About Book of Ra
Book of Ra is a legendary online pokie developed by Novomatic, known worldwide for kickstarting the now-iconic “book-style” slot genre. Set in the mysterious world of Ancient Egypt, this high-volatility slot invites players on an archaeological adventure to uncover hidden treasures through classic reels, scatter-triggered free spins, and powerful expanding symbols.
A long-time favourite in land-based casinos and now fully adapted for online play, Book of Ra continues to draw in both nostalgic fans and new players alike – especially across popular platforms in New Zealand where the game is featured among top online casinos.
Gameplay and Features
At its core, Book of Ra is a 5-reel, 3-row pokie with 9 adjustable paylines. Gameplay is straightforward, yet packed with enough volatility and thrill to keep seasoned punters engaged.
Here are its key features:
- Wild and Scatter: The Book symbol acts as both the wild and scatter, making it central to triggering wins.
- Free Spins Bonus: Land 3 or more Book symbols to activate 10 free spins.
- Expanding Symbol: Before the free spins start, one random symbol is selected to expand and cover entire reels – unlocking massive win potential.
- High Volatility: Big wins can happen, but expect dry spells too. It’s a game built for risk-takers.
This classic setup is part of what made Book of Ra so influential – many modern pokies, including Book of Dead and Legacy of Egypt, were inspired by it.
Symbols and Payouts
The game blends thematic symbols like scarabs, statues, and the famous explorer, with traditional card values (10 to Ace). Here’s how some top symbols pay:
- Explorer – The highest-paying symbol
- Pharaoh & Statue – Mid-tier payouts
- Book – Wild/Scatter combo
The max win in a single spin during free spins can reach 5,000x your stake if the explorer symbol expands across all reels.
Graphics and Sound
Book of Ra leans into a retro casino aesthetic, with grainy, arcade-like graphics and atmospheric Egyptian music. While it doesn’t match the slick polish of newer pokies, its old-school charm is part of its appeal.
If you’re looking for a visual upgrade, Novomatic also offers Book of Ra Deluxe with enhanced graphics and a modern interface.
Mobile Experience
Book of Ra is fully optimised for mobile play, thanks to its HTML5-based design. Whether you’re spinning on an Android smartphone or an iPhone, the game adjusts to your screen size and touch controls with no lag or feature loss. Kiwi players can enjoy it directly in their browser – no app required.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Iconic pokie with a legendary reputation
- Expanding symbol feature can deliver big wins
- Easy to understand, great for classic slot fans
- Available at most NZ-friendly casinos
Cons
- Dated visuals (original version)
- High volatility may frustrate casual players
- No bonus buy or multipliers
Other Versions of Book of Ra
Novomatic has released several spinoffs of Book of Ra, each adding tweaks to the classic formula:
- Book of Ra Deluxe – Sharper graphics, 10 paylines, and improved UI
- Book of Ra Magic – Extra expanding symbols during free spins
- Book of Ra 6 Deluxe – Adds a 6th reel for higher win potential
Each version keeps the spirit of the original, while catering to different playing styles.
Final Verdict
If you’re after a no-nonsense, high-risk pokie with proven legacy and serious win potential, Book of Ra is a must-play. Its classic mechanics and free spins bonus still hold up against modern games – and with NZ-friendly casinos offering it, you’re only a few clicks away from diving into this treasure-hunting adventure.
Can I play Book of Ra for free in New Zealand?
Yes, many NZ online casinos and review sites offer a free demo version where you can try the game without risking real money.
Is Book of Ra mobile-friendly?
Absolutely. You can play Book of Ra on mobile or tablet using any modern browser – no downloads needed.
Does Book of Ra have a jackpot?
No, there’s no progressive jackpot. However, its max win of 5,000x your stake during free spins is very competitive.
Is Book of Ra safe to play in NZ?
Yes, as long as you play at a licensed online casino that accepts New Zealand players.
Online Casinos to play Book of Ra
| № | Casino | Rating | Welcome Bonus | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Up to €1,000 Info about bonus | Play now | Stupid Casino offers new players a wager-free welcome bonus package of up to €1,000 across their first three deposits. The first deposit grants a 100% bonus up to €300, the second deposit provides a 50% bonus up to €400, and the third deposit awards another 100% bonus up to €300. To claim each bonus, players must use the respective codes FIRST, SECOND, and THIRD before depositing. The bonus is sticky, meaning it is deducted upon withdrawal, but players can cash out at any time since there are no wagering requirements on winnings. | ||
 | 125% up to NZ$2,500 + 125 FS Info about bonus | Play now | New players at Bizzo Casino can claim a first deposit bonus of up to 125% and NZ$2,500 plus 125 free spins. The percentage of the bonus and the number of free spins depend on the deposit amount. A deposit between NZ$30 and NZ$50 grants a 50% bonus and 50 free spins, while a deposit between NZ$50 and NZ$200 increases the bonus to 75% and awards 75 free spins. Those who deposit between NZ$200 and NZ$500 receive a 100% match bonus and 100 free spins. For players who deposit between NZ$500 and NZ$2,000, the bonus reaches its maximum of 125% along with 125 free spins. Free spins are credited in batches over five days, with winnings subject to a 40x wagering requirement. The bonus funds also require a 40x wagering requirement, and the maximum bet allowed while the bonus is active is NZ$6.5. | ||
 | 100% bonus up to NZ$ 123 Info about bonus | Play now | Fun Casino's welcome bonus offers a 100% match on the first deposit, up to NZ$123, effectively doubling your initial deposit. For example, depositing NZ$123 will give you a total of NZ$246 to play with. Additionally, new players receive 160 free spins, with 10 spins credited upon registration and 150 spins awarded after the first deposit. The maximum bet allowed with bonus funds is NZ$5. No bonus code is required to activate the offer-simply register and make a qualifying deposit to receive it. The bonus comes with a 50x wagering requirement, which must be met within 30 days. Deposits made via Neteller and Skrill are excluded from this offer. Always read the full terms and conditions before participating in any promotion. | ||
 | No welcome bonus - 10% cashback Info about bonus | Play now | No Bonus Casino offers a straightforward 10% cashback program for New Zealand players, calculated on net deposit losses during a 24-hour period starting from the first deposit. For example, if you deposit 200 NZD and lose the entire amount, you'll receive 20 NZD as cashback. The cashback becomes available 24 hours after the initial deposit and can be claimed immediately or within 10 days, provided your account balance is below 10 NZD and there are no pending withdrawals. Unlike traditional bonuses, the cashback is free of wagering requirements, offering players a transparent and hassle-free way to recover part of their losses. | ||
 | Up to NZ$4,000 + 250 FS + 1 Bonus Crab Info about bonus | Play now | Beteum's welcome bonus for New Zealand players begins with a 150% match on the first deposit, up to NZ$2,000, along with 50 free spins. To qualify, players must deposit at least NZ$40. The free spins must be claimed manually after logging in and are subject to a 35x wagering requirement. The bonus funds also carry a 35x wagering requirement. The maximum allowed bet while wagering is NZ$10, and deposits made via Skrill or Neteller are not eligible. |
