Book of Ra — Game Overview
Book of Ra is Novomatic's most iconic title and the originator of the 'Book' slot mechanic that has been extensively copied across the industry. Originally a land-based game released in 2005 for Austrian and German markets, its online adaptation brought the expanding symbol free spins format to digital players and established the template for an entire genre of Egyptian-themed slots.
The mechanic that defines Book of Ra is simple but effective: at the start of the free spins round, one symbol is randomly selected as a special expanding symbol. If that symbol lands anywhere on a reel during free spins, it expands to cover the full three rows — paying as though it fills every position on that reel, regardless of normal payline structure. This means a single expanded symbol can create combinations that would be impossible in the base game.
The 5×3 layout with 9 paylines and the Book symbol doubling as both scatter and wild creates a concentrated mechanic that is easy to understand but produces significant variance during the free spins. The RTP typically sits around 92-95% depending on the version, which is lower than many modern online slots but reflects Novomatic's land-based origins.
Book of Ra's cultural footprint extends well beyond its original release. It is credited as the primary influence behind dozens of 'Book' slots — including the studio's own Book of Ra Deluxe and Book of Dead from Play'n GO. Understanding Book of Ra is effectively understanding the structural DNA of an entire category of online slots that remains commercially dominant today.
Bonus Features
- ♦ 10 free spins triggered by 3+ Book scatter symbols
- ♦ One randomly selected expanding symbol revealed before free spins
- ♦ Expanding symbol fills entire reel when 3+ appear in any position
- ♦ Free spins re-triggerable by landing 3+ scatter symbols during the bonus
Verdict
Book of Ra is a foundational slot title that defined the expanding symbol free spins mechanic used by dozens of successors. Its 9-payline structure and high volatility make it a game of feast-or-famine sessions, with the expanding symbol determining the outcome of the bonus. The RTP of 95.03% is below modern online averages but consistent with its land-based heritage.