Discover everything you need to know about Starburst, NetEnt’s iconic slot game.
Starburst Demo
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Getting Started with Starburst
Starburst operates on a 5×3 grid with 10 fixed paylines that pay both left-to-right and right-to-left. This dual-payline structure enhances win potential without adding complexity.
Setting Up Your Game
- Choose your bet level (1–10)
- Set your coin value (€0.01–€1.00)
- Total bet = Bet level × Coin value × 10 paylines
- Minimum bet: €0.10
- Maximum bet: €100
Main Controls
- Spin – Starts one spin
- Autoplay – Set up to 1,000 auto-spins (subject to jurisdiction)
- Max Bet – Instantly sets the highest wager
- Fast Play – Speeds up animations
Winning Combinations
Wins occur with 3 or more matching symbols on a payline. The Starburst Wild expands to fill the reel and triggers a free respin.
Wild Feature Mechanics
- Appears only on reels 2, 3, and 4
- When a Wild lands:
- It expands to cover the reel
- Triggers a respin
- Stays locked during the respin
- Up to 3 consecutive respins possible with additional Wilds
Symbol Values (Highest to Lowest)
| Symbol | 5-of-a-Kind Payout (× line bet) |
|---|---|
| BAR | 250x |
| 7 | 120x |
| Yellow Gem | 60x |
| Green Gem | 50x |
| Orange Gem | 40x |
| Blue Gem | 25x |
| Purple Gem | 25x |
Only the highest win per payline is paid. Payouts are based on line bet, not total bet.
Versions and Evolution of Starburst
Original Starburst (2012)
The debut version introduced the neon gem theme, expanding wilds, and both-ways wins. It remains the most widely played version.
Starburst XXXtreme (2021)
- Up to 200,000x max win
- XXXtreme Spins with guaranteed Wilds
- Random multipliers up to 150x
- High volatility
- Maximum bet: €50
Mobile Optimization
Rebuilt with HTML5 in 2014–2015, Starburst became fully responsive across devices with fast load times and intuitive touch controls.
Regional Differences
| Region | Key Difference |
|---|---|
| UK | Max bet £100 |
| Sweden | Autoplay disabled |
| Germany | 5.3s minimum spin duration |
Technical Overview
- RTP: 96.09%
- Volatility: Low to medium
- Grid: 5 reels × 3 rows
- Paylines: 10 fixed (both directions)
- Max Win: 500x stake (not 50,000x)
Contrary to common myths, the original Starburst’s max win is 500x total stake, not 50,000x.
Game Specs
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Hit Frequency | 22.4% |
| Engine | HTML5 |
| Mobile Compatibility | Yes |
| Orientation | Portrait & Landscape |
| Load Time | 2–3 seconds |
Core Mechanics
Win Both Ways
- Pays left-to-right and right-to-left
- Wins must be on adjacent reels
- 10 paylines always active
Wilds in Detail
- Multicolored star symbol
- Expands across reel
- Substitutes all symbols
- Triggers up to 3 respins
Symbol Stacking
- Regular symbols can land stacked
- Enables multiple or larger wins
Starburst’s Legacy
Since its 2012 launch, Starburst has remained one of NetEnt’s most-played games, thanks to its simplicity, fast pace, and balanced gameplay.
What Made It Stand Out
- Visuals: Vibrant gem design, space backdrop, fluid animations
- Mechanics: Low-medium volatility, frequent small wins, both-ways payout
- Widespread Use: Featured in countless welcome bonuses and casino promotions
Market Footprint
- Millions of players monthly
- Available at 170+ online casinos
- Strong presence in Europe, Canada, and other major markets
Strategy Guide
While no strategy can override the RNG, here’s what works for many players:
Bankroll Tips
- Start with small bets to understand pacing
- Stick to a budget with clear limits
- 100x minimum bet bankroll recommended for longer sessions
Key Focus Points
- Starburst Wilds on reels 2–4 are the main win drivers
- BAR and 7 symbols offer the highest payouts
- Wild-triggered respins are the only bonus-style feature
What Doesn’t Work
- Chasing losses or increasing bets after losses
- Belief in “hot/cold” slot patterns
- Timing spins for outcomes
Starburst is a pure RNG game — each spin is independent.
Streaming and Community
Starburst is a regular feature in online casino streams (Twitch, YouTube). Streamers use it for warmups or fast-paced content due to its quick rounds and visually engaging Wild feature.
Similar Games to Try
| Game | RTP | Volatility | Max Win | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twin Spin (NetEnt) | 96.55% | Medium | 1,080x | Linked reels |
| Berryburst | 96.56% | Low-Med | 5,000x | Cluster pays, expanding wilds |
| Starburst XXXtreme | 96.26% | High | 200,000x | Multiplier wilds |
| Gems Bonanza | 96.51% | High | 10,000x+ | Cascading symbols, modifiers |
Other options:
- Reactoonz (Play’n GO) – Chaotic grid gameplay
- Jammin’ Jars (Push Gaming) – Cluster wins with sticky multipliers
- Crystal Sun (Play’n GO) – Similar mechanics to Starburst
Why Starburst Still Matters
Starburst remains a staple in online casinos because of its accessible gameplay and consistent performance.
What Keeps It Relevant
- Easy-to-understand mechanics
- Frequent wins and smooth pace
- Reliable performance on mobile and desktop
- Regular inclusion in free spin promotions
Unlike overly complex slots, Starburst’s success lies in knowing what it is — a clean, satisfying experience that players trust.
Would you like me to provide a downloadable version or help update this on your site?
- Great for casual, extended sessions
- Fast gameplay
- Smooth on mobile
- No bonus rounds
- Can feel repetitive over time
