Starburst Slot Review

Starburst is one of the best-known online slots ever made. NetEnt released it in 2012, and more than a decade later it is still a fixture in the lobby of almost every UK casino. The formula is simple: five reels, ten paylines that pay both ways, bright gemstone symbols and one signature feature, the expanding Starburst Wild. In this Starburst slot review we explain how the game works, what you can win, who it suits and where you can play it safely in the UK.

Starburst at a Glance

How to Play Starburst

Starburst is one of the easiest slots to learn, which is a big part of its appeal. All ten paylines are always active, so the only choice you make is how much to bet per spin. You set your stake with the bet level and coin value, then press spin. Winning combinations need three or more matching symbols on a payline, starting from the leftmost or the rightmost reel. Because wins pay in both directions, you will see more frequent small wins than on a standard left-to-right slot.

The paytable is built around seven symbols. Five coloured gems (purple, blue, orange, green and yellow) form the lower and middle tier. The gold bar and the red lucky 7 are the top paying symbols, with five bars paying the highest line win in the game. There are no scatter symbols and no free spins round, which keeps the game fast and easy to follow.

The Starburst Wild Feature

The heart of the game is the Starburst Wild. This multicoloured star can land on reels 2, 3 and 4 only. When it does, it expands to cover the whole reel and stays in place while the other reels re-spin once. If another Wild lands during the re-spin, it also expands and gives you another re-spin. With Wilds on all three middle reels, you can get up to three re-spins in a row.

Wilds substitute for every symbol, and because they cover entire reels, a single expanded Wild often creates several winning lines at once. Three expanded Wilds together, combined with matching gold bars or 7s on the outer reels, is how you reach the maximum win of 500x your stake.

RTP, Volatility and Maximum Win

Starburst has a return to player of 96.09%, which is in line with the industry average. In theory, the game pays back £96.09 for every £100 wagered over a very long period. Your results in a single session can be much higher or lower than this figure.

The volatility is low. That means wins come often but are usually small, and long dry spells are rare. This makes Starburst a good choice if you want to stretch a modest budget or play for entertainment. The flip side is the limited top prize: 500x your stake is low compared to modern high volatility slots such as Dead or Alive, which can pay many thousands of times your bet.

Graphics, Sound and Mobile Play

The space theme, glowing jewels and arcade-style soundtrack still look and sound sharp, even next to much newer releases. The game was rebuilt in HTML5, so it runs smoothly in the browser on iPhone, Android phones and tablets as well as on desktop. You do not need to download an app. Read our guide to mobile slots in the UK for tips on playing on your phone.

Playing Starburst in the UK

UK-licensed casinos must follow the rules of the UK Gambling Commission, and these apply to Starburst as well:

• Autoplay and turbo or quick-spin features are not allowed, and each spin must last at least 2.5 seconds.
• The maximum stake on online slots is £5 per spin for players aged 25 and over, and £2 per spin for players aged 18 to 24.
• Casinos must verify your age and identity before you can play, also in demo mode.

The game itself is the same as elsewhere: the RTP, the paytable and the Starburst Wild feature are unchanged.

Starburst Free Spins and Bonuses

Because it is so popular and has low volatility, Starburst is one of the games most often used for free spins offers. Many welcome packages include free spins on Starburst, and some casinos run no deposit free spins on it as well. Since January 2026, wagering requirements on UK casino bonuses are capped at 10x, which makes these offers easier to clear than before. Compare current offers on our free spins bonus page.

Tips for Playing Starburst

There is no strategy that changes the outcome of a spin, because every result is decided by a random number generator. You can, however, play in a way that suits the game:

• Set a budget first: decide how much you want to spend before you start and stick to it.
• Pick a stake that fits your bankroll: low volatility means steady play, so smaller stakes let you enjoy more spins.
• Try the demo: playing for free is a good way to get used to the both-ways paylines and the Wild re-spins.
• Use free spins offers: Starburst is a common free spins game, so check the bonus terms and the game list.

Is Starburst Worth Playing?

Starburst has earned its reputation. It is easy to understand, fast, and the expanding Wild re-spins add just enough excitement to keep each session interesting. The low volatility makes it a relaxed game rather than a jackpot hunt. Players looking for bigger thrills might prefer Starburst XXXtreme, the high volatility sequel NetEnt released in 2021, or other classics such as Gonzo’s Quest and Twin Spin.

Our verdict: Starburst is still one of the best entry-level slots online. It is the ideal first game for new players and a reliable choice for anyone who prefers frequent small wins over high risk.

Where to Play Starburst

You can play Starburst at almost every casino that offers NetEnt games. See our list of the best NetEnt casinos, or browse more titles on our online slots page. Always check that a casino holds a valid licence before you deposit, and read our guide to gambling with real money for more safety tips.

Play responsibly. Set limits, take breaks and never play with money you cannot afford to lose. For free and confidential support, visit BeGambleAware.org. 18+ only.

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Starburst FAQ