether to try Book of Ra for real money or to just test it in free mode, the details below should give you a balanced view.
Overview of Book of Ra Slot
Book of Ra is set up with five reels, three rows, and up to nine paylines you can adjust. The theme is easy to spot: pyramids, scarabs, and a fearless explorer. Novomatic designed it in a way that feels old-school but still engaging. When it first appeared, the game caught on in Europe’s land-based casinos. Later, with the move to online, it became part of the regular line-up for Australian players too. What explains its staying power? Perhaps the simplicity—many pokies now drown you in effects and features, while Book of Ra keeps it straightforward. Yet it manages to hold tension with its risky gameplay and potentially big wins during free spins.
Slot Book of Ra for Real Money
If you’re interested in playing the slot Book of Ra for real money, plenty of casinos that accept Australian players have it ready. Betting limits are quite flexible. Usually you’ll see minimum bets starting around AUD 0.10 per line. High-rollers can push up to AUD 45 or even AUD 50 per spin, depending on the platform. There’s also the demo version. Many players test that first, just to understand how lines form wins and how often the books appear. Of course, demo play can’t pay you back in cash—it’s purely for practice. Real stakes are where the thrill and potential payouts come in. And don’t forget: welcome bonuses often include Book of Ra in the list of eligible slots. Free spins or match bonuses can be applied here, which is handy if you want to stretch your first deposit
Symbols and Paytable
Symbols are central to the slot’s atmosphere. The explorer is the most valuable one, paying the top prize. Next come the sarcophagus, the scarab beetle, and certain Egyptian statues. Lower-paying icons are the usual card values—10, J, Q, K, and A. The book itself plays a dual role. First, it substitutes for any other symbol (acting as Wild). Second, if three or more appear, they trigger free spins as Scatter. It’s the single most important icon on the reels. Table 1: Symbols and Payouts (based on max bet per line)
Symbol | 3 of a kind | 4 of a kind | 5 of a kind |
Explorer | 100x | 1,000x | 5,000x |
Sarcophagus | 40x | 400x | 2,000x |
Scarab Beetle | 40x | 400x | 2,000x |
Statue | 30x | 100x | 750x |
A / K | 5x | 40x | 150x |
Q / J / 10 | 5x | 25x | 100x |
Game Features
Book of Ra is not overloaded with features, but what it offers is effective. Wins form from left to right, and you can adjust paylines. Reducing lines lowers your bet but also reduces chances, so most players keep all nine active. Other notable elements:
- Autoplay for hands-free sessions.
- Gamble option, where you can double a win by guessing a card’s colour. Many players like it, though it can wipe out a payout instantly.
- A design that doesn’t confuse you with too many menus.
It may sound simple compared to newer titles, but that’s exactly what appeals to many people.
Bonus Rounds and Free Spins
Here lies the real excitement. Land three or more book symbols anywhere, and you’re given ten free spins. Before these begin, one symbol is randomly chosen to become special. This chosen icon can expand to cover whole reels during the round. It might not sound dramatic, but when the explorer becomes the expanding symbol, wins can be remarkable. And, importantly, free spins can be retriggered if you land more books. That gives the game an extra layer of anticipation—many players chase the retriggers almost as much as the wins. Table 2: Bonus Round Features
Feature | Details |
Free Spins | 10 spins triggered by 3+ Scatter books |
Expanding Symbol | Randomly selected at start of round |
Retrigger | Possible with additional Scatter combinations |
Maximum Win | Up to 5,000x line bet |
RTP and Volatility
The Book of Ra slot’s RTP is about 95.5%. That’s slightly lower than some modern pokies, but not unusual for older titles. The key factor is its volatility, which is high. High volatility means you might go through stretches with no major wins. But when the slot pays, it pays big. For Australian players, this translates to a “swingy” experience. It’s not for those looking for small, steady returns, but rather for players who don’t mind the ups and downs in pursuit of larger jackpots.
Tips for Playing Book of Ra
While no trick changes the math, there are ways to approach the game wisely:
- Demo play first. It helps you learn the pace without risking your wallet.
- Keep paylines active. Playing all nine gives the best coverage, even though it raises the stake.
- Manage your bankroll carefully. Because volatility is high, sudden downswings can happen.
- Use the gamble feature sparingly. Doubling wins is tempting, but losing them can be frustrating.
These tips won’t change the RTP but can help you feel more in control of your session.
Australian Online Casinos with Book of Ra
Australian players will find Book of Ra listed at several licensed offshore casinos. They accept AUD, process deposits quickly, and offer customer support geared toward local players. Table 3: Licensed Australian Casinos with Book of Ra
Casino | Welcome Bonus | Payment Options | License |
PlayCroco | Up to AUD 5,000 | Visa, Mastercard, Neosurf, BTC | Curaçao |
Fair Go Casino | 100% up to AUD 1,000 | POLi, Neteller, Skrill | Curaçao |
Red Stag Casino | AUD 2,500 + Free Spins | Cards, BTC, ecoPayz | Curaçao |
These operators are widely trusted by Australians and provide secure, reliable access to Novomatic pokies.
Mobile Version
Book of Ra is optimised for phones and tablets. Whether you’re on Android or iOS, it loads directly in your browser—no need for apps. The layout is simplified but retains all functions. Touch controls are smooth, and the reels spin quickly even with average internet speed. So if you like playing pokies while commuting or just away from a desktop, the mobile version holds up well.
FAQ
Is there more than one version of Book of Ra?
Yes. The original remains popular, but Novomatic has also released variations like Book of Ra Deluxe with updated graphics and extra paylines. Many Australian casinos host several editions.
How do payouts work during free spins?
If your expanding symbol lands, it can stretch to cover full reels. This can create multiple paylines at once, leading to big payouts. The effect is especially strong with high-value symbols.
Can I deposit in AUD to play Book of Ra?
Yes. Most casinos catering to Australians allow deposits and withdrawals in AUD. That avoids conversion fees and makes the process easier.
Is Book of Ra considered a high-risk slot?
It is. With high volatility, the slot tends to pay less often but can deliver very large wins. Players should approach with the mindset that swings are part of the game.
What devices support Book of Ra online?
The slot runs smoothly on PCs, tablets, and smartphones. No matter the device, the structure and payouts remain the same.