What makes Book of Ra Deluxe different
Book of Ra Deluxe is a 5-reel, 10-payline pokie by Novomatic, a refined version of the original Book of Ra released in the early 2000s. It is one of the most widely played casino titles in Europe and has a significant following among NZ players familiar with land-based gaming.
The game set the template for the entire “Book of X” genre — including Book of Dead, Book of Gods, and dozens of imitators — through its expanding symbol mechanic during free spins.
The Book symbol
The Book of Ra serves as both Wild (substitutes for any symbol) and Scatter (triggers free spins). This dual function means the Book appears on every reel and contributes to wins both as a substitute in paying combinations and as a scatter trigger.
Free Spins and the expanding symbol
Three or more Book scatters award 10 free spins. Before the round begins, one symbol is chosen at random to be the special expanding symbol for that session. During free spins, whenever the special symbol appears as part of a winning combination, it expands to fill its entire reel — effectively making the whole reel count as that symbol for payline purposes.
The highest-paying symbol (the Explorer/Archaeologist figure) expanding across three reels simultaneously on a 10-payline game produces wins up to 5,000x stake.
Landing 3+ Books during free spins adds 10 more spins.
Why the RTP is lower
Novomatic publishes 95.02% RTP for Book of Ra Deluxe — below the current 96%+ standard from most providers. The original Book of Ra was designed before 96% became the mainstream benchmark. Players choosing this game are accepting a higher house edge in exchange for access to a title with a long track record and the classic expanding-symbol mechanic.
What it costs per hour
At NZ$0.50 per spin and 400 spins per hour: NZ$200 wagered × 4.98% house edge = approximately NZ$9.96 expected loss per hour.
### Q: What is the difference between Book of Ra and Book of Ra Deluxe?
A: The Deluxe version adds a 10th payline (the original has 9) and updated graphics. The core mechanic — expanding special symbol during free spins — is identical in both versions. Book of Ra Deluxe is the version most commonly available at NZ online casinos.
### Q: How is Book of Ra Deluxe different from Book of Dead?
A: Both use the same expanding-symbol-in-free-spins mechanic and were clearly inspired by the same template. Book of Dead (Play’n GO) has a higher base RTP (96.21% vs 95.02%) and a slightly more modern design. Book of Ra Deluxe originated the mechanic and remains the original. The gameplay experience in free spins is functionally very similar.
### Q: Can the expanding symbol be the Book itself?
A: Yes. The Book of Ra can be randomly selected as the special expanding symbol for a free spins session. Since the Book also acts as Wild, having it as the expanding symbol means it both substitutes for other symbols and expands across full reels — which can produce very large wins if three reels fill with Books on the same spin.
Playing Book of Ra Deluxe at NZ casinos
Book of Ra Deluxe returns 95.02% over the long run. This is below the 96%+ common benchmark for modern online pokies and well below recent titles from the same category — though still above the 78% statutory minimum required at NZ land-based venues. The lower RTP reflects the game’s origins as a land-based cabinet designed before online video slot RTP standards were established. At the NZ$0.10 minimum bet, the 4.98% house edge produces an expected hourly loss of approximately NZ$1.99 at 400 spins. At the NZ$100 maximum bet that rises to approximately NZ$1,992. Players choosing Book of Ra Deluxe over a higher-RTP alternative accept a measurably higher cost per session.
High volatility is consistent with the expanding symbol genre — the 10-payline structure and single-feature free spins round mean session outcomes depend heavily on which symbol is selected as the expanding special symbol and how often it appears across multiple reels during the round. Sessions where the Explorer symbol expands across three or more reels repeatedly are strong; sessions where the selected symbol barely appears are not. Extended base game runs between triggers and free spins rounds with modest expanding symbol hits are the expected norm across most sessions.
The 5,000x maximum win requires the highest-paying expanding symbol to fill multiple reels simultaneously during free spins with all 10 paylines active. At NZ$0.10 per spin it represents NZ$500; at NZ$100 it represents NZ$500,000. Expected hourly cost at the NZ$0.10 minimum is approximately NZ$1.99; at NZ$0.50 approximately NZ$9.96.
If you are playing more than you intended or chasing losses, seek support early. Visit our responsible gambling page for NZ resources and free helpline services.
Q: What is the RTP of Book of Ra Deluxe?
A: Book of Ra Deluxe has an RTP of 95.02%. This means for every NZ$100 wagered over many sessions, the game returns an average of NZ$95.02 to players and keeps NZ$4.98 as the house edge. At NZ$0.10 per spin and approximately 400 spins per hour, the expected hourly loss is approximately NZ$1.99. Check the in-game information panel at your specific casino to confirm the RTP setting in use — some casinos apply lower settings.
Q: Is Book of Ra Deluxe available at NZ casinos?
A: Yes. Book of Ra Deluxe by Novomatic is available at reviewed NZ casinos on this site. Check individual casino reviews for the current game library — availability can change as operators update their game catalogues.
Q: What is the maximum win on Book of Ra Deluxe?
A: The stated maximum win is 5,000x your stake. At NZ$0.10 per spin this would be NZ$500.00. Maximum win figures represent the theoretical ceiling under optimal conditions — they are statistical outliers that occur rarely across millions of spins, not typical session outcomes.