Overview
Starburst is a 5-reel, 10-payline video slot developed by NetEnt and released in 2013. It has consistently ranked among the most popular slots on most major casino platforms for over a decade — a testament to its simple, effective design rather than complex mechanics.
The game features a colourful space/gemstone theme with symbols including bars, sevens, and brightly coloured gemstones on a dark cosmic background. The absence of a free spins round or bonus game is notable — Starburst's appeal lies almost entirely in its expanding wild mechanic.
Expanding Wild Feature
The key feature of Starburst is its Starburst Wild symbol, which appears on reels 2, 3, and 4 only. When a Starburst Wild lands on any of these reels, it expands to cover the entire reel and triggers a re-spin. Re-spins continue as long as new Starburst Wilds land, meaning it is theoretically possible to have all three middle reels covered simultaneously for a maximum multiplier on every active payline.
Starburst pays in both directions (left to right and right to left), which means any payline win across the reels is evaluated in both directions — effectively doubling the coverage of each payline.
RTP & Volatility Analysis
At 96.09%, Starburst's RTP is above the industry average of approximately 95.5% for licensed online casino slots. This means that over millions of spins, the game theoretically returns £96.09 for every £100 wagered — though short-session results will vary enormously.
The low volatility classification means the game pays out more frequently but with smaller individual wins. This makes Starburst suitable for players with smaller bankrolls or those who prefer longer sessions with steady action rather than infrequent large wins.
Maximum win: 500x the stake per spin. This is modest compared to high-volatility modern slots, which frequently offer 5,000x–25,000x max wins — but it is consistent with the lower-volatility model that Starburst represents.
Bet Range
Starburst typically offers a bet range of £0.10 to £100 per spin, with 10 paylines always active. The minimum per-payline bet is £0.01 and the maximum is £10. Specific bet limits may vary by casino.
Is There a Starburst Demo Available?
Yes — Starburst is one of the most commonly offered demo slots at online casinos. Many UKGC and MGA licensed casinos allow you to play Starburst in demo (free play) mode without registration. Check the casinos listed below for availability.
Suitable For
- Players new to online slots who want a simple, low-risk introduction
- Casino bonus wagering — Starburst is frequently on the eligible games list and contributes 100% to wagering at most casinos
- Players who prefer frequent smaller wins over infrequent large hits
- Players who enjoy a clean, uncluttered slot with a fast gameplay pace
Where to Play Starburst
Starburst is available at most major licensed online casinos. We recommend these verified operators:
