Book of Ra Review
Book of Ra is the original version of Novomatic's book slot. It looks like the old casino cabinet, has 9 lines, and plays exactly like the later Deluxe version.
About the game
This is the game that started the book trend. The book is the wild and the scatter, 3 books give you 10 free games, and one random symbol expands over whole reels in the free games.
Compared with Book of Ra Deluxe, you get 9 lines instead of 10 and an older look with cabinet buttons for 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 lines. The paytable is the same.
Book of Ra Features
The book
The book substitutes for all symbols and pays as a scatter anywhere: 2×, 20× or 200× the total bet for 3, 4 or 5.
Free games
3, 4 or 5 books give you 10 free games. One symbol is chosen at random as the special expanding symbol for the whole round. Free games can be won again and are played at the bet that started them.
During the free games one symbol is the special expanding symbol. After the normal wins are paid, it can grow to fill all 3 positions on its reel. Then it pays on every played line, even if the reels with it are not next to each other. It only expands when there are enough of them for a win.
Gamble
The Take Win / Gamble buttons let you collect or try to double a win on a card colour.
Graphics
The game is shown inside a grey slot-machine cabinet with physical-style buttons. The symbols are the same as in the Deluxe version: explorer, pharaoh mask, Isis statue, scarab and card letters.
Symbols and payouts
| Symbol | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer | 5,000× | 1,000× | 100× | 10× |
| Pharaoh mask | 2,000× | 400× | 40× | 5× |
| Isis statue | 750× | 100× | 30× | 5× |
| Scarab | 750× | 100× | 30× | 5× |
| A, K | 150× | 40× | 5× | – |
| Q, J, 10 | 100× | 25× | 5× | – |
The book pays 2×, 20× or 200× the total bet. All prizes in the demo are shown in credits for the current bet.
RTP and volatility
There is no RTP in the demo. Catalogues list 94.26% for the online version and rate it high volatility. The free games carry most of the value.
Book of Ra Pros and Cons
Strengths
- The original book slot
- Same paytable as Deluxe
- Simple rules
Limitations
- Only 9 lines
- Dated look
- Low RTP by today's standards
Our Verdict
Play it if you want the original feel. For everything else, the Deluxe version is the same game with one more line and a cleaner screen.
Book of Ra FAQs
What is the difference to Book of Ra Deluxe?
9 lines instead of 10 and the old cabinet look. The symbols and paytable are the same.
How many free games do you get?
10 for 3, 4 or 5 books, with a special expanding symbol.
Is there a gamble?
Yes, you can gamble a win or take it.
