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Released in 2012, the Starburst slot pairs a 96.09% RTP with expanding wilds and a five-reel layout. Its low volatility means you’ll see frequent, smaller wins rather than large swings.
This review covers the game’s symbols, features, and RTP, along with practical tips for managing your play. You can also compare it with similar slots.
“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
Starburst has a 96.09% RTP and low volatility, with expanding wilds as its main feature. Check the payline and bet-size details shown below before you play, since the RTP describes the theoretical return over many spins, not a guaranteed result in your session.
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
There’s no strategy that can guarantee a win on the Starburst video slot. You can set a budget, choose a stake that fits it, and stop when you reach your limit. The tips below focus on managing your session, not predicting spins or changing the game’s odds.
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 has a simple storyline built around spinning reels and gem symbols. You won’t follow a character or a plot, so the focus stays on matching symbols and triggering expanding wilds.
Graphics, Sounds, & Animations
Starburst’s graphics centre on brightly coloured gems, while its electronic soundtrack gives the game a distinct audio style. You can play the same slot on mobile or desktop, with the visual presentation adapted to your screen.
Starburst Casino Game Slot Symbol Values
Starburst’s symbols include gems, gold bars, and Lucky 7s. Their payouts vary by symbol and combination, so use the paytable below to check what each match is worth before you spin.
Starburst RTP Paylines
The table below shows the Starburst RTP figures across the listed payline levels. Compare the displayed values to see how the theoretical return changes between versions.
| 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
This table shows the medium-level RTP and its associated Starburst paylines. The stated RTP is a long-run theoretical figure, not a prediction of what you will win in a single session.
| 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
The figures below show the low-level RTP and corresponding paylines for Starburst. Check the listed value before you play, since a lower RTP means a lower theoretical return over time.
| 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’s defining special feature is its expanding wild symbol, which can cover a reel and trigger re-spins when it lands. The game keeps its feature set simple, so most of the action comes from this mechanic and wins in both directions.
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
Starburst combines expanding wilds and re-spins with wins from left to right and right to left. These mechanics shape the game’s pace, while its straightforward layout keeps the rules easy to follow.
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
Feedback on Starburst often highlights its wins in both directions and frequent smaller payouts. Those mechanics can make sessions feel steady, but they do not guarantee a win or prevent your balance from falling during a losing run.
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
Starburst XXXtreme builds on the original Starburst with higher volatility and the potential for larger payouts. Compare the table below to see how the two games differ in features and risk.
| 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
The Starburst slot demo lets you try its symbols, pace, and expanding-wild mechanic without wagering real money. Use a demo to learn the controls, but remember that practice does not predict future results or change the game’s odds.
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
If you want a change from Starburst, the alternatives below offer similar fast-paced play or vivid visuals. Compare their mechanics with Starburst’s expanding wilds and low volatility to find a different style that suits your preferences.
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. The game is available on Android and iOS, with the same mechanics as the desktop version.
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
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What is the average RTP % return of Starburst?
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What progressive jackpots are available on Starburst?
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Playing Starburst Should Be Fun – Play Responsibly
Set a budget before playing Starburst, and stop when you reach it. You can play responsibly by wagering only what you can afford to lose and seeking support if gambling is affecting your wellbeing.
- Responsible Gambling Council
- National Council of Problem Gambling
- Gamblers Anonymous
Starburst Slot Machine Review 
