Book of Ra is the Novomatic original that started the entire “book” slot genre back in 2005 — a high-volatility Egyptian adventure whose expanding-symbol free spins have since been copied by hundreds of titles. This guide covers how it works, the versions worth watching (its RTP varies more than most games), and an honest read on the strategy advice around it. As with any slot, the starting point is that it’s a high-variance game with a built-in house edge, so it’s entertainment, not a way to make money.
How the game works
The layout is a classic 5-reel setup — 9 paylines in the original, 10 in the Deluxe versions most common today. The book is the key symbol, acting as both wild and scatter, and landing three or more anywhere triggers the signature feature: 10 free spins with a special expanding symbol. Before those spins begin, the game picks one regular symbol at random; whenever it lands during the bonus and can form a win, it expands to fill its whole reel, paying across all lines even when the symbols aren’t adjacent. The Treasure Hunter is the top symbol and the maximum win is around 5,000x your stake. One thing worth correcting up front: because the expanding symbol is chosen at random, there’s no “selecting” a better one or reading which is “due” — the different symbols just make the bonus more or less volatile, and you don’t influence which you get. Our pokies explainer covers slot mechanics more broadly.
The versions matter more here than most
If there’s one genuinely important thing to know about Book of Ra, it’s that “Book of Ra” isn’t one game. Novomatic has released many versions over the years, and their RTPs differ substantially.
The original Classic returns about 92.13% — a notably low figure that reflects its land-based origins — while the Deluxe and later versions sit around 95%. That’s a big gap: on the Classic, the house edge is close to double the Deluxe, which meaningfully changes how fast a balance drains. Because the casino chooses which version to host, the sensible habit is to open the settings or help menu and check the RTP before you play for real. It’s also worth verifying the game is the genuine article — an authentic Greentube/Novomatic build — since unlicensed sites sometimes run “unbranded” copies with altered maths. This is a real, useful check; just don’t mistake a higher-RTP version for an edge. Even the Deluxe keeps a house edge, so no version is a winning bet. Our RTP explainer has more.
The gamble feature and the honest odds
After a winning base-game spin, Book of Ra offers the classic double-or-nothing gamble: guess a hidden card’s colour to double your win, with a wrong guess costing the lot. It’s a genuine 50/50 flip with 100% loss potential, and the game’s own honest framing is right — for a disciplined player, skipping the gamble is the sensible call. Using it on every win sharply raises the chance of wiping out a good result, and you can always “Collect” instead. It’s fine as an occasional bit of extra variance, but it’s not a strategy, and it certainly isn’t a way to build a bankroll.
“Strategy” claims to ignore
A few tips attached to this game don’t hold up. The “Bonus Hunt” idea — play until the free spins trigger, then quit to stop “the base-game house edge eroding your winnings” — doesn’t work, because every spin is independent and you can’t sequence your way around the edge. Choosing a higher-RTP version lowers your cost of play; it doesn’t hand you a “statistical edge,” because the game still favours the house. And bankroll rules like a “200-spin buffer” are fine as spending discipline, but they cap what you can lose over a session rather than tilting the odds — and framing marathon play as “high-roller endurance” glamorises exactly the long sessions that responsible-gambling tools exist to interrupt. No betting system changes any of it.
Playing safely in NZ
The usual New Zealand context applies. Stick to licensed, accountable operators — and verify you’re playing the genuine Greentube/Novomatic game — and check the Department of Internal Affairs register as the regime comes online. Deposits are debit-based, since credit cards and buy-now-pay-later are banned for gambling. Use demo mode to learn the game’s rhythm, not to predict it. Because this is a high-volatility slot, budget for long gaps between features, set deposit and time limits before you start, and keep any spending to money you’ve budgeted to lose. Our responsible gambling guide has more, and our Book of Dead guide covers the best-known modern take on the same mechanic.
This article is general, factual information and is not legal or financial advice. Game versions and RTP configurations change, so verify the in-game details before playing. Nothing here is a way to profit — even the highest-RTP version keeps a house edge. Gambling is a form of entertainment, not a way to make money. If gambling is causing harm to you or someone you know, free and confidential help is available in New Zealand from the Gambling Helpline (0800 654 655), PGF Services and the Department of Internal Affairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the RTP of Book of Ra?
It depends heavily on the version. The original Classic returns about 92.13% — quite low — while the Deluxe and later versions sit around 95%. The casino chooses which to run, so check the in-game settings menu. No version overcomes the house edge, even the higher-RTP ones.
How do you trigger the free spins in Book of Ra?
Land three or more book symbols anywhere on the reels. The book is both wild and scatter, and three or more awards 10 free spins with a special expanding symbol that’s chosen at random before the round begins.
Which version of Book of Ra is best?
For return, the Deluxe versions (around 95% RTP) are better than the original Classic (about 92.13%). But “best” here just means lower cost of play, not a winning bet — every version keeps a house edge. Always verify it’s a genuine Greentube/Novomatic build, not an altered copy.
Should I use the gamble feature?
For most players, no. It’s a 50/50 double-or-nothing with 100% loss potential, so using it — especially on larger wins — sharply raises the chance of losing a good result. You can “Collect” instead, which is the disciplined choice.
Does the “Bonus Hunt” approach beat the house edge?
No. Quitting after the free spins doesn’t shield your winnings from the house edge, because each spin is independent — there’s no sequence that lets you avoid it. It’s a play-style preference, not a way to improve your odds.
