Starburst is a 10-line slot game from NetEnt that has been a smash hit with gamers since its release over 20 years ago. It's a low volatility game with expanding wilds and free spi...ns, and, here at Slots Temple is the only place you can play it with an RTP of 98.05% - the highest in the industry! You can also try the Starburst demo or Free Starburst demo version to explore the gameplay before staking real money at online casinos.https://www.slotstemple.com/slots-by-theme/
Pros
- Low volatility gameplay
- Expanding wilds trigger respins
- Bright and vibrant theme
- 98.05% RTP - Highest RTP available
Cons
- Fairly simple gameplay
Contents
Starburst Slot Overview
Starburst is one of those rare slots that genuinely shifted expectations when it launched in 2012. While many video slots at the time were heading toward layered bonus rounds and increasingly busy feature sets, Starburst stripped things back and focused on doing a few things very well.
Rather than building the game around separate bonus rounds, NetEnt centred Starburst on a pays-both-ways paylines system and a single, always-active modifier in the form of expanding wilds with respins. Keeping these mechanics within the base game creates a consistent structure from spin to spin, without the need to move between different gameplay modes.
Starburst is published here with an RTP of 98.05%, which reflects the highest theoretical RTP version of the game available at licensed online casinos.
Graphics And Theme
Starburst’s visual identity is built around simplicity rather than narrative. The space-themed backdrop, glowing light effects, and symmetrical reel layout place the emphasis firmly on the grid itself, rather than on characters or story elements.
The base game symbols are brightly coloured gemstones in red, purple, yellow, green, blue, and orange. These are paired with traditional slot icons such as sevens and bar symbols, creating a balance between modern presentation and classic slot design.
This restrained approach supports gameplay clarity, particularly during expanding wild and respin sequences, where it is important to track winning combinations as they form.
Starburst Symbols
Starburst uses a small symbol set so the reels are easy to read at a glance.
Gemstones
The 6 coloured gemstones — red, purple, yellow, green, blue and orange — are the main paying symbols. Each gem has its own payout value and the higher value gems pay more for matching combinations.
Classic Slot Symbols
Alongside the gemstones you’ll find 2 classic symbols: the lucky 7 and the BAR symbol. These are 2 of the higher paying symbols in the base game and a nod to classic slot design.
The Starburst Wild
The Starburst Wild is the most important symbol in the game. It only appears on reels 2, 3 and 4 — the middle 3 reels.
When it lands it expands to fill the entire reel and locks in place while a re-spin is awarded. Up to 3 wilds can be active at the same time, one per middle reel.
There is no scatter symbol and no free spins feature. The wild is the only modifier so the game is consistent from spin to spin.
Want to see how the symbols work before playing for real money? The free Starburst demo on this page lets you see the full paytable for free.
Starburst Slot
Starburst RTP And Volatility
Starburst has an RTP of 98.05%, which remains unusually high compared to most contemporary video slots.
The game is classed as low volatility. Wins are spread more evenly across regular gameplay rather than being concentrated into rare feature outcomes, which suits a slot where all modifiers operate directly within the base game.
The maximum win is capped at 250x the line bet. This reflects a maths model that distributes value across frequent line wins and respin sequences rather than reserving it for a single peak result.
How To Play Starburst
Starburst uses a classic control layout that mirrors its straightforward structure.
- Open the game and select the information icon to view the paytable and feature rules.
- Adjust the stake using the on-screen bet controls. The minimum bet is 10p.
- Confirm the total bet shown on screen.
- Press the Spin button to start the game.
The game always plays with 10 fixed paylines, and winning combinations can form in both directions across the reels.
How To Win At Starburst
Starburst uses a fixed paylines system combined with a pays-both-ways rule set. Winning combinations are formed when matching symbols land on adjacent reels along an active payline, starting from either the leftmost or rightmost reel.
The pays-both-ways mechanic increases directional win potential without adding extra paylines or visual complexity. While this approach is less common in modern slot design, it remains particularly effective in a fixed-layout format.
| Symbol | 3 of a Kind | 4 of a Kind | 5 of a Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
|
50x | 200x | 250x |
|
25x | 60x | 120x |
|
10x | 25x | 60x |
|
8x | 20x | 50x |
|
7x | 15x | 40x |
|
5x | 10x | 25x |
|
5x | 10x | 25x |
The base game revolves around standard line wins, with the wild symbol acting as the primary modifier. When a wild symbol lands on one of the three central reels, it expands to fill the entire reel and triggers a respin mechanic.
During the respin, expanded wild reels remain locked in place, increasing the number of possible winning combinations. Additional wilds can extend the sequence until no new wilds appear, after which play returns to the base game.
Bonus Features
Starburst does not include separate bonus rounds or a free spins feature. All modifiers are applied directly within the base game.
This structure avoids abrupt shifts in gameplay flow, keeping symbol behaviour, paylines, and win rules consistent throughout the session.
Expanding Wilds And Respins
The expanding wild feature is triggered when a wild symbol lands on reels two, three, or four. Once expanded, the wild reel remains in place and activates a respin.
If another wild lands during the respin, it also expands and awards an additional respin. Up to five respins can occur in a single sequence before the feature concludes.
Top Win
The maximum win in Starburst is capped at 250x the line bet.
Top Space Slots
Rather than building toward a single peak outcome, Starburst distributes its return across frequent base game wins, expanding wilds, and respin sequences. This balance helps explain why this casino game continues to sit comfortably alongside far newer releases.
Similar Slots To Try
If you enjoy Starburst's gem-and-jewel aesthetic, you'll find a wide range of slots by theme on Slots Temple, including space, arcade, and classic fruit machine styles.
Prefer to explore at your own pace? Browse the full catalogue of free slots and play any title in demo mode.
Starburst Slot Summary
This Starburst slot review covers one of the most played titles in online gambling history.
Starburst is a clear example of how a focused, mechanics-driven slot can retain long-term relevance. Its base game structure, pays-both-ways win system, expanding wild symbols, and respin feature operate continuously without relying on layered bonus rounds.
While many modern slots emphasise complex bonus systems or high win caps, Starburst remains a reference point for simple, carefully balanced slot design.
Whether you're trying the Starburst demo for the first time or returning to it as a familiar title, the core experience holds up well against newer releases available at online casinos today.
Disclaimer: Starburst trademark / license is owned by Net Ent. This site is not endorsed by Net Ent.
| Slot Name: | Starburst |
|---|---|
| Software: | Net Ent |
| RTP: | 98.05% |
| Volatility: | Low volatility |
| Paylines: | 10 |
| Reels: | 5 |
| Min Bet (all lines covered): | £0.10 (GBP) |
| Max Bet: | £5 (GBP) |
| Top Win: | 250 |
| Features: | Wild Symbol, Free Spins, Expanding Wilds, 5 Reels, Sticky Wilds, Low volatility, Respins, Pay Both Ways, High RTP Slots |
| Themes: | Jewels, Space |
| Last Update: | 01/06/2026 |
Available in UK?
|
Yes. Net Ent have a UKGC license and are allowed to offer their games at UK licensed casinos. |
Starburst FAQs
What is the RTP of Starburst by NetEnt?
Starburst has an RTP of 98.05%, which is the highest payout percentage available on this slot. This figure represents the long-term theoretical return to players over a very large number of spins. Actual results during individual play sessions can vary due to the game’s random nature.
What is the biggest win available in Starburst?
The maximum win available in Starburst is 250x the stake. This cap reflects the game’s straightforward structure, which focuses on base-game features rather than large bonus multipliers or extended bonus rounds.
How volatile is Starburst?
Starburst is classified as a low-volatility slot. This means wins tend to be smaller and occur more frequently compared to higher-volatility games, although there are no guarantees regarding outcomes or win frequency on any individual spin.
How do expanding wilds work in Starburst?
Wild symbols in Starburst appear on reels 2, 3, and 4. When a wild lands, it expands to cover the entire reel and remains in place for a respin. If additional wilds land during the respin, they also expand and lock, potentially triggering further respins. The feature continues until no new wilds appear.
What does pays-both-ways mean in Starburst?
Starburst uses a pays-both-ways system, meaning winning symbol combinations can pay from left to right or right to left, starting from the outer reels. This doubles the number of potential winning paths compared to traditional left-to-right paylines, although payouts still follow the same fixed paytable values.
Can I play Starburst without depositing?
Yes, you can play Starburst demo for free without depositing. This way you can get to know the game and its features before you decide to play at online casinos.
Is Starburst a fair game?
Starburst has a certified RNG (Random Number Generator), so the results are random and not influenced by previous spins. But like all gambling products, the results are unpredictable and should be played responsibly.
Is Starburst for new players?
Due to its low volatility and simple features Starburst is often considered good for new players. Play the Starburst demo first and get to know the game without risk.
Latest Starburst Data
Starburst Data Explained
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| Slot Name: | Starburst |
|---|---|
| Software: | Net Ent |
| RTP: | 98.05% |
| Volatility: | Low volatility |
| Paylines: | 10 |
| Reels: | 5 |
| Min Bet (all lines covered): | £0.10 (GBP) |
| Max Bet: | £5 (GBP) |
| Top Win: | 250 |
| Features: | Wild Symbol, Free Spins, Expanding Wilds, 5 Reels, Sticky Wilds, Low volatility, Respins, Pay Both Ways, High RTP Slots |
| Themes: | Jewels, Space |
| Last Update: | 01/06/2026 |
|
Available in UK?
|
Yes. Net Ent have a UKGC license and are allowed to offer their games at UK licensed casinos. |
