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Quick verdict: Starburst is NetEnt’s classic space-gem slot and still one of the most played games online. It’s low volatility with a 96.09% RTP: wins come often but stay modest, with a 500x maximum. Its one feature, the expanding Starburst wild with re-spins, is simple and fun, which makes it a great slot for relaxed play and for clearing bonuses.
Where we play Starburst
1win is our top-rated casino (9.9/10), with thousands of slots and a crypto withdrawal that took 15 minutes in our test.
Play at 1win18+. T&Cs apply. Not available in every country. Game libraries vary, so search the lobby for Starburst.
Starburst at a glance
| Provider | NetEnt |
|---|---|
| Layout | 5 reels, 3 rows |
| Paylines | 10, paying both ways |
| RTP | 96.09% |
| Volatility | Low |
| Max win | 500x your stake |
| Main feature | Expanding wilds with up to 3 re-spins |
| Free spins | None |
18+. T&Cs apply. Check that online gambling is legal where you live.
How Starburst works
Wins pay on 10 paylines in both directions, left to right and right to left, which is why wins land so often. Symbols are colourful gems, a bar and a seven, which pays the most.
The Starburst wild feature
The Starburst wild can land on reels 2, 3 and 4. When it does, it expands to fill the whole reel, stays in place and gives you a free re-spin. Each new wild that lands during a re-spin does the same and adds another re-spin, up to 3 in total. Filling all three middle reels is how you reach the 500x top prize.
RTP and volatility
The 96.09% RTP is above average, and the low volatility means your balance moves slowly in both directions. That makes Starburst popular for wagering bonuses and free spins offers, which often use it.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Frequent wins thanks to both-ways pays | 500x max win is low |
| Simple, polished and quick to learn | No free spins round |
| Good RTP of 96.09% | Can feel repetitive over long sessions |
| Ideal for bonus wagering |
Tips
- Use it for bonus wagering, where steady low-volatility play helps your balance last.
- Don’t expect big jackpots: it’s built for entertainment, not huge wins.
- Look for free spins offers on Starburst, which is a common choice for welcome bonuses.
Like simple NetEnt slots without free spins? Try Twin Spin, where linked reels can grow to cover all five reels.
Starburst vs Starburst XXXtreme and similar slots
Starburst came out in 2012 and NetEnt has since built sequels on it. The best known, Starburst XXXtreme (2021), keeps the expanding wilds but adds random multipliers and high volatility, which lifts the top prize from 500x to 200,000x. If you like the original because it is calm, the sequel is a very different game.
| Slot | Provider | Volatility | RTP | Max win |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starburst | NetEnt | Low | 96.09% | 500x |
| Starburst XXXtreme | NetEnt | High | 96.26% | 200,000x |
| Twin Spin | NetEnt | Medium | About 96.6% | 1,080x |
| Fire Joker | Play’n GO | Medium | 96.15% | 800x |
Who Starburst suits
Starburst suits beginners, players who want long sessions on a small budget, and anyone clearing a bonus wagering requirement. It is a poor fit if you are chasing a big win: the 500x cap is low next to modern slots. For bigger swings, see our high volatility slots; for the best long-run return, see our highest RTP slots.
Where to play Starburst
Our first choice is 1win (9.9/10), which paid our test crypto withdrawal in 15 minutes. BitStarz (9.5/10) is a good alternative. Starburst is in almost every NetEnt lobby, so it is easy to find, but some casinos run lower RTP versions, so check that the info screen shows 96.09%. Compare more options in our casino reviews.
Starburst FAQs
What is the RTP of Starburst?
96.09%.
What is the max win on Starburst?
500x your stake.
Does Starburst have free spins?
No. Its feature is the expanding wild, which gives up to 3 re-spins.
Is Starburst low volatility?
Yes. It pays small wins frequently.
Why does Starburst pay both ways?
Its 10 paylines pay from left to right and right to left, which doubles the ways to land a win.
When was Starburst released?
NetEnt released Starburst in 2012.
What is the difference between Starburst and Starburst XXXtreme?
XXXtreme (2021) is high volatility with random multipliers and a 200,000x max win. The original is low volatility with a 500x max win.
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18+. T&Cs apply.
Check your local laws before you play
Online gambling laws differ from country to country, and in some places it is restricted or not permitted at all. Before you sign up to any casino listed on UltraGambler, check that online gambling is legal where you live and that the casino accepts players from your country. You must be 18 or older (or the legal gambling age in your country, if higher) to play. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose, and use the deposit limits and self-exclusion tools your casino provides if gambling stops being fun.
