How to play Book of Ra by Novomatic: tips and strategies

Book of Ra is a classic video slot from Novomatic with an adventure theme based on the search for ancient artifacts. The game is built around 9 paylines and the recognizable Free Games bonus, where an expanding symbol is randomly selected to increase your winnings in the bonus round.

The mechanics are easy to understand, even for beginners: you choose your bet and the number of active lines, start the spin, and collect combinations of identical symbols from left to right. Scatter and Wild symbols play a special role — in Book of Ra, these functions are combined in a single book symbol.

Play Book of Ra online

Exclusive Book of Ra bonus for new players

The plot and atmosphere in the Book of Ra slot

The slot is styled like an expedition to Ancient Egypt: characters and artifacts appear on the reels, and the main symbol—the book—triggers bonus spins. In essence, this is a game about "catching a lucky streak," where the main thrill usually comes from the bonus with the expanding symbol.

How winnings are arranged in Book of Ra

Basic rules (how combinations are counted)

• All prizes are awarded for combinations of identical symbols (of a kind).
• Winning combinations are counted from left to right, except for the scatter.
• Winnings are paid out on selected lines, except for scatters.
• Scatter symbols are paid in any position on the screen.
• If several matches are possible on a line, only the maximum win for that line is paid (and separately for scatter combinations).
• Line wins and scatter wins are added together.
• The paytable shows the winnings for the current bet and number of lines.
• Free Games can be won again during the bonus (retrigger).
• Bonus games are played at the bet and lines that were active when the bonus was triggered.
• In the event of a technical malfunction, the following rule applies: malfunction voids all pays and plays.

Paylines

Book of Ra uses 9 paylines. This is important for risk control: the more active lines there are, the more often small combinations "stick," but the higher the total bet per spin (with the same bet per line).

Special symbols: book, wild, and scatter

Book symbol (Wild + Scatter)

The book in this version performs two functions at once:

• Wild: substitutes for all symbols — replaces any symbols to help you get a combo.
• Scatter + bonus: when a sufficient number of books appear, 10 Free Games are triggered.

How many scatters are needed for the bonus: The bonus is activated as follows: 3 or more scatters on the screen trigger 10 Free Games with a special expanding symbol.

Free Games: how the bonus mode works

What happens when Free Games start:

• At the beginning of the bonus, one special expanding symbol is randomly selected.
• The player receives 10 Free Games.

How the expanding symbol works

During Free Games, after the regular winning symbols have been calculated, the special symbol can:

• expand and occupy 3 positions on the reel (on one reel);
• be paid as a regular symbol, but still count even if the positions are not adjacent;
• pay out on all active lines (all lines played);
• Expansion is only triggered if there are enough symbols for a win on the field.

Bonus restriction

Important note: the special expanding symbol cannot be replaced by a scatter symbol during Free Games.

Book of Ra paytable (USD)

Below are the payouts from the paytable, listed in US dollars ($) for combinations of identical symbols. The format in the table is: 5 / 4 / 3 / 2 matches.

Symbol: Explorer (hero)
5: $500.00
4: $100.00
3: $10.00
2: $1.00
Comment: One of the most valuable regular symbols.

Symbol: Pharaoh
5: $200.00
4: $40.00
3: $4.00
2: $0.50
Comment: High value, often determines "big" lines.

Symbol: Winged Goddess
5: $75.00
4: $10.00
3: $3.00
2: $0.50
Comment: Medium premium symbol.

Symbol:
Scarab 5: $75.00
4: $10.00
3: $3.00
2: $0.50
Comment: Pays the same as the "winged" symbol.

Symbol: Letters A / K
5: $15.00
4: $4.00
3: $0.50
Comment: Low-medium symbol (frequent).

Symbol: J / Q / 10
5: $10.00
4: $2.50
3: $0.50
Comment: Basic symbols for frequent small wins.

Symbol: Book (Wild + Scatter)
5: $180.00
4: $18.00
3: $1.80
Comment: Substitutes for all symbols and triggers 10 Free Games with 3+ scatters.

Book of Ra Game Features

1. 9 paylines with the option to play on selected lines.
2. The book combines wild and scatter functions: it helps to collect combinations and triggers the bonus.
3. 10 Free Games when 3+ scatters appear on the screen.
4. In the bonus, a random expanding symbol is selected that can cover 3 positions on the reel.
5. The expanding symbol can pay out winnings even on non-adjacent positions and across all lines.
6. Retrigger: Free Games can be won again during the bonus.

Advantages and disadvantages of Book of Ra

Advantages:

• Clear rules: combinations from left to right, scatter separately.
• Strong bonus: expanding symbol in Free Games.
• The book is both wild and scatter — it "hooks" the game more often.
• You can control the risk by choosing the number of lines (up to 9).

Disadvantages:

• Big wins are usually tied to the bonus and symbol expansion.
• Expansion is not guaranteed: it only works if there is a win.
• The game is "linear" — without additional mini-modes, some may find it simple.

Play Book of Ra for free

If your goal is to understand the rules (lines, scatter, wild book, and Free Games mechanics), it makes sense to start with the demo mode at any casino/game catalog where a free version is available. In the demo, you can practice understanding the lines and bonuses without risking your balance.

Strategies and tactics in Book of Ra

Book of Ra is a slot with random results, and there are no "ironclad" strategies. But there are approaches that help you better manage your bankroll and expectations.

1. Line control (9 lines)

• If you want a more "even" game, activate more lines to catch small combinations more often.
• If your goal is to reduce the total cost of the spin, you can play on fewer lines, but then some of the winning combinations simply won't be paid out.

1. Bonus game (book as scatter)

• The strongest part of the game is 10 Free Games with 3+ books.
• Do not overestimate the bet "in pursuit" of the bonus: the trigger is random, and the series may be prolonged.

1. "Fixed sessions" tactic

• Set a limit in advance: for example, 30-50 spins at the selected bet and lines.
• If the bonus does not come, end the session according to plan, rather than "10 more spins."

1. Be careful with aggressive Martingale

Doubling your bet after a loss looks tempting, but in slots it quickly leads to large bets and the risk of losing your bankroll. In Book of Ra, this is especially dangerous because the wait for a bonus can be long.

Download Book of Ra

Book of Ra is usually available in both browser and mobile versions (via the casino website or its app). The easiest way to play is:

• on a PC — via a browser (Chrome/Safari/Firefox);
• on a smartphone — in a mobile browser or in the casino app, if available.

How to install on Android

1. Open the official website of your chosen casino in your browser.
2. If there is an app, download it from the casino's official source or from the app store.
3. Log in to your account, find Book of Ra using the search function, and launch the game.

How to play on iOS

1. Open the casino in Safari or install the official app (if available in your region).
2. Log in and find Book of Ra in the game catalog.
3. Select your lines and bet, then start spinning.

Where to play Book of Ra

Book of Ra can be found in the catalogs of many online casinos. When choosing a site, consider practical things: stability, convenience of the mobile version, betting limits, and transparency of the rules (including the display of lines and bets per line).

Frequently asked questions about the Book of Ra slot

Play Book of Ra online