Starburst

Starburst overview – the NetEnt icon

The Starburst game was released in 2012 from the NetEnt workshop and has since become the absolute icon of the online casino industry: there is hardly a casino in the world whose lobby lacks it, and it remains the most frequent target of welcome free spins to this day. The secret of its success is elegant simplicity.

The Starburst slot pays on a 5×3 grid across 10 lines – and in both directions, from left to right and from right to left. The starburst wild, landing on the middle reels, expands across the entire reel and triggers a respin, up to three times in a row.

Starburst is available at practically every online casino, in both real-money and free demo mode.

Theme and design

The game blends the aesthetics of retro arcades and outer space: brilliant gems – purple, blue, orange, yellow and green crystals – spin against a deep-purple cosmic background in the company of the classic BAR and seven symbols. The neon-lit animations and the pulsing synth music create a timeless mood that hasn't faded a bit since 2012. Fans say this clean yet captivating look is one of the keys to the slot's everlasting popularity.

Gameplay and mechanics

Starburst runs on 5 reels, 3 rows and 10 fixed lines with both-ways payouts: a combination counts from left to right and from right to left alike, which practically doubles the winning chances. The starburst wild appears exclusively on reels 2, 3 and 4: on landing, it expands across the entire reel, stays in place and triggers a free respin. If another wild arrives during the respin, it expands too and awards another respin – up to three consecutive rounds.

RTP and volatility

Starburst's RTP is 96.09%, in line with the industry average; some operators may run a lower version, so it's worth checking the exact figure on the game's info panel. Volatility is low – one of Starburst's defining traits: the wins are small but frequent, and the both-ways payment makes the hits even denser. It's an ideal choice for beginners, for clearing bonus wagering requirements, and for anyone craving a long, relaxed session.

Jackpot – maximum win

Starburst is not a progressive jackpot slot, and its win ceiling is modest too: at most 500x your bet can be won on a single spin. The biggest payouts are born when two or three reels are covered by expanding wilds and premium symbols land on the remaining positions in both directions.

How to play the Starburst slot

Starburst is the simplest possible entry into the world of online slots – no bonus round, no complicated rules. If you're new to the genre, start with the free Starburst demo, then follow these steps:

1. Pick a reliable online casino from our toplist where the Starburst casino game is available – countless sites give welcome free spins for this slot.
2. Register, complete verification and activate the bonus.
3. Deposit funds using a payment method convenient for you.
4. Open the game and set your bet between €0.10 and €100.
5. Spin and watch for the starburst wilds on the middle reels.
6. You can withdraw your winnings at any time in the casino's cashier menu.

Thanks to the low volatility, Starburst stays enjoyable for a long time even with small bets – the perfect game for calm evenings.

Starburst symbols and payouts table

Payouts are calculated per line, with values expressed as multiples of your bet – and remember: every combination counts in both directions. The BAR symbol is the most valuable, the purple crystal the lowest.

Special features of Starburst

Starburst is built on just two features, but polished them to perfection: the pairing of both-ways payouts and the expanding wild respins delivers a continuous, fast-flowing experience that countless slots have tried to copy since – with little success.

Expanding wilds and respins

The starburst wild, landing on reel 2, 3 or 4, instantly expands across the entire reel, locks in place and triggers a free respin. With the arrival of another wild, the process repeats – up to three respins, when even all three middle reels can be covered by wilds. This is the source of the game's biggest wins.

Both-ways payouts

All 10 of Starburst's lines pay in both directions: a combination counts starting from the leftmost and from the rightmost reel alike. This solution noticeably increases the hit frequency and gives the slot its characteristically dense, fast-flowing rhythm.

Starburst demo mode

The Starburst demo at the top of this page can be tried for free, with no registration or download. The demo runs on a virtual balance; the RTP, the wild mechanics and the payouts exactly match the real-money version. The demo is a great way to feel the game's rhythm and experience how often the expanding wilds arrive – risk-free, before setting off among the stars with real money.

Starburst on mobile devices

Starburst was one of the pioneers of mobile play, and today's HTML5-based version runs from the browser on every iOS and Android device without a separate Starburst app. The clean 5×3 grid and the large, radiant symbols come through perfectly on small screens, and the controls are comfortable with a single finger. The slot can be found in practically every casino's mobile app, with the same account and balance as the desktop version.

How to increase your chances in Starburst – tips for players

Starburst works on a random number generator, so the outcome cannot be influenced – but the low-volatility profile can be used wisely. Advice from experienced players:

• Get to know the game in the free Starburst demo mode before playing with real money.
• Set a fixed budget and enjoy the long, balanced sessions.
• Thanks to the low volatility, Starburst is an excellent choice for wagering through bonuses.
• Hunt for Starburst free spins – this slot is the most common welcome offer.
• Check the RTP on the info panel and choose a casino offering the 96.09% version.
• Don't expect wins above 500x – Starburst is a game of stable, frequent payouts.

And most importantly: the shine of the stars belongs to entertainment – only play as much as feels good.