Book of Ra Magic, How to Play
Book of Ra Magic is a video slot game developed by Novomatic. It is based on the classic Book of Ra theme, set in ancient Egypt, and uses a traditional 5-reel, 3-row layout with 10 fixed paylines. The game is known for its high volatility and a free spins feature with expanding symbols.
This guide explains the core mechanics, symbols, and features of Book of Ra Magic. It provides a practical overview for understanding the game's rules and structure before playing.
Basic Game Rules and Layout
Book of Ra Magic is played on a grid of 5 reels and 3 rows. There are 10 fixed paylines, which means all 10 lines are active on every spin. A win is achieved by landing three or more matching symbols on a payline, starting from the leftmost reel and moving consecutively to the right. The game includes standard slot controls for setting your bet and initiating spins.
The key objective is to trigger the Free Spins feature by landing three or more Book scatter symbols. During the base game, the central reel (reel 3) can randomly transform into a full stack of a single Mystery symbol, which can lead to higher wins.
Starting a Game Session
Follow these steps to begin playing Book of Ra Magic.
- Set your total bet. The bet per spin is the coin value multiplied by the 10 fixed paylines. The minimum total bet is €0.10, and the maximum is €100.
- Review the paytable to understand symbol values and special functions. The paytable is accessible from the game interface.
- Initiate a single spin using the spin button, or use the autoplay function to set a predetermined number of automatic spins.
- Wins are calculated automatically and added to your balance. Pay attention to the central reel for the random Mystery symbol transformation.
- If three or more Book scatter symbols land anywhere on the reels, the Free Spins feature is triggered.
- After any win, you may have the option to play the Risk game to potentially double your winnings.

Symbols and Paytable
The symbols in Book of Ra Magic follow an ancient Egyptian theme. The highest paying standard symbol is the Archaeologist. The Book acts as both a scatter and a wild symbol. Below is a simplified paytable based on available information, showing the multiplier for five-of-a-kind wins on a payline. Wins are calculated by multiplying the symbol's value by the line bet.
| Symbol | Payout for 5 on a payline |
|---|---|
| Archaeologist | 500x |
| Book (Scatter/Wild) | Varies (triggers features) |
| Egyptian Deity | 200x |
| Scarab | 100x |
| Sarcophagus | 75x |
| Card Symbols (A, K, Q, J, 10) | Lower values |
Bonus Features and Triggers
Book of Ra Magic has three main features: Free Spins, a Mystery symbol, and a Risk game.
Free Spins with Expanding Symbols: Landing three or more Book scatter symbols anywhere on the reels triggers 10 free spins. Before the round begins, one regular symbol is randomly chosen to become a special expanding symbol. During free spins, if this symbol lands, it expands to cover all three positions on its reel. If the free spins are retriggered by landing more scatters, an additional symbol is chosen to expand. Up to nine different symbols can become expanding symbols through retriggers.
Mystery Symbol on Central Reel: In the base game, the third reel can randomly turn into a full stack of a single Mystery symbol. When this happens, all symbols on that reel become identical, increasing the chance of forming winning combinations.
Risk Game (Gamble Feature): After any win, you may choose to gamble it in a double-or-nothing card guessing game. A correct guess doubles the win, while an incorrect guess forfeits it.
Betting, Volatility, RTP and Bankroll
The total bet per spin in Book of Ra Magic ranges from €0.10 to €100. This is controlled by adjusting the coin value. The game has high volatility, meaning wins can be less frequent but potentially larger when they occur. The theoretical return to player (RTP) is 95.05%.
Due to the high volatility, a sustainable bankroll strategy is important. Players should consider setting a loss limit and choosing a bet size that allows for a sufficient number of spins to experience the game's features. The maximum potential win is 5,000 times the stake.
Game Evolution and Place in the Book of Ra Series
The Book of Ra Magic slot is a specific iteration within a long-running series of games from Novomatic. The original Book of Ra slot was first released for land-based casino cabinets in 2005, establishing the core theme and mechanics. Over the years, this classic has spawned numerous sequels and variants, including Book of Ra Deluxe, Book of Ra 6 Deluxe, and Book of Ra Mystic. Book of Ra Magic, released in 2018, represents a deliberate evolution of this formula rather than a complete reinvention. It retains the foundational 5-reel, 3-row grid and 10-payline structure that defines the series, ensuring familiarity for players who have enjoyed earlier versions.
This title distinguishes itself from other entries in the series through specific feature enhancements. While the original game's free spins round with a single expanding symbol is iconic, Book of Ra Magic builds upon it by allowing for the potential of up to nine different expanding symbols during the bonus. Furthermore, it introduces a dedicated Mystery symbol that appears exclusively on the central reel, a mechanic not present in the foundational release. These changes are designed to increase the potential for significant wins within the bonus round, directly addressing player desire for higher payout ceilings within the familiar Egyptian adventure framework.
Comparing key statistics across the series highlights its positioning. The developer's default Return to Player (RTP) for Book of Ra Magic is 95.05%. This figure sits between the RTP of some other variants, such as the original Book of Ra's reported 92.13% and Book of Ra Deluxe's 96.00%. Its high volatility profile aligns with the series' reputation for less frequent but potentially larger wins. The maximum win potential is advertised as 5,000 times the player's stake, a figure that sources indicate can be achieved through the enhanced free spins feature. This positions the game as a modernized take aimed at players seeking the classic experience with amplified bonus round mechanics.
The visual and auditory presentation of Book of Ra Magic also follows the series' established aesthetic. It utilizes a classic, somewhat retro visual style that reflects its origins in physical slot machines, featuring golden tones, hieroglyphic details, and an archaeological site backdrop. The sound design remains minimal and effective, with dramatic cues for significant events. This consistent presentation across the franchise creates a strong brand identity, allowing players to instantly recognize the game's heritage. The deliberate choice to modernize gameplay mechanics while preserving the iconic look and feel demonstrates a strategy of incremental evolution for a dedicated fan base.
Understanding this context is important for players. Book of Ra Magic is not a standalone title but part of a broader ecosystem. Its value proposition hinges on offering a refreshed version of a proven classic, with tweaks aimed at increasing engagement during the bonus rounds. For players new to the series, it serves as a contemporary entry point with slightly more feature complexity than the 2005 original. For veterans, it provides a variation on a beloved theme with the potential for expanded symbols to create more dynamic winning combinations during free spins, all while operating within the well-understood parameters of high volatility and fixed paylines.
Key Terms Glossary
- Payline: A line across the reels where matching symbols form a winning combination. Book of Ra Magic has 10 fixed paylines.
- Scatter Symbol: The Book symbol. It pays independently of paylines and triggers the Free Spins feature when three or more land.
- Expanding Symbol: A symbol chosen during free spins that expands to cover an entire reel when it lands, creating more win opportunities.
- Volatility: Describes the frequency and size of payouts. High volatility, as in this game, means less frequent but potentially larger wins.
- RTP (Return to Player): The theoretical percentage of all wagered money a slot pays back to players over time. The default is 95.05%.
- Mystery Symbol: A symbol that can transform the entire central reel into one identical symbol during the base game.
Book of Ra Magic: questions and answers
How do I trigger free spins in Book of Ra Magic?
Free spins are triggered by landing three or more Book scatter symbols anywhere on the reels. This awards 10 free spins and selects a random expanding symbol.
What is the maximum win in Book of Ra Magic?
The maximum win potential is 5,000 times your total stake.
Can I adjust the number of paylines?
No. Book of Ra Magic has 10 fixed paylines that are always active during play.
What is the Mystery symbol feature?
During the base game, the central reel (reel 3) can randomly transform into a full stack of a single Mystery symbol, which can help create winning combinations.
What does high volatility mean for gameplay?
High volatility indicates that wins may be less frequent but can be larger. It requires a bankroll that can withstand potential periods without significant wins.
Is the RTP always 95.05%?
The developer's default RTP is 95.05%. However, some online operators may choose to run a version of the game with a different RTP, so it is advisable to check the game information at your playing site.