Starburst slot review
Starburst is a space and gem-themed video slot from NetEnt, released in 2012. It is one of the simplest and best-known online slots, with 10 paylines that pay both ways and expanding Starburst Wilds that trigger re-spins. There is no free spins round, and the top prize is 500x your stake.
Starburst at a glance
| Provider | NetEnt |
|---|---|
| Release date | 2012 |
| Reels and rows | 5 × 3 |
| Paylines | 10 fixed, pays both ways |
| RTP | 96.09% |
| Volatility | Low |
| Maximum win | 500x the stake |
| Stake range | £0.10 – £100 per spin (in Great Britain online slot stakes are capped at £5, or £2 for players aged 18–24) |
| Main feature | Expanding Starburst Wilds with re-spins |
Some casinos offer a lower-RTP version of this game. Always check the RTP in the game’s information screen before you play.
How to play Starburst
- Open the game and choose your stake. All 10 paylines are always active.
- Press Spin. Three or more matching symbols on a payline create a win, starting from either the leftmost or the rightmost reel.
- Watch for Starburst Wilds on reels 2, 3 and 4, which expand and trigger a re-spin.
- Set a budget and a time limit before you start, and take regular breaks.
Bonus features
Starburst Wilds
Starburst Wilds can only land on the three middle reels. When one lands, it expands to cover the whole reel and substitutes for all paying symbols.
Re-spins
Each expanding wild awards a re-spin, with the wild reel held in place. If another wild lands during the re-spin, it also expands and awards a further re-spin. The feature can give up to three re-spins, with all three middle reels wild, and ends when no new wild lands.
Win both ways
Paylines pay from left to right and from right to left, which makes wins more frequent. Only the highest win on each payline is paid.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very simple rules that suit beginners
- Low volatility gives frequent, smaller wins
- Paylines pay both ways
- Runs smoothly on mobile and desktop
Cons
- Top prize of 500x is low compared with many slots
- No free spins round
- Several lower-RTP versions are in use at different casinos
Starburst FAQ
What is the RTP of Starburst?
The standard RTP is 96.09%. Some casinos use a lower-RTP version, so check the game’s information screen.
What is the maximum win?
The maximum win is 500x your stake.
Does Starburst have free spins?
No. The main feature is the Starburst Wild, which expands and awards up to three re-spins.
Is Starburst low volatility?
Yes. Wins tend to be smaller but more frequent than in high-volatility slots.
Can I play Starburst on mobile?
Yes. The game works in the browser on phones, tablets and desktop computers.
18+. Gambling can be addictive. Set limits, take breaks and play responsibly.
