Starburst

By Becky Mosley | Updated 15 May 2025

Starburst is a very popular NetEnt slot; some don’t appreciate it. Why?

Well, it has been said that overall, the game is very simple, and the hype over its release wasn’t justified. It’s not your typical NetEnt slot, not all singing and all dancing as we’ve come to expect, but then, is that such a bad thing? Well, it’s down to personal preference, of course. And some will love the simplicity, and some will not.

Starburst is one of NetEnt’s most iconic slot games, released back in 2012. Despite being over a decade old, it continues to be incredibly popular due to its simple yet captivating gameplay. With its vibrant, space-themed visuals and smooth animations, Starburst delivers a classic slot experience with a modern twist.

About Starburst

Starburst is played on 5 reels with 10 paylines. Gems, bars, and number sevens feature in the game with nothing ‘starry’ on display, as you would assume, and they would be splattered everywhere. You can win pretty big while playing this slot; it’s a two-way slot, meaning you can grab a fair amount of winnings.

Key Features

⭐️ RTP: Starburst has a solid 96.09% Return to Player (RTP), making it attractive for players looking for decent returns over time.

⭐️ Volatility: This is a low-volatility slot, which means it tends to pay out smaller but more frequent wins, ideal for casual players or those who prefer steadier gameplay without high-risk stakes

⭐️ Layout: The game features a standard 5×3 reel setup with 10 paylines, but what makes Starburst unique is that it pays both ways, increasing the potential for landing winning combinations

⭐️ Max Win: The maximum win is 500x your stake, which, while not the largest jackpot by today’s standards, still makes it appealing for a game of its volatility​

Special Features

Expanding Wilds

Starburst’s most famous feature is its Expanding Wilds, which appear on reels 2, 3, and 4. When these wilds land, they expand to cover the entire reel and trigger a free re-spin, potentially leading to multiple wins in a row

Starburst is undoubtedly NetEnt’s shining star. It remains as relevant today as it was after its release in 2012, often being the slot assigned to many online casinos welcome bonuses, free spins, and promotions.

NetEnt chose to run with a timeless classic, Starburst, a simple slot with outstanding gameplay. In terms of design, Starburst combines a classic slot with modern graphics with a nod to the nostalgic past of the pub fruit machine.

The slot will suit pretty much all players. Although not packed with features, you don’t feel you’re missing out, as the game is exceptionally innovative, fast-paced, and unique, delivering the ultimate gaming experience.

NetEnt not only hit the nail on the head in terms of design the soundtrack adds plenty of atmosphere when spinning the reels. Although the slot has low volatility, plenty of opportunities exist to win big.

Starburst RTP and Volatility

Starburst is known for being a low volatility slot, which means you’ll see frequent, smaller wins rather than long dry spells followed by big payouts. Don’t let the low variance fool you though – it can still deliver solid wins, especially when those expanding wilds hit just right.

The RTP (Return to Player) is a respectable 96%, which sits bang on the industry average. Combined with the game’s steady volatility, it makes Starburst ideal for casual players, bonus wagering, or anyone who prefers low-risk, high-frequency gameplay without burning through a balance too quickly.

If you’re chasing life-changing jackpots, this probably isn’t the slot for you – but if you’re after smooth, fast-paced spins and a decent chance of keeping your session going, Starburst still shines.

Gameplay and Features

Stakes range between 10p up to £100 per spin. The win-both-ways option is a bonus, and the expanding wilds pack a punch as you play the game. Although simplistic in design and features, NetEnt made all the right decisions with Starburst.

If you are familiar with NetEnt slots, you would expect to see a host of bonus features. This is not the case with Starburst, in truth, there’s only one feature, however, it provides plenty of excitement on every spin.

Starburst is famous for its expanding wild features. When a wild symbol lands on one of the three middle reels, it expands to create a fully wild reel and remains sticky for 3 respins, known as the Wild Bonus Feature. Each additional wild awards an extra respin. The more respins you win the more lucrative the feature becomes.

Although Starburst does not provide free spins, the Starburst Wild Bonus feature more than makes up for this. Along with the expanding wilds, the respins, like free spins, can be extremely rewarding.

What Do We Think of Starburst?

At first glance, Starburst might seem a little underwhelming – especially compared to today’s feature-packed, cinematic slots. But once you start spinning, it quickly becomes clear why this NetEnt classic has stood the test of time.

Despite its low volatility, the game delivers a surprisingly immersive experience, with crisp visuals, satisfying gameplay, and the kind of frequent wins that keep things ticking over nicely. It’s not flashy, and it’s not trying to be. That’s the point.

Even in 2025, Starburst is still a firm favourite with players and operators alike. You’ll find it featured in loads of welcome bonuses and free spins offers, often because it appeals to such a wide audience – from total beginners to seasoned players looking for a “comfort slot” to return to.

No major updates have been made to the game itself in recent years, but it honestly doesn’t need them. Its simplicity is its strength, and it continues to offer reliable, quick-hit entertainment with just enough win potential to keep things exciting.

If you’re after a straightforward, low-stress slot with a bit of sparkle, Starburst is still a top choice.

Bejeweled vs Starburst – A Gem-Filled Comparison

Starburst is often compared to Bejeweled, and it’s easy to see why. Both games are packed with colourful gems, have simple, addictive mechanics, and deliver that same sense of satisfaction when everything lines up just right.

In Bejeweled, your aim is to match jewels in a grid to clear them and rack up points. In Starburst, it’s all about lining up glowing gems across paylines for cash wins. The gameplay may differ slightly, but the core appeal is the same – it’s bright, engaging, and easy to get into.

Visuals and Gameplay

⭐️ Both feature vibrant jewels – think sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and more

⭐️ Starburst’s Expanding Wilds and re-spin mechanic add an exciting layer of bonus potential

⭐️ Bejeweled has a more puzzle-focused approach, while Starburst brings the thrill of real-money wins

Why the Comparison Works

Both games offer that quick-hit fun and visual pop that keep players coming back. Starburst just takes it a step further by combining that gem-matching satisfaction with the chance to win cash, making it a natural next step for fans of Bejeweled looking to try online slots.

Other Starburst Slots

After nearly a decade of basking in the spotlight, Starburst finally evolved into a series. In 2021, NetEnt added two new titles to the Starburst universe, much to the excitement of fans. These new versions gave the iconic slot a fresh spin – quite literally – while still holding onto the features that made the original so popular.

Slingo Starburst

Not familiar with Slingo? No problem. Slingo combines the grid-based play of bingo with the spin mechanics of slots, resulting in a fast-paced, hybrid game that’s ideal for casual players and bingo fans alike.

Released in 2021, Slingo Starburst takes the colourful theme and symbols of the original slot and drops them into a bingo-style grid. Each game lasts 10 spins, and matching numbers are marked off just like in a traditional bingo game. Wilds, extra spins, and instant wins can also be triggered as you go.

One of the most exciting twists? If you land three or more Slingos, you’ll trigger a special round on the original Starburst slot grid. The more Slingos you land, the higher your starting bet tier – which determines how valuable your spin could be.

A few key differences:

⭐️ You can only win left to right – no more pay both ways

⭐️ Slingo structure adds a progressive bonus layer

⭐️ It’s better suited to casual or bingo-style players

Starburst XXXTreme

Also launched in 2021, Starburst XXXTreme is the polar opposite of Slingo – designed for players who want maximum volatility and explosive win potential.

The game keeps the classic Starburst look but turns the heat all the way up:

⭐️ RTP: 96.26%

⭐️ Volatility: Very high

⭐️ Top Win: Up to 200,000x your bet

⭐️ Wild Multipliers: Range from 2x to 150x

⭐️ XXXTreme Spins: Guaranteed wilds for a price – costing between 10x and 95x your stake

This version isn’t for the faint-hearted. If you’re a high-risk, high-reward type of player, Starburst XXXTreme might just be your thing. But if you prefer a more relaxed pace, the original Starburst remains the better pick.

Starburst Galaxy

Released in 2024, Starburst Galaxy takes the classic gem-filled vibe and launches it into deep space – quite literally. This version moves away from the traditional reels and plays out on a 5×5 grid that can expand to 7×7, using NetEnt’s Avalanche™ mechanic. That means winning symbols disappear, and new ones drop into place, giving you the chance to chain multiple wins together.

Here’s what else makes it stand out:

⭐️ RTP: 96.00%

⭐️ Volatility: Medium to High

⭐️ Max Win: 25,000x your stake

⭐️ Features: The new Elevate Feature Generator can trigger random modifiers like Wilds, Expanding Wilds, and Multipliers

It’s a big leap from the simplicity of the original Starburst, but if you like your slots packed with bonus features and cascading wins, Starburst Galaxy is well worth checking out.

Which Starburst Slot Is Right for You?

With four different versions now in the mix, there’s a Starburst for just about every type of player.

The original Starburst is still the go-to for many – it’s simple, low volatility, and ideal for new players or those who just want a classic slot experience with smooth gameplay and steady wins.

If you’re after bigger payouts and higher risk, Starburst XXXTreme turns up the volatility and throws in some seriously powerful multiplier wilds. It’s fast, intense, and not for the faint-hearted – but the potential rewards speak for themselves.

Then there’s Slingo Starburst, which blends the Starburst brand with a bingo-style format. It’s better suited to casual players or fans of grid-based games and offers a completely different pace from the slots, with a mini-game feel.

Finally, Starburst Galaxy brings the most change to the formula. With its Avalanche™ wins, expanding grid, and random bonus modifiers, it’s a feature-heavy slot designed for players who like a bit more variety with every spin. It still feels connected to the original, but there’s a lot more going on.

So whether you’re a fan of chill spins, big risk, or feature-packed gameplay, there’s a Starburst to suit your style.

Many casinos in our list of new casino sites feature Starburst, and you can find a list of Starburst slot sites below.

Starburst FAQs

Becky Mosley

Founder & Editor-in-Chief at Slotfruit

Rebecca (Becky) Mosley has been at the heart of the UK online gambling industry since 2008 — making her one of the most experienced voices in the space. She founded Take Marketing Limited and built SlotFruit.co.uk into one of the longest-running independent casino comparison sites in the country.

As editor-in-chief, Becky brings a genuine player-first perspective to everything on the site. She personally oversees every casino review and slot guide, making sure readers get straight-talking, honest information rather than marketing fluff. Her approach has always been the same: transparency, fair bonus terms, and responsible gambling above all else.

Over 17 years in the industry, Becky has built deep expertise across UK Gambling Commission licensing, slot game mechanics, bonus structures, and the constantly evolving regulatory landscape. She works directly with operators and software providers to keep every listing accurate and up to date.

Becky is a Companies House registered director (Take Marketing Limited, company no. 07619813) and is based in Lincolnshire, England.

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