Last updated: 13-06-2026
This is the one that started a genre. Book of Ra is Novomatic's legendary Egyptian-explorer slot — the game that introduced the now-iconic "Book" mechanic of free spins with a random expanding symbol, and the direct ancestor of titles like Book of Dead. Released back in 2005, it remains one of Europe's most-played slots. Here's the honest rundown on how it plays at Class 777.
It's a high volatility pokie with a 5,000x max win and an RTP that sits on the lower side — commonly cited between about 92% and 95% depending on the version, so it's one to check before you play. The whole game builds toward one explosive free-spins round. Below I'll cover the Book, the expanding symbol, how it compares, and how to play it sensibly.
Author's tip from Callum Fraser, Casino Editor & Player Experience Researcher: "Book of Ra is a piece of history, but be clear-eyed about its maths: the original's RTP is notably below the modern average, and it's high volatility, so expect long dry spells between bonuses. The newer Deluxe version runs a higher RTP, so it's worth checking which one Class 777 offers. The free spins are the whole point — keep your stake small enough to reach them, and treat the gamble feature with real caution."What is Book of Ra and how does the Book work?
Book of Ra is a Novomatic (Greentube) pokie on a classic 5-reel, 3-row grid with 9 paylines. Its clever core is the Book symbol, which does two jobs at once: it's the wild (substituting for all other symbols to complete wins) and the scatter (landing 3 or more anywhere triggers the free spins). It's a simple, elegant design that's been copied ever since.
- Studio: Novomatic, online via Greentube — released 2005, the original Book slot.
- Grid: 5 reels, 3 rows, 9 paylines.
- RTP: around 92%–95% depending on version (the original is on the low side) — check at Class 777.
- Volatility: High.
- Max win: 5,000x your stake.
- Book symbol: acts as both wild and scatter.
- Free spins: 3+ Books award 10 spins with a random expanding symbol (retriggerable).
- Gamble feature: guess a card's colour to double any win.
Here's the Book's clever dual role:
That dual-purpose Book is the blueprint every "Book of" slot has followed since. But the real drama is what happens once you trigger the bonus. The modern Book of Dead refined this exact formula with a higher RTP.
What is the expanding symbol — and how does it compare?
Land 3 Books and you win 10 free spins — but first, one regular symbol is chosen at random to become the expanding symbol for the round. During the spins, whenever that symbol appears, it expands to cover the entire reel, paying across positions as if adjacent. Get lucky and it can fill the screen. Here's the idea:
A high-value symbol expanding across the reels in free spins is how Book of Ra delivers its biggest, most memorable wins. Here's how it sits next to its descendants at Class 777:
| Metric | Book of Ra | Book of Dead | Cleopatra | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | Novomatic | Play'n GO | IGT | All Egyptian classics |
| RTP | ~92–95% | 96.21% | ~95.02% | Book of Dead leads |
| Volatility | High | High | Low–medium | Cleopatra is gentlest |
| Signature | Expanding symbol | Expanding symbol | Doubling wild + x3 FS | Ra started the genre |
New to terms like volatility, RTP or scatter? The glossary lays them out in plain English.
Author's tip from Callum Fraser, Casino Editor & Player Experience Researcher: "Book of Ra's gamble feature lets you risk any win on a red/black card guess, doubling on a correct call — and it's a genuine bankroll-killer. It's a 50/50 with no edge for you, and on a high-vol game where wins are hard-won, gambling them away stings doubly. I bank my free-spins wins and leave the gamble alone. The expanding symbol is the thrill here; the gamble is just risk you don't need."How do you start playing Book of Ra at Class 777?
A couple of minutes and the expedition begins:
- Open the Class 777 registration page and create your account with ID-matching details.
- Make a deposit — AUD methods like card, PayID and e-wallets usually clear in seconds.
- Grab a welcome bonus if it suits, and read the wagering terms first.
- Open Book of Ra, confirm which RTP version is running on the info screen, and set a small bet.
- Spin for 3 Books to trigger the free spins and your random expanding symbol.
- Set a deposit limit and a session timer in account settings first. 18+ only.
Every result runs on a certified random number generator — no strategy changes the odds, and no bonus is ever "due". Sign up at Class 777 and you're ready to roll.
Who is Book of Ra best for — and how do you play it responsibly?
Book of Ra suits players who love a stripped-back, high-variance classic and the history behind it, and who have the patience for long gaps between bonuses. Want the same formula with a friendlier RTP? Book of Dead is the modern benchmark; for a gentler Egyptian ride, Cleopatra is low-to-medium volatility.
More to explore at Class 777: for big multipliers and tumbles there's Gates of Olympus and Sweet Bonanza; for atmospheric classics, Immortal Romance; and other favourites include Starburst, Wolf Gold, Razor Shark, The Dog House, Big Bass Bonanza and the jackpot giant Mega Moolah. For an instant-game change of pace, try Aviator.
Whatever you choose, keep it in check. Pokies are entertainment, not income — the house edge never goes away, Book of Ra's RTP is on the low side, and high volatility means long cold runs. Set a budget you're genuinely fine to lose, use the deposit limits and reality checks at Class 777, and never chase a loss. If the fun stops, free confidential support is available through Gambling Help Online (1800 858 858), and BetStop, the national self-exclusion register, can block you from all licensed Australian operators at once. 18+ only.
Played within budget, Book of Ra is a stripped-back, high-stakes classic with genuine pedigree — just enjoy the expedition for the fun, not the rent. Check the latest bonus at Class 777 and seek the Book on your own terms.
Author's tip from Callum Fraser, Casino Editor & Player Experience Researcher: "Set your loss limit before the first spin. Book of Ra's high volatility and lower RTP mean cold runs can be long, so I put a deposit cap into the account settings at Class 777 the day I sign up — thirty seconds, and it keeps a hard-hitting classic from quietly costing more than I planned while I wait on three Books. The expanding symbol doesn't owe you a payday; protect your bankroll and the expedition stays fun."
