Introduction: Starburst – Where Classic Meets Cosmic
Few slots in the online casino universe have enjoyed the universal acclaim and enduring popularity of Starburst. Launched by NetEnt in 2012, Starburst quickly rose to legendary status, becoming a favorite for NZ players of all levels – especially beginners, casual spinners, and those seeking fast-paced gaming with frequent, low-risk excitement. Renowned for its vibrant visuals, signature expanding wilds, and “win both ways” system, Starburst is a staple on hundreds of global and local casino sites, including those tailored for Australian, NZ and Canadian audiences.
In this exhaustive expert review, you’ll discover what makes Starburst the go-to slot even in 2025. From RTP and volatility insights to gameplay mechanics, features, mobile optimization, this review is crafted to fit international markets.
Game Overview & Core Data
| Feature | Starburst Slot Details |
|---|---|
| Developer | NetEnt |
| Release Year | 2012 |
| Reels/Rows | 5 reels, 3 rows |
| Paylines | 10 (fixed, pays both ways) |
| RTP | 96.09% (varies by operator) |
| Volatility | Low to Medium |
| Max Win | 500x your bet (per spin) |
| Min/Max Bet | $0.10 / $100 |
| Jackpot | None (fixed payout) |
| Highlight | Expanding Wilds & Re-Spins |
| Platform | Desktop, iOS, Android |
Starburst’s appeal lies in its cosmic theme, simple layout, and streamlined play. It’s easy to launch, intuitive to play, and delivers entertainment in short bursts.
Gameplay, Mechanics & Features
Getting Started
Launching Starburst, you’re greeted by a universe of glowing jewels and arcade-like visuals. Here’s what makes it tick:
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5×3 grid with 10 paylines (fixed).
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To score a win: align 3, 4, or 5 symbols on a payline – wins count both from left-to-right and right-to-left.
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Fixed paylines mean every spin uses all lines, maximizing win potential.
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Bets adjustable from $0.10 to $100 per spin, catering to all budgets.
Core Features at a Glance
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Win Both Ways: Payouts occur starting from reel 1 (leftmost) OR reel 5 (rightmost).
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Expanding Starburst Wilds: When a Wild lands on reels 2, 3, or 4, it expands to fill the reel and earns a free re-spin. Up to three consecutive re-spins possible.
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Autoplay: Where allowed, set up to 1,000 auto-spins with advanced settings for win/loss stop limits.
Paytable & Symbol Breakdown
Starburst stands out with dazzling symbols that are easy to follow:
High-Paying Symbols
| Symbol | Payout (5x) |
|---|---|
| BAR | 250x bet/line |
| 7 | 120x bet/line |
Gem Symbols
| Symbol | Payout (5x) | Color |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow Gem | 60x | Yellow |
| Green Gem | 50x | Green |
| Orange Gem | 40x | Orange |
| Blue Gem | 25x | Blue |
| Purple Gem | 25x | Purple |
Special Symbols
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Starburst Wild (Rainbow Star):
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Appears only on reels 2, 3, and 4.
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Expands to fill the reel, substitutes for all symbols.
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Triggers a free re-spin (up to 3 wild reels at once).
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Key Paytable Facts
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Starburst’s highest single line payout is with five BAR symbols: 250x your bet per line.
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The theoretical maximum win per spin (with optimal wilds and symbol placement): 500x your total bet.
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There are no scatters, separate bonus rounds, or free spins—simple, streamlined mechanics.
Win Both Ways: How Starburst Rewrites the Rules
Traditional slots only pay left-to-right from the first reel. Starburst pays both ways, doubling your chance of regular wins:
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Matches starting on either side are paid out.
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Increases hit frequency and excitement, especially useful with expanding wilds in the centre.
This “win both ways” model makes Starburst especially attractive for beginners and those who enjoy frequent payouts.
Starburst Wilds & Re-Spins Feature
The heart and soul of Starburst’s gameplay is the signature wild & re-spin mechanism:
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When a rainbow Starburst Wild lands (on reels 2, 3, or 4)…
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The wild expands to fill the entire reel with wilds.
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Triggers a free re-spin, with the wild reel locked in place.
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During re-spins, if additional wilds land, the feature continues (maximum of three wild-filled reels and three consecutive re-spins).
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Big win potential:
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Multiple wild reels often create several wins at once, thanks to both-ways payouts.
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With three wild reels in play, it’s possible to win across nearly every payline (and from both directions!).
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No traditional free spins: The re-spin function effectively replaces this, with frequent triggers to keep gameplay lively.
RTP, Volatility & Payout Analysis
| Feature | Value/Range |
|---|---|
| RTP | 96.09% (most common) |
| Other RTPs | 95.05%, 94.05%… depending on casino |
| Volatility | Low to Medium |
| Max Win | 500x bet (per spin) |
| Hit Rate | ~22.6% (one win every 4-5 spins) |
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RTP 96.09%: Slightly above average. Check your casino’s settings for possible alternate versions (lower RTPs for certain regions).
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Low-Medium Volatility: Expect frequent, smaller wins. Bankrolls generally last longer, with fewer “cold” streaks.
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Payouts: Occur regularly with the biggest surges during wild/re-spin features. The max of 500x is modest compared to high-volatility games, making Starburst ideal for session-based, casual play.
Mobile Experience & Accessibility
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Fully optimized on iOS, Android & desktop: The 5×3 grid adapts seamlessly to smaller screens.
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Touch controls: Spin, max bet, and settings adapted for mobile use.
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Fast loading: Even on older devices or limited internet connections, gameplay remains snappy and smooth.
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Widespread availability: Nearly every casino (including major Australian/Canadian brands) features Starburst in both demo and real money formats, along with free spin promotions.
Visuals, Audio & User Experience
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Dazzling gems, smooth animations: Each symbol is crisply rendered; wild activations come with vibrant animations, arcade lighting, and sound effects that create a joyful “BIG WIN” buzz.
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Cosmic soundtrack: The audio experience is ambient and energetic, enhancing the slot’s space theme and keeping you drawn in per session.
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Minimal interface: Simple UI elements; users can change bet, coin value, and access the paytable with one tap or click.
Who Should Play Starburst?
Starburst is tailored for:
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Beginners: Accessible mechanics, instantly understandable layout.
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Budget-conscious players: Low minimum bets and high hit frequency stretch your bankroll.
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Volume players & bonus hunters: Both-way wins and frequent bonus triggers suit higher-volume, lower-risk play.
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Mobile-first spinners: Excellent touch-responsive interface.
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Loyalty/free spin chasers: Starburst is the #1 pick for casino free spins and welcome bonuses worldwide.
Pros & Cons Table
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| One of the most-played online slots ever | No traditional free spins or jackpot |
| Iconic design and dazzling, modern graphics | Max win (500x bet) is modest |
| Frequent wins with both-way paylines | No bonus games beyond wild re-spins |
| Expanding wilds & re-spin feature is exciting | RTP can be lower in some jurisdictions |
| Available on all devices, at most casinos | Simple style may not appeal to thrill seekers |
| Perfect for new players, low learning curve | Older players may seek more complexity |
Starburst vs Similar Slots (Comparison Table)
| Feature | Starburst | Gonzo’s Quest | Book of Dead |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reels/Rows | 5×3 | 5×3 | 5×3 |
| Paylines | 10 (both ways) | 20 (left-to-right) | 10 (choose) |
| RTP | 96.09% (check) | 95.97% | 96.21% (check) |
| Volatility | Low/Medium | Medium/High | High |
| Max Win | 500x | 2,500x+ | 5,000x |
| Bonus Features | Expanding wilds | Avalanche spins | Expanding symbol spins |
| Free Spins | No (re-spins only) | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Optimized | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Playing Tips & Winning Strategies
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Understand the volatility: Starburst is for frequent, smaller wins—not massive jackpot chases.
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Bankroll wisely: Low volatility means longer playing sessions are possible, so set a session budget and look for gradual bankroll growth.
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Seek bonus spins: Many casinos offer free spins (especially on registration) for Starburst—take advantage!
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Maximize wilds: The biggest wins come from expanding wilds on multiple reels; hope for chained re-spins to fill the center three reels.
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Demo play: Try Starburst for free at most sites before investing real money, especially to get a feel for the flow of wins.
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Know the RTP: Always check the version at your chosen casino—higher is better for your returns.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Starburst available on mobile?
Absolutely! All features, visuals, and gameplay are perfectly preserved on mobile devices (iOS, Android, tablets).
What is the RTP of Starburst?
The most common RTP setting is 96.09%, but always check your casino for lower or higher versions, which can affect your long-term payout.
Does Starburst have free spins?
No traditional free spins – instead, enjoy up to three re-spins triggered by expanding wild reels each time a wild lands on reels 2, 3, or 4.
What is the maximum win?
The max possible win on Starburst is 500x your total bet, typically achieved by stacking premium BAR symbols across the reels with wilds in play.
Is Starburst fair and safe?
Yes – Starburst is by NetEnt, one of the most trusted studio names in online gaming, fully licensed and RNG-certified.
Why is Starburst so popular?
Because of its simplicity, dazzling graphics, fast gameplay, and frequent, low-risk wins. It’s also among the most generous slots in casino promotions globally.
Final Expert Verdict
Starburst remains an essential, evergreen slot choice in 2025 for every online casino site. Its cosmic graphics, expanding wild re-spin features, “win both ways” paylines, and low-volatility appeal deliver something unique—maximum accessibility, beautiful design, and pure slot satisfaction.
Whether you’re a casino beginner, loyalty bonus hunter, mobile player, or just in search of slot fun that never becomes stale, Starburst is a must.
Verdict:
Simple, satisfying, and spectacularly designed—Starburst shines bright as a slot that will keep dazzling new and returning players for years to come.