Starburst slot review

More than a decade on, NetEnt's jewel slot is still in every lobby. It has one feature, no bonus round and a gentle pace, which is exactly why people keep coming back.

  • Default RTP96.09%
  • VolatilityLow
  • Max win500x
  • DeveloperNetEnt

Key takeaways

  • 96.09% default RTP; low volatility.
  • 10 paylines that pay from both ends.
  • 500x maximum win.
  • One feature: expanding wilds with re-spins.

Starburst at a glance

Original artwork for our Starburst review
DetailStarburst
DeveloperNetEnt
Default RTP96.09%
VolatilityLow
Reels and rows5 reels, 3 rows
Ways to win10 paylines, paying both ways
Maximum win500x stake
Released2012
UK maximum stake£5 (£2 for ages 18 to 24)

Developer's published defaults, confirmed against two or more independent sources on 5 October 2026. Your casino may run a lower RTP setting.

Default RTP 96.09%

Scale 90% to 100%. Marker shows the 96% benchmark.

Volatility Low

Low, medium or high, as rated by the developer or sources.

Maximum win 500x

Steps at 500x, 2,000x, 5,000x and 20,000x.

How it plays

Five reels, three rows, ten paylines. The twist is that lines pay from left to right and from right to left, so matching symbols count from either edge. Gems are the low symbols; the 7 and the BAR pay most.

The features

Expanding wilds

The Starburst wild appears only on the three middle reels. When it lands it stretches to fill the reel, locks, and gives a free re-spin.

Chained re-spins

Land another wild on the re-spin and it expands too, for a further re-spin. Three wild reels is the limit and the game's best outcome.

The numbers

The default is 96.09%, but NetEnt supplies several lower versions, reported as low as 90.05%, and the casino picks. Check the help screen. Low volatility means regular small wins and few shocks. The 500x maximum tells you this is not a slot for chasing a life-changing spin.

Playing it in Britain

Starburst needs no changes for Britain beyond the legal limits. Stakes that reach £100 elsewhere stop at £5 here.

Good and bad

Good

  • Learnable in a minute.
  • Kind to a small budget.
  • Frequent wins from both directions.

Not so good

  • Low ceiling.
  • No free spins or bonus round.
  • Often run below its default RTP.

Who it suits

Beginners, small budgets and anyone who wants a relaxed half hour. High-risk players will find it flat.

How it compares

SlotDeveloperDefault RTPVolatilityLayoutWays to winMax win
Big Bass BonanzaPragmatic Play96.71%High5 reels, 3 rows10 paylines2,100x
StarburstNetEnt96.09%Low5 reels, 3 rows10 paylines, paying both ways500x
Sweet BonanzaPragmatic PlayVaries by version (96.48% to 96.51% quoted)High6 reels, 5 rowsPays anywhere (8 or more matching symbols)21,100x
Gates of OlympusPragmatic Play96.50%High6 reels, 5 rowsPays anywhere (8 or more matching symbols)5,000x
Book of DeadPlay'n GO96.21%High5 reels, 3 rows10 paylines5,000x
Fishin' FrenzyBlueprint Gaming (Reel Time Gaming)96.12%Medium to high5 reels, 3 rows10 paylines5,000x
Fluffy FavouritesEyecon95.39%High5 reels, 3 rows25 paylines5,000x

See them ranked on the high RTP slots page, or read volatility explained to understand the biggest difference between them.

Want to see it against one other game? Use the slot comparison tool. You can also try it in free demo mode first.

Where to play Starburst

NetEnt games are reported in the lobby at Coral, Casumo, PlayOJO and 10bet. Lobbies change, so search for the title once you are logged in. Demo play is available at most sites after age verification.

Ad 18+ only. We may earn commission from these links. Advertiser disclosure

Coral Casino logo

Coral Casino 4.3 out of 5

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Time limit
48 hours to accept, then 7 days
Worked value
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Read the Coral review Licence: LC International Limited, UKGC account 54743. Offer checked 5 October 2026.

Casumo logo

Casumo 4.2 out of 5

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Wagering
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Minimum
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Time limit
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Worked value
Deposit £200, get £100 bonus

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Read the Casumo review Licence: Recro Limited, UKGC account 61549. Offer checked 5 October 2026.

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PlayOJO 4.2 out of 5

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Wagering
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Minimum
£10
Time limit
See offer terms
Worked value
80 spins at £0.10 (£8 in spins)

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Read the PlayOJO review Licence: Skill On Net Limited, UKGC account 39326. Offer checked 5 October 2026.

10bet Casino logo

10bet Casino 3.8 out of 5

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10x wageringMatched deposit

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Wagering
10x bonus
Minimum
£10 (check at sign-up)
Time limit
3 days to complete wagering
Worked value
Deposit £25, play with £50

Significant terms: 18+. New UK customers only. Select the casino welcome bonus at sign-up and make your first deposit within 7 days. 100% bonus up to £25. Wager the bonus 10x on slots within 3 days. Maximum bonus winnings £1,000. Bonus is not redeemable. Full T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org

Read the 10bet review Licence: Blue Star Planet Limited, UKGC account 43173. Offer checked 5 October 2026.

Starburst is a game of chance with a house edge. Set a limit before you play; help is on our safer gambling page and on 0808 8020 133.

Frequently asked questions

What is Starburst's RTP?

96.09% by default, with lower settings available to casinos.

Does Starburst have free spins?

No. It has wild re-spins only.

What is the maximum win?

500 times your stake.

Is Starburst low volatility?

Yes.

18+ only. Please gamble responsibly.

Gambling can be addictive. Free, confidential help is available 24 hours a day from the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133. Visit BeGambleAware.org and GamCare, or block yourself from all UK-licensed gambling sites with GAMSTOP.

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