Starburst Slot Review by NetEnt
A space-age NetEnt classic where the Expanding Wild fills a reel and triggers a respin
Starburst Ratings
Starburst has been rated by our slots review team and scores an awesome 83% based from the category ratings overall.
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Starburst Slot Overview
Starburst is one of the best-known online slots ever made. NetEnt released it on 24 January 2012, and it still sits in casino lobbies around the world.
The game is set in space. Jewels, golden bars and lucky sevens glow against a cosmic backdrop. The soundtrack is catchy, and the reels are easy to follow.
The star of the show is the Starburst Wild. It expands to cover a full reel and gives you a free respin. There are no free spins or bonus rounds, so the game stays simple.
We checked the key figures on NetEnt’s own website on 15 October 2026. Where they differ from our original review, we’ve used NetEnt’s numbers.
Starburst at a Glance
| Developer | NetEnt |
| Released | 24 January 2012 |
| Layout | 5 reels, 3 rows |
| Paylines | 10 |
| RTP | 96.08% |
| Hit frequency | 23% |
| Max payout | 800x your bet |
| Bet range | €0.10 to €100 |
| Main feature | Expanding Wilds with Respins |
| Free spins | None |
| Mobile | Yes, built to work on phones and tablets |
What Changed Since Our Last Review
Some of the numbers on our old review no longer match NetEnt’s website. Here are the main updates:
| Detail | Our old review | NetEnt today |
|---|---|---|
| RTP | 96.01% | 96.08% |
| Top payout | 50,000 coins | 800x your bet |
| Bet range | $0.01 to $1.00 per line | €0.10 to €100 per spin |
| Hit frequency | Not listed | 23% |
The bet range is the same idea in a different form. A €0.10 minimum equals one cent on each of the 10 lines. We’ve used NetEnt’s figures throughout this page.
How Starburst Plays
Starburst is a 5-reel, 3-row slot with 10 paylines. You need matching symbols on a line to win. Our original review also noted that wins pay in both directions, which gives you extra chances.
Wins land often, and most are small. A hit frequency of 23% means roughly one spin in four or five returns a win. That makes the game easy on your bankroll.
You pick your stake before you spin. Then the reels do the rest. There is no complicated paytable to learn first.
Symbols and Paytable
The reels use five coloured gems and two classic symbols. Our original review listed the gems as purple, blue, red, green and yellow. The green and yellow gems paid the most, at 50x and 60x for five on a line.
The top symbols are the lucky Seven and the golden Bar. Three or more on an active payline give a decent win. The Starburst Wild stands in for all other symbols.
| Symbol | What to know |
|---|---|
| Starburst Wild | Expands to fill the reel and triggers a respin |
| Seven and Bar | The highest paying symbols |
| Green and yellow gems | The best paying gems (original review) |
| Purple, blue and red gems | The lower paying gems |
Check the in-game paytable for exact payouts. They can vary with your bet level.
The Expanding Wild and Respin
NetEnt describes the Starburst Wild as a symbol of galactic power. Whenever it lands, it expands to cover the whole reel. It then substitutes for all paying symbols to help you match paylines.
Each Expanding Wild also triggers a respin. You get another chance to land symbols, with the wild held in place.
Our original review said wilds appear only on reels 2, 3 and 4. It also said a second wild on a respin expands again and gives another respin, up to three in total.
Why Starburst Is So Popular
Starburst has kept its fans for well over a decade. There are a few good reasons for that.
- Simple rules: you can learn the game in a minute.
- Frequent wins: the 23% hit frequency keeps the action moving.
- Low stakes: a small minimum bet suits a careful budget.
- Great look: the glowing gems still look sharp today.
Many casinos also use Starburst in welcome offers. Our original review noted that Cobra Casino offered Starburst free spins with its welcome bonus. Offers change, so check the current terms before you sign up.
Bet Range and Volatility
NetEnt lists a minimum bet of €0.10 and a maximum of €100. That covers casual players and bigger spenders alike.
Our original review called Starburst a low variance slot. In practice, you can expect many small wins and few huge ones. NetEnt’s own page doesn’t give a volatility rating, so treat this as our earlier view.
The 800x top payout is modest next to many modern slots. Starburst is built for fun and steady play, not jackpot hunting. Our guide to RTP and online slots explains how these numbers fit together.
Starburst on Mobile
Our original review mentioned Starburst Touch, a mobile version with the same features. Today the main game is built to work on phones and tablets.
The simple layout suits a small screen well. The buttons are big, and the reels are easy to read. You can switch between devices without losing the feel of the game.
Tips for Playing Starburst
- Try the demo first: most casinos let you play for free.
- Choose a small stake: the frequent wins reward patient play.
- Watch reels 2, 3 and 4: that’s where the wilds land.
- Set a budget: decide your limit before you start.
- Check the RTP: casinos can use different versions of a game.
For more ideas, read our online slots tips.
Who Is Starburst Best For?
Starburst suits new players and anyone who likes a calm, colourful game. It’s also a good pick if you enjoy the classic fruit machine look with a modern twist.
It’s a good fit if you:
- Like simple slots: no bonus rounds to follow.
- Prefer frequent wins: small prizes keep the balance steady.
- Play on a budget: low stakes stretch your funds.
If you want free spins or a huge top prize, look elsewhere. Our guide to best paying slots is a good place to start.
How to Play Starburst Step by Step
- Open the game: choose the demo or real money mode.
- Set your bet: pick a coin value and bet level that fits your budget.
- Spin the reels: wins are checked on all 10 paylines.
- Watch for the star: a Starburst Wild on reels 2, 3 or 4 expands.
- Enjoy the respin: the wild stays in place while the other reels spin again.
The whole game runs on this one loop. That’s why it feels so smooth. You never have to wait long for something to happen.
Understanding RTP and Hit Frequency
An RTP of 96.08% means the game is designed to return about $96.08 for every $100 played. That’s over a very long time, though, not in one session.
The 23% hit frequency tells you how often a spin lands a win. Roughly one spin in four or five should pay something. Many of those wins will be smaller than your stake.
Together, these numbers explain why Starburst feels gentle. It pays often, but it rarely pays big. If you want to compare it with other games, check the RTP and hit frequency on each studio’s website.
Playing Starburst Responsibly
Starburst is fast. Spins take only a few seconds, so it’s easy to lose track of time and money. A few habits help:
- Set a deposit limit: decide it before you start playing.
- Use a timer: take a break every 30 minutes or so.
- Don’t chase losses: a quiet run is normal for any slot.
- Keep it fun: stop when it stops being enjoyable.
Low stakes don’t remove the house edge. Treat your balance as the cost of entertainment, and never play with money you need.
Other NetEnt Slots to Try
NetEnt has a large catalogue. If you enjoy the polish of Starburst, try Secrets of Atlantis for an underwater adventure. You’ll find more of the studio’s games on the NetEnt page linked near the top.
Our original review also linked to a page on video slots for readers who want more classic and modern titles.
Is Starburst Worth Playing?
Yes, if you want a gentle, good-looking slot with regular wins. The Expanding Wild and respin are easy to understand and fun to watch.
The main drawbacks are the lack of free spins and the modest 800x top payout. High-roller players may find it too quiet.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- 96.08% RTP
- 23% hit frequency
- Expanding Wilds with respins
- Low minimum bet
- Simple and easy to learn
Cons
- No free spins or bonus round
- Modest 800x top payout
- Quiet for high-volatility fans
- Wilds only on three reels
Our Verdict
Starburst is a space-age classic that has aged well. The Expanding Wild and respin keep the action smooth, and the 96.08% RTP is slightly above the online average. It won’t give you a huge jackpot, but it’s a relaxing slot with regular wins. Try the demo and see if it suits you.
Starburst FAQs
Who made Starburst?
NetEnt made Starburst. It was released on 24 January 2012.
What is the Starburst RTP?
NetEnt lists the RTP as 96.08%.
Does Starburst have free spins?
No. The main feature is the Expanding Wild, which triggers a respin.
What is the maximum payout?
NetEnt lists a maximum payout of 800x your bet.
What is the minimum bet?
NetEnt lists a minimum bet of €0.10 and a maximum of €100.
How many paylines does Starburst have?
It has 10 paylines on a 5-reel, 3-row grid.
Can I play Starburst for free?
Yes. Many casinos offer a demo version, often without registration.
Slots are meant to be fun, so always set a budget before you play. For tips on staying in control, visit our responsible gambling page.
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