Book Of Ra
Welcome to Book of Ra
We invite you to explore Book of Ra, a landmark slot that won the hearts of players in Italy and around the world. Developed by Novomatic (Greentube), it takes us into ancient Egypt with a clear goal uncover hidden tombs and treasure. The look and feel are simple yet immersive, and the game’s core idea has stood the test of time for good reason.
| Developer | Novomatic (Greentube) |
|---|---|
| Original Release Year | 2005 (Classic version) |
| Theme | Ancient Egypt, Adventure |
| Layout | 5 Reels, 3 Rows |
| Paylines | Up to 10 (adjustable) |
| Volatility | High |
| Key Feature | Free Spins with a Special Expanding Symbol |
Over many years Book of Ra has earned cult status by blending easy entry with moments of real tension. Players in Italy value its mechanics and the atmosphere that builds with every spin. We follow an explorer on the trail of a mysterious book. That same book symbol plays a double role as both Wild and Scatter. It can substitute other symbols and trigger the features that define the game.
What makes it special
Book of Ra stands out for its clean gameplay loop and high volatility. The Egyptian theme supports the action rather than sitting in the background. Symbols such as scarabs, sarcophagi, and the explorer keep the story clear. The fan favorite variant, Book of Ra Deluxe, sharpened the classic formula with better graphics and 10 paylines while keeping the adjustable setup players know.
We continue to see strong interest in Italy’s regulated market because the game fits different play styles. New players pick it up quickly. Experienced players enjoy the risk profile and the potential of the expanding symbol during free spins. Official versions on ADM licensed operators deliver the authentic experience with oversight.
Game Overview
We look at Book of Ra, the Novomatic slot from the Greentube studio that helped define the genre in Italy. It uses a five reel, three row layout and first won fans in land based venues before moving online. The Classic release offers nine selectable paylines, while Book of Ra Deluxe expands the grid to ten. We see both versions available on platforms licensed by ADM Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli, so access is straightforward for players across Italy.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Developer | Novomatic Greentube |
| Reels / Rows | 5 / 3 |
| Paylines | 9 Classic / 10 Deluxe |
| RTP | ~92.13% Classic / ~95.10% Deluxe |
| Volatility | High |
| Max win | 5,000x the line bet |
| Highlights | Wild Scatter Book, Free Spins with Special Expanding Symbol, Gamble |
RTP and volatility
The theoretical return depends on the build. The Classic version sits at about 92.13% RTP. The Deluxe version raises this to roughly 95.10%. Both aim for high volatility. We should expect quieter stretches followed by the chance of larger hits. That profile suits players who prefer higher risk and the potential of bigger outcomes over steadier low wins.
Mechanics at a glance
We choose a bet per line and the number of active paylines before spinning, with ranges set by each ADM licensed casino. Wins pay left to right on active lines for three or more matching symbols. The Adventurer is the top payer and lands 5,000 times the line bet for five on a line.
The Book symbol drives the action. It works as a Wild to complete lines and as a Scatter to trigger 10 free spins when three or more appear anywhere. Before free spins start, one symbol is chosen to expand and cover reels when it forms wins.
After any base game win we can use the Gamble feature. It offers a 50 50 shot to double the amount by picking the color of a face down card. A wrong guess loses the win from that spin. Repeats are possible at our discretion
How to Play
We can jump into Book of Ra in a few quick steps. Whether we prefer the Classic release or the widely played Deluxe version, the flow stays familiar and easy to follow.
Set lines and bet
We start by choosing paylines. Book of Ra Classic lets us adjust up to 9 paylines. Book of Ra Deluxe uses 10 fixed paylines, so we always wager on all ten. Next, we set the stake per line with the + and − buttons. In Deluxe, this typically ranges from €0.01 to €5.00 per line, giving a total spin cost from €0.10 to €50. Our total stake is always shown on screen.
Spin or autoplay
When our bet looks right, we hit Start or Spin to set the five reels in motion. If we want continuous play, we can turn on Autoplay and choose a number of automatic spins. In line with Italian rules, we can set loss limits and single win limits to keep play responsible.
Wins and key symbols
Wins land when matching symbols line up from left to right on an active payline. Most symbols need at least three of a kind. High-value icons are an exception: the Explorer, Pharaoh, Statue of Isis, and Scarab Beetle pay with just two. The in-game paytable shows exact payouts for every combination and updates with our current bet size.
The golden Book of Ra is the symbol to watch. It acts as a Wild, substituting for other symbols to complete lines. It also works as the Scatter. Hitting three or more anywhere on the reels triggers the main bonus feature.
Gamble feature
After any standard win, we can enter the Gamble. It’s a simple double or nothing choice: we guess the next card’s colour, red or black. A correct pick doubles the win, and we can repeat the gamble. A wrong guess loses the entire amount from that spin.
Special Features
The Book symbol
The Book of Ra symbol works as both Scatter and Wild. It substitutes for any other symbol to complete wins, and three or more Books landing anywhere on the reels trigger the free spins round. Because it unlocks the bonus and also stands in for all symbols, it is the most valuable icon we can hit during play for Italian users.
Free spins and expanding symbols
Three or more Book symbols award 10 free spins. Before the round starts, the game randomly selects one regular symbol to act as a special expanding symbol. During the feature, when enough of that symbol land to create a win, all its instances expand to cover their reels.
For high paying picture symbols, only two or more are needed to trigger the expansion. For the lower paying card values, we need three or more. Expanded wins pay even on non adjacent reels, which can lift the total payout compared to standard line wins.
The bonus can retrigger. Landing another set of three or more Book symbols during free spins adds 10 extra spins, and the same special symbol stays active. There is no theoretical limit to how many times this can happen.
High value Egyptian symbols
The paytable follows a clear order, which matters for the expanding symbol mechanic. In descending value, the main symbols are:
- Explorer: the highest paying regular symbol
- Pharaoh’s Sarcophagus: the second most valuable
- Statue of Isis & Scarab Beetle: mid range payouts
- A, K, Q, J, 10: lower paying card symbols styled to fit the theme
Gamble feature
After any winning spin in the base game, we can choose the optional Gamble. A single face down card appears and we guess red or black. A correct guess doubles the win, and we may repeat this for several rounds. A wrong guess at any time loses the entire amount from that spin. Pure risk versus reward for those of us who want it.
Bonuses and Promotions
We know bonuses can lift our Book of Ra sessions on Italian platforms. Licensed operators regulated by ADM (Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli) tend to offer several promo types that suit this slot, giving more value and play time.
| Bonus Type | What it is | Common Example in Italy |
|---|---|---|
| Welcome Bonus | For new players, usually linked to the first deposit | 100% match up to €200 + 50 Free Spins |
| Free Spins | A set number of spins on a selected slot at no cost | 25 Free Spins on Book of Ra Deluxe |
| No Deposit Bonus | Bonus credit or spins granted for registering an account | €5 bonus credit or 10 Free Spins upon sign up |
| Reload Bonus | A top up offer for later deposits by existing players | 50% match up to €100 on your next deposit |
Welcome packages
Most Italian casinos give new players a deposit match usable on Book of Ra. A common setup is a 100% match up to €200, doubling the first bankroll. Some platforms also include free spins for Novomatic slots, so we start with complimentary rounds on Book of Ra or its variants.
Free spins and no deposit offers
Free spins appear on their own or inside a welcome deal. The spins cost nothing, but winnings usually have wagering. If we win €10 with a 35x requirement, we must bet €350 before withdrawal. Some operators also provide no deposit bonuses, offering small bonus cash or a few free spins just for signing up, with no deposit needed.
Reload and loyalty rewards
Regular play can unlock reload bonuses on subsequent deposits. Many Italian sites run loyalty programs where our Book of Ra gameplay earns points. We can exchange points for bonus credits or additional free spins.
Before we claim any promotion, we check the terms. Key points include wagering requirements, game contribution slots usually contribute 100%, maximum bet limits, and time restrictions. ADM licensed casinos show these details clearly for transparency.
Game Legality and Licenses
In Italy, we can play Book of Ra legally only on online casinos licensed by the ADM, the regulator that succeeded the AAMS. This authority supervises all gambling within the country and enforces strict rules on fairness and security. To stay within Italian law, we choose platforms that clearly show a valid ADM license number, which signals that both the casino and the game meet national compliance standards.
ADM Licensing Requirements
To offer Book of Ra to Italian players, operators must obtain an ADM gambling concession (Concessione). The process is rigorous and focused on player safety and market integrity:
- Technical audits: The software and RNG are tested by an independent, ADM-approved lab to ensure fair, unpredictable results.
- Financial stability: Operators must prove they have resources to pay winnings and sustain operations.
- Responsible gambling: Platforms must include mandatory tools and clear information on gambling risks.
- Data security: Compliance with Italian and EU privacy laws, including GDPR, is required to protect player data.
Player Protection Standards
Italian rules set concrete safeguards. Licensed Book of Ra sites offer weekly deposit limits, temporary or permanent self-exclusion, and reality checks that show session time and spending. ADM-approved operators also face regular audits to confirm fair outcomes and timely payouts. These checks keep the gaming environment transparent and secure.
How to Verify a Casino’s ADM License
- Find the license number: In the site footer, look for the ADM logo and the concession number (numero di concessione).
- Match it on the ADM site: Use the official database to confirm the number is active and tied to that casino.
- Check the connection: Make sure the site uses HTTPS with a padlock to protect your data.
Using unlicensed sites carries real risks. They operate outside Italian jurisdiction and ADM oversight, may skip security protocols, run non-certified software, or deny payouts. Italian law bans unauthorized gambling sites, and players who use them lose the legal protections guaranteed by licensed operators.
Winning Strategies
Understand the mechanics
Success with Book of Ra starts with knowing how the slot behaves. Spins are driven by a Random Number Generator, so every result is independent and random. Studying the paytable and symbol values guides our bet sizing. The Book symbol is central to the game, acting as both Wild and Scatter. When three or more Books land, the main bonus feature begins. Book of Ra is a high volatility title, so wins can be sizable but less frequent.
Manage your bankroll
We set a clear budget before each session and define a maximum loss limit, a smart move for Italian players. High volatility can bring long dry spells, so a bankroll must handle variance while we wait for free spins. Splitting funds into smaller session amounts works better than risking everything at once. This keeps us playing longer and increases our chances to trigger the bonus round on licensed Italian platforms.
Choose a betting style
We start with smaller bets to learn the game’s rhythm without draining funds. As we settle in, we adjust stakes with intent. Many of us cover all available paylines, usually 9 or 10 depending on the version, to capture more winning combinations. Two common styles are compared below:
| Strategy Element | Conservative Approach | Aggressive Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Extend playtime and increase spins to trigger the bonus feature | Maximise potential payout from a single bonus round |
| Bet Size | Lower stakes covering all active paylines | Higher stakes per spin |
| Risk Level | Lower risk per spin, slower bankroll depletion | High risk per spin, faster bankroll depletion |
| Ideal For | Smaller budgets or longer sessions | Larger bankrolls comfortable with higher risk |
Use the free spins
The free spins round holds the top win potential in Book of Ra. Hitting three or more Book symbols awards 10 free spins. Before they start, one symbol is randomly chosen as a special expanding symbol. During the bonus, if that symbol lands on enough reels to form a win, it expands to cover the entire reel and pays on all active lines, even when non adjacent. Landing a high value symbol as the expander is the key to the largest payouts. Top picks include:
- Explorer
- Pharaoh's Sarcophagus
- Statue of Isis
- Scarab Beetle
We can’t promise wins, but these tactics help us play smarter and last longer on licensed Italian sites
Payment Methods
Deposit options for Italian players
When we play Book of Ra on ADM licensed sites in Italy, we can choose from trusted and secure deposit methods. Most operators accept major cards like Visa and Mastercard, which many of us still prefer. Postepay is widely used in Italy and is accepted across regulated casinos. E-wallets such as PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller are also common and usually process funds faster than traditional banking. Bank transfers are available too, though they take longer to clear. If we don’t want to share banking details online, prepaid options like Paysafecard help keep payments private. The minimum deposit usually starts at €10, but this can change from one operator to another.
| Payment Method | Type | Average Deposit Time | Average Withdrawal Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa/Mastercard | Credit/Debit Card | Instant | 2-5 Business Days |
| Postepay | Prepaid/Debit Card | Instant | 1-3 Business Days |
| PayPal | E-Wallet | Instant | Within 24 Hours |
| Skrill/Neteller | E-Wallet | Instant | Within 24 Hours |
| Bank Transfer | Bank Wire | 1-5 Business Days | 3-7 Business Days |
| Paysafecard | Prepaid Card | Instant | Not always available for withdrawal |
Withdrawals
Cash-out methods usually match our deposit choice. Timings differ, though. E-wallets are the quickest and often pay within 24 hours after approval by the casino. Card withdrawals tend to take two to five business days. Bank transfers are slower and may take a week or longer depending on the bank’s processing.
Verification
Before the first withdrawal, ADM rules require a one-time identity check. To meet AML requirements, we must provide proof of identity, such as an ID card or passport, and a document that confirms our address. This is a standard security step on all licensed platforms and helps keep accounts safe.
Currency and limits
Transactions on Italian-licensed platforms are processed in Euros EUR, so we avoid conversion issues. Maximum withdrawal limits differ by casino and may include daily, weekly, or monthly caps. VIP or high-roller accounts can sometimes access higher limits as stated in the site’s terms.
Fees
We always check for any transaction fees in advance. Most casinos don’t charge for deposits or withdrawals, but some payment providers may apply their own service costs.
Mobile Gaming
We experience Book of Ra, powered by Greentube, Novomatic’s interactive division, running smoothly on mobile thanks to HTML5. Italian players can spin in seconds without a separate app. The game loads through mobile browsers such as Safari and Chrome and is offered in instant play on licensed Italian casino sites. Navigation is clean on small screens, and the core gameplay mirrors the desktop version so we do not miss features when we switch devices.
Device compatibility
We access Book of Ra on iPhone and iPad through any ADM-licensed casino website. The layout adapts to screen size automatically, from compact iPhone SE models up to large iPad Pro displays. On Android, we get the same flexibility across Samsung, Huawei, and other brands common in Italy. We have tested devices on Android 8.0 and newer and found performance consistent and stable across sessions.
Mobile features and controls
The interface is designed for touch. Tapping the spin button is responsive, and on some platforms we can swipe to adjust bet amounts. The paytable and settings sit in compact menus to save space. Graphics keep their style and color, though intricate details in the Egyptian symbols can look less sharp on smaller screens than on a desktop monitor. Portrait and landscape both work, so we pick the view that feels most comfortable.
- Controls: Touch taps and swipes on mobile vs mouse clicks on desktop
- Layout: Optimised for portrait and landscape on mobile; desktop keeps a wider fixed view
- Accessibility: Play anywhere with a mobile connection vs being tied to a computer
- Performance: Mobile depends on device power and connection; desktop is usually steadier
Data use stays modest. An hour of play typically consumes 30–50 MB, which suits limited data plans many Italian users rely on. For longer sessions we prefer stable WiFi to avoid potential dropouts, especially during bonus rounds. Battery drain varies by device age and brightness. Newer phones run efficiently, while older models may heat up during long play. We close background apps and lower brightness to extend sessions.
FAQ
Is Book of Ra legal to play in Italy?
Yes. We can play Book of Ra in Italy on casino sites that hold a valid ADM license. ADM stands for Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli. To stay on a regulated and secure platform, we always check the operator license number, typically shown in the website footer.
Can I play Book of Ra for free?
Most licensed Italian casinos offer a demo with virtual credits, so we can try the game without risking real money. It’s a simple way to learn the mechanics and core features before staking cash. Some ADM sites may ask us to register an account before we can access free play.
What is the minimum bet for Book of Ra?
In Book of Ra Deluxe, the typical minimum bet is €0.10 per spin. That covers all 10 paylines at €0.01 per line. Maximum bets vary by casino and often reach €50 or more. We should always check the exact betting limits inside the game on our chosen platform.
How do I trigger the free spins feature?
Free spins trigger when we land three or more Book of Ra scatter symbols anywhere on the reels in a single spin. We receive 10 free spins, plus a randomly selected special expanding symbol that can cover entire reels and create bigger win potential.
Are winnings from Book of Ra taxed in Italy?
No. When we play at ADM-licensed online casinos, our winnings are not subject to personal income tax. The operator pays the required taxes at the source, so we receive the full amount without deductions.
What is the RTP of Book of Ra?
For the common Book of Ra Deluxe version, the RTP is approximately 95.10%. This is the theoretical long-term average returned to players. Other versions may differ slightly, and we can confirm the RTP in the game’s information section or paytable.
Does Book of Ra have a progressive jackpot?
No. Standard versions such as Book of Ra Classic and Deluxe do not include a progressive jackpot. The highest payout comes from a full screen of the top-paying explorer symbol during free spins when it is chosen as the special expanding symbol.