RTP:RTP, return to player, shows in percentages how much players can expect to win on average from a slot machine. Example: if an RTP for a slot machine is 98%, a player who wagers £100 can expect to win back £98.96.09%
Volatility:Volatility indicates how often players can expect a payout from a slot machine. Slots with low volatility payout more often, however, the amount of the payout is generally smaller. With high volatility slot games, payouts happen less frequently but do tend to be bigger.Low
Type:Video slot
Max win:The max win is the highest possible win you can achieve when playing a slot. Max wins are usually expressed as a multiplier. Example: If you bet £1 per spin and the max win is 5,000x, you can win up to £5,000.500x
Min bet:£0.10
Max bet:£100
Hit frequency:The hit frequency indicates how often a slot machine will award a winning combination. For instance, a slot machine with a hit frequency of 10% will theoretically land on a winning combination 10% of the time.N/A%
Paylines:A payline defines the way in which winning symbols can be combined for a win. Paylines can line up in horizontal, vertical, diagonal or even zigzag patterns for a win. The exact patterns are dependent on the slot machine in question.10
Starburst by NetEnt is a classic slot released in 2012, known for its simple yet vibrant design, engaging gameplay, and low volatility. This slot features a 5-reel, 3-row setup with 10 paylines, offering wins both ways—left to right and right to left. What makes Starburst unique is its expanding wilds and re-spin mechanic, which delivers a fast-paced experience despite the lack of complex bonus rounds. It’s ideal for casual players or those who enjoy low-risk spins with the potential for frequent, smaller wins.
Starburst: Standout Feature
The standout feature in Starburst is the expanding Starburst Wilds. These symbols appear on reels 2, 3, and 4, and when they land, they expand to cover the entire reel and trigger a re-spin. If another wild lands during the re-spin, it will expand as well, offering another re-spin. This can happen up to three times, with all expanded wilds locked in place for the duration. The feature brings excitement by turning what would be a standard win into a more rewarding sequence.
Starburst RTP Information
Starburst’s RTP is set at 96.09%, which is average for the industry. It’s important to remember that the RTP can vary based on where you play:
RTP variables are selected by the casino operator. For example, if you play Gonzo’s Quest at Swiper Casino, the RTP is 95.97%. If you play Gonzo’s Quest at William Hill, the RTP is just 90.7%. Read more about RTP variables.
Starburst: Expanding Wild Feature
The Expanding Wilds in Starburst only land on reels 2, 3, and 4. When a wild lands, it expands to cover the reel and triggers a re-spin, giving players another chance to land more wilds or winning combinations. If another Starburst Wild lands during the re-spin, it expands and another re-spin is awarded, stacking up the potential for significant wins. The feature ends once no additional wilds land. With up to three re-spins possible, this mechanic can lead to substantial payouts, especially when the reels fill with high-paying symbols.
Reels, Rows, and Paylines
Starburst’s layout is straightforward:
Reels: 5
Rows: 3
Paylines: 10 (pay both ways)
Symbols
Starburst’s symbols include sparkling gems, which make up the lower-value symbols, and the higher-paying BAR and 7 symbols.
Wilds: The Starburst Wild, which expands and triggers re-spins.
Scatters: There are no scatter symbols in this game.
Payouts: The BAR is the highest-paying symbol, offering 250x your stake for a full payline.
Volatility
Starburst is a low-volatility slot, which means that while the payouts are smaller, they occur frequently. This slot is more about consistent smaller wins than rare, large jackpots, making it ideal for players who enjoy longer play sessions with fewer risks.
Mobile vs. Desktop
Starburst runs seamlessly on both desktop and mobile casino platforms. The game is fully optimised for play on iOS and Android devices, maintaining its smooth animations and engaging design across all devices without losing any functionality.
About NetEnt – The Creator of Starburst
NetEnt is one of the most respected developers in the iGaming industry, known for producing high-quality, innovative slot games. With titles like Starburst, Gonzo’s Quest, and Dead or Alive, NetEnt has set industry standards in terms of design, gameplay, and reliability. Learn more about NetEnt online casinos and games.
Starburst Comparison
Slot Name
Max Win
RTP
Main Feature
Score
Starburst
500x
96.09%
Expanding Wilds & Re-spins
8/10
Book of Dead
5,000x
96.21%
Free Spins with Expanding Symbols
9/10
Gonzo’s Quest
2,500x
95.97%-96%
Avalanche Reels with Multipliers
9/10
Twin Spin
1,080x
96.55%
Linked Reels
7/10
Verdict on Starburst
Starburst remains a popular choice due to its simplicity and classic appeal. While the game lacks complex features like free spins or bonus rounds, the expanding wilds and re-spin feature offer enough excitement for casual players. However, the low volatility and modest max win of 500x may not appeal to VIP casino players, high-rollers or players looking for high-risk, high-reward gameplay. For fans of simple slots with vibrant visuals, Starburst is a timeless pick.
FAQs for Starburst
What is the RTP of Starburst?
The RTP of Starburst is 96.09%, though this can vary depending on the casino.
Is Starburst available for mobile play?
Yes, Starburst is fully optimised for both iOS and Android devices.
How many paylines does Starburst have?
Starburst features 10 paylines that pay both ways—left to right and right to left.
What is the volatility of Starburst?
Starburst is a low-volatility slot, meaning players can expect frequent, smaller wins.
What is the maximum win potential in Starburst?
The maximum win in Starburst is 500x your stake.
Does Starburst have a free spins feature?
No, Starburst does not offer a traditional free spins feature. Instead, the game focuses on its expanding wilds and re-spin mechanic.
Can I play Starburst for free?
Yes, many online casinos offer a demo version of Starburst where you can play for free.
Sam Taylor is our Slots Expert here at Gamblingauthority. He has vast experience from behind the scenes with game development with his previous roles at Microgaming, Yggdrasil and Evolution Gaming.
