Starburst Slot Review

A. Antonova

Since 2017, Anisia has been sharing her iGaming expertise with readers of CasinoGamesPro.com. Her work covers comprehensive reviews of casino favourites like slots, roulette, blackjack, and video poker, along with thorough assessments of payment options, mobile casino platforms, and leading online casinos.

(editor) | Updated: 2025-08-22 13:24:27

Starburst by NetEnt is one of the most recognisable online slots ever released, attracting newcomers and veteran players alike since its 2012 debut. With its simple 5×3 layout, 10 fixed paylines that pay both ways and an eye-catching arcade-style design, the game delivers fast-paced, low-volatility gameplay suited to any bankroll. Starburst Wilds trigger expanding re-spins, keeping the action flowing without the need for complex bonus rounds. Thanks to its low minimum stake and a generous 96.09% RTP, the slot remains a top pick across thousands of casinos and continues to influence modern game design.

Starburst Pros and Cons

• Pros
  • Win-both-ways mechanic doubles the number of potential winning lines
  • Expanding Starburst Wilds with up to 3 consecutive re-spins
  • Low volatility provides frequent, steady payouts
  • Playable from just €0.10 per spin – ideal for casual gamers
  • High-quality visuals and iconic electronic soundtrack enhance immersion
• Cons
  • No dedicated free-spins bonus round
  • Relatively low maximum win of 500× stake
  • Simple gameplay may feel repetitive for feature hunters

Starburst Theme & Symbols

Starburst transports players to a vibrant section of outer space where radiant gemstones float against a backdrop of nebulae and shooting stars. The game’s focus on colourful jewels evokes the classic arcade era while still feeling modern, thanks to smooth animations and neon highlights. Symbols gleam as if lit from within, and any winning combination releases a burst of light, reinforcing the slot’s cosmic atmosphere. Though the concept is straightforward, the polished execution has helped Starburst remain an enduring favourite among slot enthusiasts.

Visuals & Audio

Every spin bathes the reels in a celestial glow, with polished 3D gems spinning smoothly before locking into place. When the Starburst Wild expands, prismatic beams shoot across the screen accompanied by slow-motion effects, creating a moment of suspense. The soundtrack blends soft ambient pads with retro arcade bleeps, rising in tempo whenever a re-spin is triggered. Subtle bass drops and chimes punctuate wins, offering satisfying feedback without overwhelming the senses. Together, visuals and audio produce an addictive, almost hypnotic experience.

Symbols

Low-Paying Symbols: Purple Amethyst, Blue Sapphire and Orange Citrine award the smallest returns.
High-Paying Symbols:

• Green Emerald
• Yellow Topaz
• Red-and-Gold Seven (7)
• Classic BAR

The multicoloured Starburst Wild appears only on reels 2, 3 and 4, substitutes for all regular symbols and expands to cover the entire reel while awarding up to three sequential re-spins.

Starburst Payout Table

How to Play Starburst Slot

Start by selecting your coin value (€0.01–€1) and the number of coins per line (1–10), resulting in total stakes from €0.10 to €100 per spin. Hit the circular Arrow button to spin once, or use Autoplay for up to 1,000 uninterrupted rounds with optional loss or win limits. All wins are awarded left-to-right and right-to-left across the 10 fixed paylines. When a Starburst Wild lands on reels 2, 3 or 4, it expands to fill the reel, substitutes for all symbols and triggers a free re-spin. A maximum of three re-spins can occur in succession, potentially filling the middle reels entirely with wilds for the game’s top payout of 500× stake.

Tips & Strategies for Starburst

• Because of its low volatility, Starburst suits extended play on smaller budgets; prioritise lower stakes to maximise re-spin opportunities.
• Use the Autoplay advanced settings to cap single-round wins and overall losses, ensuring responsible session control.
• The game’s biggest wins combine expanded wild reels with high-value Bar or Seven symbols on reels 1 and 5; consider slightly higher bets only after a bankroll cushion has been established.
• Take advantage of casino free-spin promotions on Starburst; bonus spins allow real-money wins on a low-risk basis.
• Remember that no strategy alters the RTP—focus on entertainment value, setting win and loss limits before you start.

Starburst Slot FAQ

What is the RTP of Starburst?

The theoretical return to player is 96.09%, which is slightly above the industry average for low-volatility slots.

Does Starburst have a free-spins bonus round?

No. Instead, expanding Starburst Wilds award up to three consecutive re-spins, which serve as the game’s primary bonus feature.

Can I play Starburst on mobile?

Yes. NetEnt’s Touch version is optimised for iOS and Android devices, delivering smooth gameplay in both portrait and landscape modes.

What is the maximum win in Starburst?

The highest possible payout is 500 times your stake, achievable by filling reels 2, 3 and 4 with wilds while landing BAR symbols on the outer reels.

Is Starburst a high-volatility slot?

No. It is classified as low volatility, meaning you can expect frequent but smaller wins, making it ideal for longer, more relaxed sessions.

Final Verdict

Starburst’s timeless arcade aesthetic, straightforward mechanics and low-risk gameplay explain why it remains a staple of every quality online casino lobby. While feature-hungry players may crave more complexity, the slot’s expanding wild re-spins and win-both-ways paylines keep the action engaging and accessible. With its generous 96.09% RTP, broad betting range and flawless mobile performance, Starburst is undoubtedly worth a spin for anyone seeking quick, vibrant entertainment.