Book of Ra Deluxe Not On Gamstop – Complete Slot Guide
Book of Ra Deluxe is one of those slots that’s been around for years but never seems to lose its appeal. Developed by Novomatic (now operating under the Greentube brand for online), it’s the upgraded version of the original Book of Ra that dominated land-based casinos across Europe. If you’ve ever walked into a betting shop or casino in the UK, chances are you’ve seen this game.
The Deluxe version added an extra payline (10 instead of 9) and improved the graphics, but the core gameplay that made the original so popular remains intact. It’s a straightforward, high-volatility slot with a simple but effective bonus mechanic that can deliver massive wins.
How Book of Ra Deluxe Actually Works
The game runs on a 5-reel, 3-row layout with 10 adjustable paylines. You can play anywhere from 1 to 10 lines, though playing all 10 is recommended for the best coverage. The betting range is flexible, making it accessible for both low-stakes and high-stakes players.
Key symbols and their values (at max bet per line):
- Explorer (Rich Wilde) – The highest-paying regular symbol. Five across a payline pays 5,000x your line bet
- Pharaoh mask – Second highest at 2,000x for five
- Anubis statue – 750x for five
- Scarab beetle – 750x for five
- Book of Ra (Wild/Scatter) – Acts as both wild and scatter. Three or more trigger free spins
- Card values (A, K, Q, J, 10) – Lower-paying symbols ranging from 100x to 150x for five
The Book of Ra symbol is the key to everything. As a wild, it substitutes for all other symbols to complete winning combinations. As a scatter, three or more anywhere on the reels trigger the free spins bonus.
The Free Spins Bonus – Where the Big Wins Happen
Land three or more Book of Ra symbols anywhere on the reels and you’ll trigger 10 free spins. Before the spins begin, a random symbol is chosen as the “expanding symbol” for the entire bonus round. This is where Book of Ra Deluxe gets interesting.
During free spins, if the chosen expanding symbol appears on a reel and would create a winning combination, it expands to fill the entire reel. If the explorer is chosen as your expanding symbol and appears on three or more reels, those reels fill completely with explorers – creating massive multi-line wins.
The maths behind it:
- If the explorer expands across all 5 reels, you’d hit 5,000x on all 10 paylines simultaneously = 50,000x your line bet
- Even 3 reels of expanding explorers can deliver 500-1,000x total bet wins
- Free spins can retrigger (3 more books = 10 more spins with the same expanding symbol)
This is what makes Book of Ra Deluxe a genuine high-volatility slot. The base game can be brutal – long dry spells with minimal returns – but a good free spins round with the right expanding symbol can pay hundreds or even thousands of times your stake.
RTP and Volatility – What to Expect
Book of Ra Deluxe has an RTP of 95.10%, which is below the industry average of 96%. This is worth knowing upfront – the house edge is higher than most modern slots. However, the game compensates with its high volatility and massive win potential.
In practical terms, expect:
- Long stretches of base game play with small or no returns
- Bonus rounds that sometimes pay poorly (low-value expanding symbol)
- Occasional massive wins when the explorer or pharaoh expands across multiple reels
- A gambling feature that lets you double wins up to 5 times (risky but available)
This slot is not for players who want frequent small wins. It’s designed for players who can handle variance and are chasing the big hit.
Where to Play Book of Ra Deluxe Not on GamStop
Novomatic/Greentube games aren’t as widely available at non-GamStop casinos as Pragmatic Play or NetEnt titles, but several reputable sites do carry them:
Freshbet Casino – Carries the full Greentube catalogue including Book of Ra Deluxe. Fast crypto withdrawals and a generous welcome bonus with 35x wagering.
MyStake Casino – Good Novomatic selection alongside thousands of other slots. 30x wagering on bonuses makes it ideal for bonus play.
Velobet Casino – Well-organised game lobby with Novomatic titles available. Clean interface and reliable payouts.
Book of Ra Deluxe vs Book of Dead – How Do They Compare?
Play’n GO’s Book of Dead is essentially a clone of Book of Ra Deluxe. The games are almost mechanically identical – same reel layout, same expanding symbol mechanic during free spins, same high-volatility profile. So which should you play?
Book of Ra Deluxe advantages:
- The original – the game that started the “Book of” genre
- Gamble feature allows doubling wins up to 5 times
- Slightly different symbol values that some players prefer
Book of Dead advantages:
- Higher RTP (96.21% vs 95.10%) – significantly better long-term value
- More widely available at non-GamStop casinos
- Better graphics and sound design (newer game)
- Often included in casino promotions and free spin offers
Honestly, if you’re choosing between the two purely on maths, Book of Dead is the better option due to its higher RTP. But many players have a nostalgic attachment to Book of Ra Deluxe, and the gamble feature adds an extra dimension that Book of Dead lacks.
Strategy Tips for Book of Ra Deluxe
Bankroll management is critical – With 95.10% RTP and high volatility, you need a substantial bankroll relative to your bet size. I’d recommend at least 200-300x your total bet as a session bankroll. At £1 per spin, that’s £200-£300.
Play all 10 paylines – Reducing paylines to save money actually increases variance without improving your odds. If you need to reduce your stake, lower the bet per line instead.
The gamble feature is mathematically neutral – It’s a 50/50 coin flip that doubles or loses your win. Use it sparingly on small wins if you want, but never gamble a big win. The risk isn’t worth it.
Don’t chase the bonus – Book of Ra Deluxe can go hundreds of spins without triggering free spins. If you’re on a cold streak, don’t increase your bets trying to force a bonus. Stick to your planned bet size.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Book of Ra Deluxe available at non-GamStop casinos?
Yes, several non-GamStop casinos carry Novomatic/Greentube games including Book of Ra Deluxe. Availability varies by casino, so check the game library before depositing.
What’s the maximum win on Book of Ra Deluxe?
The theoretical maximum is 50,000x your line bet (5,000x on all 10 paylines with expanding explorers). In practice, wins of 1,000-5,000x total bet are considered excellent results.
Can I play Book of Ra Deluxe for free?
Most non-GamStop casinos offer a demo/free play version. This lets you experience the gameplay and bonus mechanics without risking real money.
Is Book of Ra Deluxe better than the original Book of Ra?
The Deluxe version has an extra payline (10 vs 9), improved graphics, and slightly better RTP. It’s generally considered the superior version and has largely replaced the original at online casinos.
Why is the RTP lower than most modern slots?
Novomatic games traditionally have lower RTPs because they were originally designed for land-based casinos where lower RTPs are standard. The trade-off is higher volatility and bigger win potential.
For more slot guides, check our reviews of Starburst, Wolf Gold, and Gates of Olympus. For our full list of recommended sites, visit casinos not on GamStop.