Play'n GO
4.6
Book ofDead
Play'n GO
Book of Dead
Book of Dead still works because the formula is simple: high volatility, expanding-symbol free spins, and very little distraction around the main feature.
RTP 96.21%High5,000x bet
GreatSlots review · Novomatic · 2005
Book of Ra Slot Review
Book of Ra is one of the clearest ancestors of the modern book-style slot. It looks spare now, but the core loop still explains why the format spread so widely: land the book, start free games, and hope the chosen expanding symbol is worth waiting for.
Novomatic
4.3
Book of Ra
RTP 95.10%Very high5,011x betAncient Egypt adventure5 reels x 3 rows
GreatSlots score
4.3/5
Best for
players comparing classic book-style bonus mechanics
A historically important high-volatility slot for players who want the original book-style structure rather than a modern remake.
GreatSlots quick summary
Book of Ra is the older Novomatic book slot template: 5 reels, 9 lines, high volatility, and free games with a special expanding symbol.
How the slot works
Book of Ra uses five reels and up to nine adjustable paylines. Regular line wins pay from the left, while the Book symbol can substitute for other symbols and also trigger the main feature when enough land anywhere on the reels.
In free games, one regular paying symbol is selected at random and can expand to cover reels where it appears. That creates the slot's biggest moments, but it also explains the volatility: the bonus outcome depends heavily on which symbol is chosen and where it lands.
Bonus features
- The Book symbol acts as both wild and scatter.
- Three or more Books trigger 10 free games.
- A random paying symbol becomes the special expanding symbol for the full bonus round.
Pros
- +The book bonus is simple and still influential.
- +Very high volatility is clear from the structure.
- +The 9-line setup is easy to follow.
Cons
- -95.10% RTP is below many newer slots.
- -Presentation feels old next to modern Egyptian games.
- -The chosen expanding symbol can make or break the entire bonus.
Who this slot is for
Book of Ra is for players who want to understand the classic book-slot blueprint. It is especially useful beside Book of Dead because the differences in pace, payline count, and polish are easy to compare.
Players who want modern presentation, feature layers, or a stronger RTP should skip it. The appeal is historical clarity, not contemporary comfort.
Mobile play
The simple 5x3 grid translates well to mobile, though the older visual style is less crisp than newer Novomatic and Play'n GO releases.
Similar slots
4.6
Play'n GO
4.5
Legacy of Dead
Play'n GO
Legacy of Dead
Legacy of Dead is a sharper Egyptian book slot, keeping the 10-line format simple while letting expanding-symbol free spins carry the upside.
RTP 96.58%High5,000x bet
Blueprint Gaming
4.2
Eye of Horus
Blueprint Gaming
Eye of Horus
Eye of Horus is a classic Egyptian 10-line slot where expanding Horus wilds and retriggerable free spins do nearly all the work.
RTP 96.31%High500x bet
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FAQ
Is Book of Ra the same as Book of Dead?
No. Book of Ra is the older Novomatic title, while Book of Dead is a later Play'n GO slot with a similar book-style bonus.
What is the RTP of Book of Ra?
The listed Book of Ra Classic 95 version uses 95.10% RTP.
How many paylines does Book of Ra have?
The classic version uses up to 9 adjustable paylines.