Few slot games have achieved the legendary status that Starburst has in the online casino world. Developed by NetEnt, this iconic slot has captivated millions of players since its release in 2012, thanks to its vibrant cosmic theme, dazzling jewel symbols, and fast-paced gameplay. Starburst stands out for its simplicity, offering a straightforward experience that is easy for newcomers to enjoy yet engaging enough to keep seasoned players coming back for more. The game features a 5-reel, 3-row layout with 10 paylines and a unique “win both ways” mechanic, doubling the chances of landing winning combinations. Its signature expanding wilds, which trigger exciting re-spins, add an extra layer of thrill to every spin. With a player-friendly RTP of around 96.09% and low volatility, Starburst delivers frequent, smaller wins—making it ideal for those who appreciate steady action without complicated bonus rounds. Its universal appeal, stunning visuals, and smooth performance on all devices have solidified Starburst as a must-play classic in any online casino’s lineup.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Slot Title | Starburst |
| Release Date | 2012 |
| Developer | NetEnt |
| Theme | Space, Jewels |
| RTP | 96.09% – 96.1% |
| Volatility | Low |
| Bonus Feature | Expanding Wilds with Re-Spins |
| Multipliers | No traditional multipliers, expanding wilds can create multiple wins |
| Jackpots | No progressive jackpot |
| Min. Max. Bet | 0.10 – 100 (currency may vary by casino) |
| Reels | 5 |
| Rows | 3 |
| Paylines | 10 (pay both ways) |
| Layout | 5x3 |
| Maximum Win | 500x stake or up to 50,000 coins |
| Mobile Compatible | Yes |
| Main Symbols | Gems, BAR, 7, Starburst Wild |
| Special Features | Win Both Ways, Autoplay, Stacked Symbols |
Starburst is designed with simplicity in mind, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and experienced slot players. The game features a classic 5-reel, 3-row grid and offers 10 fixed paylines. One of its standout features is the “win both ways” mechanic, which means winning combinations can be formed from left to right and right to left. This effectively doubles the chances of scoring a win on each spin, creating more excitement with every round.
To play, you simply select your coin value and bet level, which together determine your total wager per spin. The minimum bet is typically 0.10, while the maximum can reach up to 100, depending on the casino. Payouts are awarded for landing three or more matching symbols on a payline, with the highest wins coming from the BAR and lucky 7 symbols.
The Starburst Wild is the game’s special symbol. It appears only on reels 2, 3, and 4. When it lands, it expands to cover the entire reel and triggers a free re-spin. During the re-spin, additional wilds can appear, potentially leading to consecutive wins. There are no traditional free spins or complex bonus rounds, which keeps the gameplay fast-paced and straightforward. The game’s low volatility means wins are frequent, though usually on the smaller side, making Starburst perfect for players who enjoy steady action and easy-to-understand rules.
Starburst transports players into a vibrant cosmic universe, blending the allure of outer space with the sparkle of dazzling gemstones. The game’s backdrop features a mesmerizing nebula with soft, shifting colors that evoke the feeling of floating among the stars. This space-inspired setting is both calming and visually stimulating, setting the perfect stage for the action on the reels.
The symbols are the true stars of the show. Each reel is adorned with brightly colored gems in various shapes and hues, including sapphires, emeralds, amethysts, citrines, and rubies. These symbols shimmer and glow with every spin, adding to the game’s captivating appeal. Classic slot icons like the BAR and lucky 7 are also present, rendered in a sleek, modern style that fits seamlessly with the cosmic theme.
The Starburst Wild symbol is especially eye-catching, bursting with radiant energy and vivid colors when it appears. Animations are smooth and dynamic, with winning combinations lighting up the screen in a satisfying display of light and motion. The overall design is clean and uncluttered, making it easy to focus on the gameplay. Starburst’s visuals have aged remarkably well, maintaining their appeal and clarity on both desktop and mobile devices, which is a testament to NetEnt’s attention to detail and commitment to quality.
Starburst features a captivating audio and soundtrack design that perfectly complements its cosmic theme. The background music is an ambient electronic score with spacey synths and subtle melodies, creating an immersive atmosphere that enhances the feeling of floating through a vibrant galaxy filled with sparkling jewels. Sound effects are crisp and clear, with shimmering tones accompanying winning spins and the expansion of wild symbols. These sounds add excitement without being intrusive, maintaining a balance that keeps players engaged without distraction. The audio design is crafted to support long gaming sessions, providing a soothing yet stimulating auditory experience. Overall, the soundtrack and sound effects of Starburst contribute significantly to the game's charm and appeal, making it a memorable and enjoyable slot experience.
Starburst is famous for delivering straightforward gameplay packed with excitement, thanks to its signature features and bonuses. While it doesn’t offer a complex array of bonus rounds or free spins like some modern slots, Starburst makes up for it with its iconic expanding wilds, re-spin feature, and the unique “win both ways” mechanic. These elements combine to create a fast-paced, rewarding experience that keeps players engaged on every spin. The features are easy to understand, yet they offer plenty of opportunities for impressive wins, especially when wilds land in the right spots. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned slots fan, Starburst’s bonus mechanics are designed to maximize fun and boost your chances of hitting a big payout.
The Starburst Wild is the heart of the game’s excitement. This multicolored star symbol only appears on the three central reels—reels 2, 3, and 4. When it lands, it instantly expands to cover the entire reel, substituting for all other symbols to help form winning combinations. What sets this wild apart is its ability to trigger the game’s main bonus: the re-spin feature.
The expanding wild not only increases your chances of landing a win on the current spin but also locks in place while the other reels respin. If another wild lands during the re-spin, it too expands and locks, awarding yet another re-spin. This process can repeat up to three times in a single round, allowing for multiple wild reels and the potential for substantial wins. The frequency of the wild feature is one of Starburst’s major draws, with a bonus trigger rate of around 8–9%, meaning players can expect to see the wilds and re-spins appear regularly—typically every 12 spins or so. The anticipation builds with each new wild, making every spin feel potentially rewarding and keeping the gameplay lively and engaging.
Starburst’s re-spin feature is directly linked to the expanding wilds and is a core reason for the game’s enduring appeal. Each time a Starburst Wild expands to fill a reel, players are awarded a free re-spin, with the wild reel remaining locked in place. If another wild appears during this re-spin, it also expands and locks, granting another re-spin—up to a maximum of three consecutive re-spins per bonus sequence.
This mechanic creates thrilling moments, as each additional wild increases the chances of forming high-value combinations across the paylines. Since wins pay both ways, the potential for multiple wins in a single sequence is significantly enhanced. The re-spin feature is straightforward, easy to follow, and can deliver impressive payouts, especially when two or three wild reels are locked at once. The excitement of watching wilds stack and the reels spin again is a big part of what keeps players coming back to Starburst.
A standout feature that sets Starburst apart from many other slots is its “win both ways” mechanic. Unlike traditional slots, which only pay for combinations from left to right, Starburst awards wins for matching symbols from both left to right and right to left. This effectively doubles the number of potential winning combinations on every spin, making the game feel more generous and dynamic.
The win both ways feature works seamlessly with the expanding wilds and re-spin mechanics, amplifying the excitement when multiple wild reels are in play. It’s a simple yet powerful addition that increases engagement and keeps the action moving quickly. For players, this means more frequent wins and a consistently entertaining experience, even during shorter sessions. The combination of this mechanic with the other features is a key reason why Starburst remains a favorite among slot enthusiasts worldwide.
Starburst features a straightforward and visually engaging paytable, making it easy for players to understand their potential wins. The game uses a 5-reel, 3-row layout with 10 fixed paylines that pay both ways, meaning winning combinations can be formed from left to right and right to left. To achieve a win, players need to land at least three matching symbols on a payline, starting from either end of the reels.
The most valuable symbol in the game is the BAR, which pays out up to 250x your stake for five on a payline. Next in line is the lucky 7 symbol, offering up to 120x your stake for five of a kind. The game’s gem symbols provide medium to lower payouts: the yellow gem pays up to 60x, the green gem up to 50x, the orange gem up to 40x, and both the blue and purple gems pay up to 25x your stake for five on a payline. These payouts are based on the maximum number of matching symbols and can add up quickly, especially with the win both ways mechanic.
A key special symbol is the Starburst Wild, represented by a radiant, multi-colored star. This wild appears only on reels 2, 3, and 4. When it lands, it expands to cover the entire reel and substitutes for all other symbols, helping to complete or enhance winning combinations. Additionally, the wild triggers the re-spin feature, locking in place while the other reels spin again. Starburst does not include scatter symbols or traditional bonus rounds, keeping the focus on its core mechanics and frequent, smaller wins. The combination of high-value symbols, expanding wilds, and bidirectional paylines ensures that every spin can deliver exciting and rewarding outcomes for players.
Starburst offers a classic slot experience with a strong balance between fun and player-friendly returns. The game’s maximum winning potential is up to 50,000 coins or 500x your stake, which can be achieved by landing the highest value symbols across all paylines, especially when taking advantage of the expanding wilds and re-spins. This top payout, while not as high as some newer or more volatile slots, is still considered generous for a low volatility game and adds a layer of excitement for those chasing bigger wins.
The Return to Player (RTP) percentage for Starburst is 96.09%–96.1%, placing it right at the industry average for online slots. RTP represents the theoretical percentage of all wagered money that a slot will pay back to players over a very large number of spins. For example, with an RTP of 96.1%, a player could expect to get back $96.10 for every $100 wagered in the long run, though actual results will vary in the short term.
Starburst is classified as a low volatility slot. This means the game delivers frequent, smaller wins rather than rare, large payouts. Low volatility is ideal for players who prefer steady action, longer play sessions, and a lower risk of rapid bankroll swings. This combination of a solid RTP, approachable volatility, and a respectable maximum win makes Starburst a favorite among casual and experienced slot players alike.
All users have the opportunity to try the Starburst demo version for free right at the top of this page. The demo mode allows you to experience the full gameplay, features, and vibrant visuals of this popular slot without risking any real money. Playing the Starburst demo is highly recommended, especially for new players or those unfamiliar with the game’s mechanics. It’s the perfect way to get comfortable with the expanding wilds, re-spin feature, and the win both ways mechanic before making a real money deposit. You can experiment with different bet levels, learn how the bonus features work, and develop your own strategies—all in a risk-free environment. Trying the Starburst demo first ensures you know exactly what to expect and helps you decide if this iconic NetEnt slot is the right fit for your playing style.
Starburst is known for its simple, intuitive gameplay that appeals to both newcomers and experienced slot fans. Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to help you get started and make the most of every spin:
1. Launch the Game and Learn the Rules
Begin by opening Starburst at your chosen online casino. If you’re new, it’s wise to try the Starburst demo mode first. Take a moment to review the paytable, which explains the value of each symbol and highlights special features like expanding wilds and the win both ways mechanic. This will help you understand what to look for and how to maximize your wins.
2. Set Your Bet Amount
Adjust your bet size using the controls at the bottom of the screen. You can choose your coin value and bet level, with total bets typically ranging from 0.10 to 100 per spin. If you want to play at the highest possible stake, use the “Max Bet” button for a quick selection.
3. Spin the Reels
Once you’ve set your bet, press the “Spin” button to start the game. The five reels will spin and stop to reveal the outcome. You can also use the Autoplay feature to set a predetermined number of automatic spins, allowing for uninterrupted gameplay.
4. Watch for Winning Combinations
Wins are awarded for landing three or more matching symbols on any of the 10 fixed paylines, paying both left to right and right to left. High-value symbols include the BAR and lucky 7, while colorful gems offer smaller payouts. The more matching symbols you land, the bigger your win.
5. Take Advantage of Special Features
Keep an eye out for the Starburst Wild symbol, which appears on reels 2, 3, and 4. When it lands, it expands to fill the reel and triggers a free re-spin. Additional wilds during re-spins can lead to more locked wild reels and extra chances to win big.
6. Manage Your Session
Monitor your balance and play responsibly. If you’re playing for real money, set a budget and stick to it. Use the demo mode to practice and get comfortable with the game before wagering real cash.
While Starburst is a game of chance, experienced players use a few smart strategies and tips to get the most enjoyment and value from every session. Here are some proven ways to maximize your play and boost your winning potential:
1. Try the Demo First
Always start by playing the Starburst demo. This gives you a risk-free way to get familiar with the game’s features, paylines, and bonus mechanics. Use the demo to experiment with different bet sizes and see how the expanding wilds and re-spins work in practice. It’s a great way to build confidence before you play for real money.
2. Manage Your Bankroll Wisely
Set a clear budget for your session and stick to it. Because Starburst is a low volatility slot, wins come frequently but tend to be smaller. This makes it ideal for longer play sessions with moderate bets. Never chase losses or increase your bets impulsively, instead, enjoy the steady pace and keep your play responsible.
3. Bet for Bigger Wins When You Can
The bigger your bet, the bigger your potential payouts. If your budget allows, consider increasing your stake when you feel comfortable, especially if you’re aiming for the game’s maximum win potential. However, always ensure your bet size matches your bankroll to avoid running out of funds too quickly.
4. Use Casino Bonuses and Free Spins
Take advantage of welcome bonuses, no deposit offers, and free spins promotions. These can extend your playtime and give you more chances to trigger the Starburst wilds and re-spins without extra risk. Many casinos offer Starburst as part of their bonus packages, so look out for these deals.
5. Play All Paylines
Starburst features 10 fixed paylines that pay both ways, so every spin already maximizes your chances of winning. Focus on getting the most value from each spin by adjusting your coin value and bet level, rather than reducing the number of lines.
6. Watch for Hot Streaks and Payout Patterns
While slots are random, some players like to observe the game for “hot” or “cold” streaks. If you notice a series of small wins or frequent wilds, you might choose to increase your bet for a few spins. Just remember, every spin is independent, so always play within your means.
7. Use Autoplay and Quick Spin Carefully
Starburst offers autoplay and quick spin options for faster gameplay. Set limits on the number of spins and loss thresholds to stay in control. Autoplay can be a convenient way to play, but always monitor your balance and take breaks as needed.
8. Know When to Walk Away
Set win and loss limits for each session. If you hit your target or reach your budget limit, take a break or cash out. This discipline helps you avoid chasing losses and ensures your gaming remains fun and entertaining.
By following these tips and strategies, you’ll enjoy a more rewarding and responsible Starburst experience, making the most of every spin and every wild re-spin the game has to offer.
Playing slots like Starburst should always be a fun and entertaining experience, but it’s important to approach gambling with responsibility and awareness. Responsible gaming means setting limits, understanding the risks, and knowing when to take a break. Always set a budget before you start playing and stick to it, never chase losses, and avoid gambling when feeling stressed or upset. Many online casinos offer helpful tools such as deposit limits, loss limits, session time reminders, and self-exclusion options to help you stay in control of your play.
If you ever feel that gambling is no longer enjoyable or is causing harm, there are organizations ready to help. The Responsible Gambling Council (RGC), GambleAware, and the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) provide valuable information, self-assessment tools, and confidential support services. Support groups like Gamblers Anonymous and SMART Recovery offer peer support and practical strategies for those struggling with gambling issues.
Remember, gambling should never come at the expense of your wellbeing or financial security. Use the available tools and seek support if needed to ensure your gaming remains safe and enjoyable. Responsible gaming protects both players and the wider community, helping everyone enjoy slots like Starburst in a healthy, sustainable way7.
The maximum win in Starburst is 50,000 coins or 500x your stake, achievable with the right combination of wilds and high-value symbols.
Wins are formed by landing three or more matching symbols on a payline, with payouts awarded both left to right and right to left, expanding wilds and re-spins can boost your chances.
Yes, when playing Starburst at a licensed online casino with real money, you can win actual cash payouts.
Yes, you can try the Starburst demo version for free, allowing you to experience the game without risking real money.