Introduction: Starburst is an iconic online slot developed by NetEnt, first released in 2012 . It has remained immensely popular thanks to its vibrant gem-themed visuals and simple, exciting gameplay. This Starburst slot game features an outer-space arcade vibe with sparkling jewels and a fast-paced, low-volatility spin experience. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to play Starburst online – from basic mechanics and bonus features to expert tips for how to win at Starburst.
Starburst is played on a 5-reel, 3-row grid with 10 fixed paylines . Uniquely, the paylines pay both left-to-right and right-to-left, effectively doubling your chances to hit winning combinations . You’ll win by landing at least three matching symbols on any payline, and because of the win-both-ways feature, combinations starting from either end count as a win.
The symbols in Starburst are a dazzling array of multicolored gems along with classic slot icons. There are five gem symbols (purple, blue, orange, green, yellow) of various payouts, and two higher-paying symbols: the Lucky 7 and the Gold BAR . The BAR is the top-paying symbol, worth 250x your stake for five on a line . All symbols can appear stacked, increasing the potential for multiple line win at once.
Starburst’s reels feature vibrant gem symbols and pay both ways, creating frequent small wins. The Gold BAR and lucky 7 are the highest-paying symbols, while the Starburst Wild (rainbow star) triggers re-spins.
Starburst doesn’t have a traditional free spins or bonus game round; instead, its signature feature is the Starburst Wild. The wild symbol is a colorful expanding star that can land on reels 2, 3, or 4. When a Starburst Wild appears, it expands to cover the entire reel and substitutes for all other symbols . After expanding, the wild reel locks in place and triggers a free re-spin of the other reels . If another wild lands during the re-spin, it also expands and awards an additional re-spin. You can get up to 3 re-spins in a row if wilds keep appearing .
These rapid re-spins with locked wild reels are where Starburst offers its biggest win opportunities. Because wins pay both directions, a single expanding wild in the middle can generate multiple payline hits at once. While there is no separate bonus round or scatter symbol, the thrill of the expanding wilds and consecutive re-spins keeps gameplay engaging.
Starburst has a Return to Player (RTP) of about 96.09%, which is around the industry average for online slots . Its volatility is low, meaning players can expect frequent but smaller wins during play . This makes Starburst ideal for casual players or those looking to meet wagering requirements, as the bankroll tends to last longer with regular payouts. However, low volatility also implies that huge big wins are less common compared to high-volatility slots.
The maximum win in Starburst is relatively modest – roughly 500x your stake on a single spin . In coin terms, NetEnt lists the max payout as 50,000 coins (which equates to 500x when playing max paylines). Achieving this would require filling the screen with the BAR symbol and Starburst Wilds. While 500x is not a jackpot-level prize by modern standards, Starburst’s gameplay is more about steady wins and entertainment value than massive payouts.
Set Your Bet: Before spinning, adjust your bet level. Starburst allows you to change the coin value and the bet level (number of coins per line) via on-screen controls . The minimum total bet is typically $0.10 (with all 10 lines active) and can go up to $100 per spin at maximum settings . Choose a bet size that suits your budget – remember, low volatility means you can play longer on a smaller bankroll.
Spin the Reels: Click the central Spin button to set the reels in motion . You can also use Autoplay to let the game spin automatically for a chosen number of spins. (Note: Some regions have disabled autoplay .) Each spin will highlight any winning paylines, with flashy arcade-style animations when you win.
Understand Wins: Wins are formed by landing 3 or more matching symbols on a payline. Thanks to the win-both-ways mechanic, a line of matching symbols starting from reel 1 or from reel 5 will pay out . Only the highest win per payline is paid, and multiple line wins in one spin are added together.
Watch for Wilds: Keep an eye on reels 2, 3, and 4 for the Starburst Wild symbol (the multicolored star). When it lands, it will expand to fill the reel and trigger a re-spin . During re-spins, the wild reel stays in place, and other reels spin again, giving you another chance to land wins (or even another wild).
Re-Spins and Big Wins: If you land another Starburst Wild during a re-spin, the process repeats – the new wild expands and awards an additional re-spin, up to 3 consecutive re-spins total . With two or three full wild reels, you have a chance at a significant payout across multiple paylines. After re-spins finish, any wins are added to your balance and the game resumes normal play.
Gamble Responsibly: Because Starburst slot is fast-paced and visually stimulating, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement. Always keep track of your balance and set loss limits or session time limits. Starburst’s frequent small wins can prolong play, but there’s still no guarantee of winning – it’s all random, so play for fun above all.
Take Advantage of Low Volatility: Starburst’s low volatility means it pays out often. While the prizes per win are smaller, this can be great for bankroll management and longer play sessions. If you’re new, use this to your advantage by betting modestly and enjoying the steady action without risking large losses quickly.
Use Casino Bonuses and Free Spins: Many online casinos feature Starburst in their welcome bonuses or free spins promotions (due to its popularity). If you have free spins on Starburst, use them! They’re a risk-free way to familiarize yourself with the game. Just check the terms, as Starburst’s high hit rate might contribute less to wagering (some casinos exclude high-RTP games).
No Complex Features to Learn: A benefit for beginners is that Starburst has no complicated bonus rounds or mini-games. You don’t need to worry about scatter symbols or picking games. Simply focus on lining up those gems and let the wilds do the work. This simplicity is why many consider it a perfect “starter” slot.
Aim for Wilds in Middle Reels: The biggest wins in Starburst come from the expanding wilds. While you can’t control where they land, be aware that getting wilds on reels 2, 3, and 4 is the key to hitting the top payouts. When a wild appears, cross your fingers for another during the re-spin – that’s when the Starburst slot can really shine with back-to-back wins.
Enjoy the Experience: Starburst is designed to be a fun, dazzling experience rather than a life-changing win game. Appreciate the slick graphics, the retro arcade sounds, and the adrenaline burst when the wild expands. If you approach it with entertainment in mind, every session can feel like a win.
One great thing about Starburst is its wide availability. You can play Starburst online at most major licensed casinos worldwide, as it’s often featured front and center in game lobbies. The game was built in HTML5 (NetEnt updated it from older Flash), meaning it runs smoothly on all modern devices. Mobile compatibility is excellent – whether on an iPhone, Android smartphone, or tablet, the game loads quickly and the touch controls are intuitive . The vibrant gems and animations look fantastic even on smaller screens.
When choosing where to play, pick a reputable online casino that offers NetEnt games. Ensure the site is licensed in your jurisdiction. Many sites let you try a Starburst demo for free, which is a good idea if you want to practice without wagering real money. Since Starburst is so popular, you’ll often find bonus offers (like free spins or cashback) tied to it – these can boost your play time.
Finally, always consider the RTP and low volatility in context – Starburst is fair and random, but its high hit frequency means it’s sometimes excluded from bonus wagering or contributes at a lower rate (due to that generous 96% RTP ). Check the casino’s terms if you plan to use a bonus on this game. Overall, if you want a game that’s easy to play on mobile and offers quick, frequent wins, Starburst is a stellar choice.
Pros:
Easy to Play: Starburst’s straightforward mechanics make it very welcoming to new players. There are no confusing features – just spin and enjoy the frequent wins.
Win Both Ways: The pay-both-ways system effectively doubles win opportunities, keeping the gameplay exciting . Regular payouts maintain your bankroll well.
Expanding Wild Re-Spins: The Starburst Wild feature adds bursts of excitement, with chances for big multi-line wins during the re-spins. It’s a simple but thrilling bonus element.
Visual & Audio Appeal: The game’s neon gem graphics and arcade-style sound effects are timeless. Even years later, Starburst’s presentation is polished and engaging .
Mobile Optimized: Runs smoothly on mobile devices, making it perfect for gaming on the go .
Cons:
No Free Spin Round: If you prefer slots with elaborate free spins or mini-games, Starburst might feel lacking. There’s no separate bonus round beyond the wild re-spins.
Lower Max Win: With a max win ~500x bet , Starburst doesn’t offer massive jackpot potential. High-rollers seeking huge payouts might not find it here.
Repetitive for Some: The simplicity means gameplay doesn’t vary much. Once you’ve seen the wild re-spin feature, there are no other surprises or bonus modes.
Overused in Promotions: Some experienced players joke that Starburst is offered so often in free spins promos that it can feel overplayed – though that’s a minor gripe for newcomers enjoying it fresh.
Final Verdict: Starburst remains a classic slot experience that has truly stood the test of time. Its combination of dazzling visuals, smooth gameplay, and a rewarding albeit simple bonus feature makes it a must-try for any slot enthusiast. It’s particularly great for beginners or casual players who want to have fun without complicated rules. While it may not make you a millionaire, Starburst’s charm is in its steady wins and nostalgic arcade excitement. In the world of online slots, Starburst shines brightly as a star that’s easy to play and easy to love.
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