Why Is the Book of Ra Such a Popular Slot Game?

The online gambling market is booming right now. In 2019, the industry amassed revenues of over $55 billion and it’s projected to continue its skyward trajectory in the coming years, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.5% between 2020 and 2026.

Slots comprise a large proportion of that success, with many new titles emerging on a weekly basis. But despite the proliferation of competitors, it’s a revamped classic which has been dominating the popularity charts. Although the original game was first launched over 15 years ago, the Book of Ra Deluxe version is still going strong today. So what makes this game so popular with slots aficionados? 

Ancient Egyptian theme

Home to the Great Sphinx and the Pyramids of Giza, Egypt has always held a special place in the imaginations of people all across the globe. Indeed, it’s visited by almost 15 million tourists every single year, while movies like The Mummy and Cleopatra are universally loved around the world.

What the Book of Ra does so well is tap into that enthusiasm for all things Egyptian by framing its theme around the subject. With an intrepid explorer, a pharaoh and a scarab among the game symbols, hieroglyphic-style font used for all lettering and vivid visuals, it effectively transports players to another time and place, adding another dimension to their fun while playing.  

Keeping it simple

Another of the Book of Ra’s chief selling points is its simplicity. This is a draw that’s common to most slots; despite (or perhaps because of) the fact that they involve less skill and more luck than most casino table games, they’re a hugely popular choice among online gamers.

Instead of having to spend hours learning the rules and perfecting the techniques associated with poker, baccarat or other card games, slots like the Book of Ra keep things simple. Once a player has grasped how the paylines work, what wilds mean and how bonuses can be triggered, it’s merely a case of specifying how much you want to wager on each spin and playing until your heart’s content.

Special features

Finally, the Deluxe edition of the game has enjoyed such widespread popularity due to the special features and upgrades it has been given. Not only have the visuals been sharpened and the sound effects improved, but the gameplay itself has been given something of a makeover. For starters, there is now an additional payline compared to the classic version of the game, bringing the total number of possible combinations up to 10. 

Bonuses have also been enhanced, with better pay-out potential and the possibility to receive up to 10 free spins. The jackpot associated with the Explorer symbol also adds some spice to proceedings; if a player successfully lines up five Explorers along a payline, they can walk away with a huge windfall. Finally, the addition of expanding symbols and the ability to gamble your bonus winnings right away make the Book of Ra a volatile and hugely enjoyable slot for all comers.