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The cosmic-themed Starburst slot, released in 2012, remains one of the most iconic and widely played titles from the multi-award-winning developer NetEnt. Even after more than a decade, its vibrant visuals, fast-paced gameplay with expanding wilds, and a solid 96.09% RTP have helped it maintain its position as one of the most popular slots online today.
In this Starburst slot review, we’ll break down everything that makes this timeless classic shine, from its standout features and symbol payouts to its re-spin mechanic and accessible bonuses. We’ll also highlight a few alternative slots with similar gameplay and share expert tips on how to improve your profitability and get the most enjoyment out of every spin.
“Starburst is one of our favorite slots from NetEnt. We love the traditional symbol layout and top quality graphics, and at a minimum of $0.10 per spin, it’s a great game for slot beginners.”
What are the Best Features and Drawbacks of Starburst?
The NetEnt Starburst slot game remains one of the developer’s most iconic and widely played titles, appearing at many of the best online slot casinos. Its frequent payouts, vibrant visuals, high RTP, and fast-paced gameplay have made it a fan favorite for years. However, even this classic isn’t without its flaws. Below, we break down the biggest strengths and weaknesses of the game.
Pros
- Expanding wild symbols
- Both ways pay mechanic
- Low volatility promises frequent wins
- Diverse betting ranges from $0.10 to $100
Cons
- Low volatility means big wins are rarer
Starburst Slot RTP, Paylines, Bet Sizes & Volatility
The Starburst slot machine for real money features a dependable RTP of 96.09%, which sits almost exactly at the industry average. Its low volatility makes it a perfect choice for beginners and casual players who prefer frequent, smaller wins over high-risk, high-variance gameplay.
Starburst features 10 fixed paylines that pay both ways from left to right and right to left, effectively doubling your winning chances on every spin. While the paylines can’t be altered, the flexible coin values and bet levels allow for a wide wagering range, from $0.10 up to $100 per spin.
How To Play The Starburst Slot Machine
One of the main reasons players enjoy the Starburst casino slot is the ease of play. We have included a step-by-step guide below to show you how to get started.
Place your wager
Find Use the on-screen controls to set the amount you want to start with. The slot Starburst accepts minimum bets from $0.10 per spin, but you can also play for $100.
Press spin
Once the bet amount is set, you must press the spin button to get started. The Starburst online slot also has an auto-spin feature that you can use to make continuous spins.
Observe the outcome
The last step is to watch as the reels come to rest, revealing the winning symbols. Now, you can adjust your bets or wager the same amount and take another spin.
And that’s it. Learn more about slot gameplay in our detailed guide on how to play online slot machines.
5 Quick Tips to Win on The Starburst Video Slot
Despite what some Starburst slot game reviews might claim, there’s no guaranteed way to win at any slot. While we share some general slot strategies and bankroll tips elsewhere, this section focuses specifically on how to make the most of your Starburst experience. These practical suggestions can help you play smarter, stay in the game longer, and enjoy a more responsible and rewarding session every time you spin.
Tip #1: 100 Spin Minimum
In Starburst, the most rewarding moments happen when expanding wilds appear and trigger re-spins, creating the potential for several consecutive wins. Since these high-paying sequences don’t occur every few spins, it’s wise to manage your funds carefully and have a starting balance for at least 100 spins. You’ll inevitably pick up smaller wins along the way, so you’ll get more than 100 spins, but your starting balance should always allow for a minimum of 100.
Tip #2: Have a Goal
Setting a clear winning goal helps keep your gameplay focused and fun. Aim for a reasonable target, such as 1.5x to 3x your starting balance, depending on your budget and risk tolerance. Once you reach that goal, take your profits and walk away. Starburst’s low volatility makes it easy to get caught up in frequent small wins, so knowing when to stop is key to staying in control and enjoying responsible play.
Tip #3: Adjust Bet Levels
Starburst offers flexible betting options, allowing you to tweak your coin value and bet level at any time. If you’re on a cold streak, lowering your bet can extend your playtime and help manage your bankroll. After a good run or a few lucky wilds, consider raising your stake slightly to capitalize on momentum. Just remember to increase gradually, and it’s a good idea to set a maximum stake level per session.
Tip #4: Take Breaks Regularly
It’s easy to get drawn in by Starburst’s fast pace and flashing lights, but taking regular breaks can help you stay focused and in control. Step away from the screen every 30 or so minutes to clear your mind and reset your perspective. This habit enables you to avoid impulsive bets, manage fatigue, maintain a more balanced, and most importantly, keep the gaming enjoyable rather than feel like a chore.
Tip #5: Take Advantage of Bonuses and Free Spins
Since Starburst is one of the most popular NetEnt slot games, it’s frequently included in casino welcome offers and free spin promotions. Before you deposit, check for sites that give Starburst free spins or matched bonuses, it’s one of the easiest ways to play longer without risking extra money. Just remember to read the terms and wagering requirements before claiming any offer.
Starburst Storyline
Starburst slot play is straightforward. It takes you through a cosmic journey, searching for treasure in the form of gems plastered on the display. These eye-piercing graphics have made Starburst a household name with many bettors, and players also enjoy the nostalgic techno soundtracks.
Graphics, Sounds, & Animations
As mentioned in this Starburst slot review, this game has some of the most enjoyable online graphics. The soundtrack complements the overall look and feel of the game. Unsurprisingly, Starburst was launched in 2012 but still ranks well on the popularity scale compared to recent titles. You can enjoy it seamlessly on mobile and desktop, giving you more control of when and where to play.
Starburst Casino Game Slot Symbol Values
The Starburst video slot is beaming with colorful symbols. You will see gems, gold bars, and even the iconic Lucky 7s here. Naturally, Lucky 7s and gold bars have the most generous payouts when you play the Starburst slot, but even gems are valuable too.
Starburst RTP Paylines
The Starburst slot RTP is provided in ranges. Here is what payouts look like for the different levels.
| Symbol | How Many on Payline | Winning Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Lucky 7 | 3 | 25 |
| Lucky 7 | 4 | 60 |
| Lucky 7 | 5 | 120 |
| Gold Bar | 3 | 50 |
| Gold Bar | 4 | 200 |
| Gold Bar | 5 | 250 |
Medium-Level Starburst RTP Paylines
Medium-level RTP provides a slightly lower payout, as shown in the table below.
| Symbol | How Many on Payline | Winning Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Red Gem | 3 | 7 |
| Red Gem | 4 | 15 |
| Red Gem | 5 | 40 |
| Green Gem | 3 | 8 |
| Green Gem | 4 | 20 |
| Green Gem | 5 | 50 |
| Yellow Gem | 3 | 10 |
| Yellow Gem | 4 | 25 |
| Yellow Gem | 5 | 60 |
Low-Level Starburst RTP Paylines
Finally, here is what low-level RTP paylines look like when you play the Starburst online casino game.
| Symbol | How Many on Payline | Winning Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Purple Gem | 3 | 5 |
| Purple Gem | 4 | 10 |
| Purple Gem | 5 | 25 |
| Blue Gem | 3 | 5 |
| Blue Gem | 4 | 10 |
| Blue Gem | 5 | 25 |
Special Features of the Starburst Online Slot
Starburst slot games have exciting features that make them stand out from the rest. Don’t get us wrong, the features are not as many or as innovative as some of the latest slots, but they are enough to keep you fully entertained.
Starburst RTP ranges
The RTP can range from 90.05% to 99.06%, depending on how you play the Starburst online slot. Generally, the average RTP is recorded as 96.09%. Couple this with low volatility play, and you have a game perfect for players looking for small, frequent wins.
Starburst Free Spins
All right, the heading might be slightly misleading. There are no Starburst free spins, no deposit or otherwise. But the game does offer respins when expanding Wilds appear on the three middle reels, giving the chance of Starburst free slot play. When this happens, the wild symbol expands and freezes on the reel, and all the other reels re-spin, giving you the opportunity for extra wins.
Starburst Casino Game Features
Although Starburst offers straightforward gameplay, there are still plenty of features that make it stand out from other titles and add excitement to each spin. Here is a quick introduction to each of these features.
Starburst Lucky 7’s
This is the highest-paying symbol available in the game. If you want to see how rewarding this symbol is at no cost, you can try the Starburst casino app game for free on our site.
Starburst Gold Bars
The second high-value symbol on the Starburst online slot is the gold bars. Substantial rewards await players lucky enough to collect gold bars on the display.
Starburst Wilds
Wild symbols appear on the three middle reels, that is 2,3 and 4. Like other online casino games, Wilds replace all other symbols to complete winning paylines.
Starburst Expanding Wilds
When wilds appear in Starburst, they expand to cover the entire reel, completing more winning paylines. The expanding wild locks the reel in place, initiating respins.
Starburst Free Respins
This feature locks expanding wilds in place and respins all the other reels. If another wild comes up and expands in the spinning reels, you will get another respin. This can go on for three consecutive spins.
What Players Have to Say About Starburst Online
When looking at player feedback for the Starburst online slot, most opinions lean strongly positive. Many players praise the “win both ways” mechanic, which allows payouts from both left to right and right to left, giving more frequent wins and a steady flow of action. The high hit rate is another highlight. Players often mention that Starburst lets them enjoy longer, more engaging sessions without their balance disappearing too quickly, unlike many higher-volatility games.
On the downside, some players note that the absence of a dedicated bonus round or free spins feature makes Starburst feel a little dated compared to newer releases. While the gameplay is smooth and satisfying, the limited win potential is also mentioned as a drawback, especially when compared to modern slots that feature progressive jackpots or payouts worth thousands of times the stake.
To Starburst vs Starburst XXXtreme
An upgraded version of Starburst, Starburst XXXtreme, is available. This game adopts many of the features of the original but features higher volatility and the potential for bigger payouts. Let’s compare these games below.
| Starburst Slot | Starburst XXtreme Slot |
|---|---|
| Volatility Level – Low | Volatility Level – High |
| RTP% – 96.09% | RTP% – 96.26% |
| No of Reels – 5 | No of Reels – 5 |
| Number of Paylines – 10 | Number of Paylines – 9 |
| Minimum and Maximum Stakes – $0.10 – $100 | Minimum and Maximum Stakes – $0.10 – $50 |
| Date Of Release – 2012 | Date of Release – 2021 |
Starburst Slot Demo Play
Before you play the Starburst slot game for real money, it’s wise to test it out in demo mode first. Playing Starburst for free gives you a feel for its pace, symbols, and mechanics while helping you understand how often wins occur — valuable insight before wagering real funds. This hands-on practice lets you make better, more confident decisions when it’s time to switch to real-money play.
You can try the demo version at the top of this Starburst slot review, directly on the official NetEnt website, or at most online casinos with NetEnt slot games , many of which offer free play options alongside real-money versions.
Similar Online Slots to Starburst
The Starburst online slot is a timeless favorite, but even the best games can feel repetitive after a while. If you’re ready to switch things up, here are three exciting alternatives that capture the same fast-paced, visually stunning, and rewarding gameplay that made Starburst such a hit.
Twin Spin
This is another NetEnt game released in 2013. Twin Spin features medium to high volatility and offers a 1080x maximum win. The fruit-themed slot has several rewarding symbols, but the diamond carries the most generous promise, paying out 1000 coins if you get five on the reels at the same time.
Gonzo’s Quest
Inspired by the story of Gonzalo Pizzaro, this video slot takes you through a journey for the Eldorado. Along the way, you will pick various symbols like blue, green, yellow, and purple stone faces. Gonzo’s Quest features the thrilling cascading reels mechanic and increasing multipliers, which all make for an enjoyable gaming experience.
Cosmic Fortune
As you might have guessed, this game has a space theme, just like the slot machine Starburst. But unlike Starburst, Cosmic Fortune has five jackpots, three of which are progressive. In addition, the best features here include an avalanche feature, two bonus games, free falls, and wild substitutions.
Can I Play Starburst on Mobile?
Yes, you can play the Starburst slot machine for real money on mobile devices. Whether you’re using Android or iOS, the game has been fully optimized to work on mobiles and works flawlessly. There are no differences in mechanics to the game, and it plays as it would on a desktop computer.
The touchscreen controls are responsive and intuitive, the graphics remain crisp and colorful, and the space-themed animations burst to life on smaller screens. With quick loading times and seamless gameplay.
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FAQs
Where can I find Starburst casino deposit-free spins?
How many paylines does Starburst have?
Does Starburst have free spins bonuses?
Can I play Starburst in demo mode?
Can I play Starburst on my mobile device?
What is the average RTP % return of Starburst?
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What progressive jackpots are available on Starburst?
What makes this slot unique compared to other NetEnt slots?
Playing Starburst Should Be Fun – Play Responsibly
Playing Starburst, or any other slot machine game, should not come at the expense of your overall health. You must ensure that you play responsibly and only commit what you can comfortably afford to lose on any online casino games. Several resources are available to help you achieve this if you feel you need help.
Starburst Slot Machine Review 
