Starburst by NetEnt — Full Review
Starburst was released by NetEnt on January 23, 2012 and has since become the most iconic online slot ever created. It holds the record for the most-played slot across regulated online casinos globally — a position it has maintained for over a decade. The game's success is built on deliberate simplicity: a 5-reel, 3-row grid with 10 paylines that pay both ways, and a single feature — Expanding Wild Respins.
There are no Free Spins in Starburst. No scatter symbols, no bonus rounds, no gamble features, no buy options. The entire game revolves around one mechanic: when the Starburst Wild symbol lands on reels 2, 3, or 4, it expands to fill the entire reel and triggers a Respin. If another Wild lands during that Respin, it also expands, and another Respin is awarded — up to 3 consecutive Respins maximum.
This design was revolutionary in 2012 and remains effective today. Where modern slots like Gates of Olympus and Sweet Bonanza build their identity around complex bonus rounds with multiplier systems, Starburst delivers its entire experience through base game mechanics. The Low volatility (rated 3.1 on NetEnt's internal scale) means wins are frequent but modest — the 800x max win is among the lowest ceilings in major slots, but sessions are remarkably smooth compared to High-volatility alternatives.
One critical detail most review sites omit: NetEnt offers 8 operator-configurable RTP versions of Starburst, ranging from 90.05% to 99.06%. The default is 96.09%, but the casino you play at may run a lower version. Always verify the active RTP by checking the in-game paytable.
NetEnt released Starburst XXXtreme in July 2021 as a modernized companion with multiplier Wilds up to 150x, a 200,000x max win, and High volatility (9.9 on NetEnt's scale) — essentially the opposite of the original's design philosophy. Both versions coexist in the market, serving fundamentally different player profiles.
What Are the Key Numbers for Starburst?
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Developer | NetEnt |
| RTP | 96.09% (90.05%–99.06% (8 operator-configurable versions; default 96.09%)) |
| Volatility | Low |
| Max Win | 500x |
| Grid | 5x3 |
| Paylines | 10 (both ways) |
| Min Bet | $0.10 |
| Max Bet | $100.00 |
| Game Type | Video Slots |
| Year | 2012 |
| Hit Frequency | 23.0% |
The 3.91% house edge means Starburst keeps $3.91 of every $100 wagered across millions of spins. This is a mathematical certainty built into the certified paytable — no strategy, timing, or bet pattern changes it. For context, the industry average for video slots is approximately 3-5% house edge, placing Starburst in the competitive range at 96.09% RTP.
Starburst's 3.91% house edge at the default 96.09% RTP is unremarkable on paper — dozens of slots offer similar or better numbers. What makes Starburst unique is the combination of Low volatility with no bonus round dependency. Your returns are distributed across every spin rather than concentrated in a 1-in-250+ bonus trigger. At $0.20/spin, the expected cost is $0.78 per 100 spins — and you will see Expanding Wild Respins roughly every 12 spins, keeping the game continuously engaging. But always check your casino's RTP version first — at 90.05%, that cost jumps to $1.99 per 100 spins.
— Galaxy of Slots Editorial Team
How Does Starburst Actually Work?
Starburst uses a 5-reel, 3-row grid with 10 fixed paylines. The key distinction: paylines are evaluated both left-to-right and right-to-left, effectively doubling winning opportunities compared to standard left-to-right-only slots.
The betting system uses coin values (0.01 to 1.00) and bet levels (1 to 10). Total bet = Coin Value × Bet Level × 10 paylines. This gives a bet range of $0.10 to $100.00 per spin.
The game has 7 regular symbols plus the Wild: BAR (gold, highest paying), Red Seven (second highest), and 5 gem symbols — Yellow, Green, Orange, Blue, and Purple. There are no card symbols (no A, K, Q, J, 10) and no scatter symbols.
Win Both Ways
Every payline is evaluated twice: once from left to right (reels 1→5) and once from right to left (reels 5→1). This means a 3-of-a-kind combination starting on reel 1 AND a 3-of-a-kind starting on reel 5 can both pay on the same spin. Note: a 5-of-a-kind combination counts once (the same line from both directions is the same combination), but shorter combinations (3 or 4 of a kind) can form independently from either end.
Starburst Wild — The Entire Feature
The Starburst Wild is the only special symbol in the game. It appears only on reels 2, 3, and 4 (never on reels 1 or 5). When it lands:
- The Wild expands to fill the entire reel (all 3 positions)
- The expanded Wild locks in place (sticky wild)
- All winning combinations are evaluated and paid
- A free Respin is awarded — all other reels spin again at no cost
- If a new Wild lands on another center reel during the Respin, it also expands, locks, and triggers another Respin
- Maximum: 3 consecutive Respins (if Wilds land on reels 2, 3, and 4 sequentially)
With all 3 center reels Wild, you have 9 of the 15 grid positions covered by Wilds, creating the maximum win potential across all 10 paylines in both directions. This is the only path to the 800x max win.
Core Features
- Expanding Wilds
- Win Both Ways
- Respins (up to 3)
- No Free Spins
- 10 Paylines
What Does Each Symbol Pay in Starburst?
All payouts below are in coins at Bet Level 1, per payline, per direction. Since Starburst pays both ways, shorter combinations (3 or 4 of a kind) can pay from each end independently. To convert to currency: multiply coin payout by coin value. To find total bet multiplier: divide coin payout by total bet in coins (Bet Level × 10).
| Symbol | 3-of-a-Kind | 4-of-a-Kind | 5-of-a-Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAR (gold) | 50 | 200 | 250 |
| Red Seven (7) | 25 | 60 | 120 |
| Yellow Gem | 10 | 25 | 60 |
| Green Gem | 8 | 20 | 50 |
| Orange Gem | 7 | 15 | 40 |
| Blue Gem | 5 | 10 | 25 |
| Purple Gem | 5 | 10 | 25 |
Notes: No 2-of-a-kind payouts exist — minimum 3 matching symbols required. Values above are at Bet Level 1. Multiply by your bet level for actual coin payout. The Starburst Wild substitutes for all symbols and appears only on reels 2, 3, and 4.
At Bet Level 1 (total bet = 10 coins), a single 5-of-a-kind BAR on one payline pays 250 coins = 25x total bet. The maximum of 50,000 coins (equivalent to the 800x max win per NetEnt's official specification) requires expanded Wilds on all three center reels with optimal symbol alignment across multiple paylines in both directions.
How Do Free Spins Trigger and Pay?
Starburst does not have Free Spins. There is no scatter symbol, no bonus trigger condition, and no separate bonus round of any kind. This is a deliberate design choice, not an omission.
Instead, the game's entire bonus mechanic is the Expanding Wild Respin, which occurs within the base game:
| Event | Frequency | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Wild lands (reel 2, 3, or 4) | ~8.4% (~every 12th spin) | Wild expands + 1 free Respin |
| 2 Wilds during Respin sequence | Rare | Both expand + 2 Respins total |
| 3 Wilds (reels 2+3+4) | Extremely rare | All center reels Wild + 3 Respins |
The Respin mechanic means that every Wild landing has the potential to cascade into a multi-reel Wild sequence. However, the absence of multipliers means even the best possible outcome (3 expanded Wilds) caps at 800x — compared to modern slots where a single bonus round can deliver thousands or tens of thousands times your bet.
This is why Starburst has Low volatility: the game distributes returns evenly through frequent small wins and Respin sequences rather than concentrating them in rare bonus rounds. Approximately 100% of returns come from the base game, because there is no separate bonus mechanic.
The decision between Starburst and a High-volatility slot is not about "better" or "worse" — it is about session goals. If you have $50 and want to play for 30 minutes at $0.20/spin, Starburst gives you roughly 250 spins with a realistic chance of finishing near breakeven. The same $50 in Dead or Alive 2 at $0.20/spin could evaporate in 50 spins or multiply 10x in a single bonus round. Both outcomes are equally valid entertainment choices. The math guarantees you lose in the long run either way — the question is how you prefer that loss to be distributed.
— Galaxy of Slots Editorial Team
Are the Buy Feature and Ante Bet Worth Your Money?
Starburst does not have a Buy Feature, Ante Bet, or any optional modifier. The game plays identically on every spin with no way to alter the mechanics, probability, or feature frequency.
This stands in stark contrast to modern Pragmatic Play slots: Sweet Bonanza offers a +25% Ante Bet for increased scatter probability, Gates of Olympus has a 100x Buy Feature, and Wanted Dead or a Wild offers multiple buy tiers.
Even Starburst's own sequel differs: Starburst XXXtreme (2021) offers two "XXXtreme Spins" buy options — 10x bet for 1 guaranteed wild per spin, or 95x bet for 2 guaranteed wilds per spin. These increase the XXXtreme RTP from 96.26% to 96.45%.
The absence of a Buy Feature in the original Starburst is consistent with its design philosophy: there is nothing to buy because there is no bonus round to access. The Expanding Wild Respin mechanic is integral to the base game, occurring naturally approximately every 12th spin.
What Does the Math Mean for Your Bankroll?
Starburst's 3.91% house edge (at the default 96.09% RTP) is close to the industry average for video slots (3–5%). However, two critical factors set it apart: the Low volatility profile and the operator-configurable RTP.
The RTP you actually play matters enormously. NetEnt offers 8 versions:
| Version | RTP | House Edge | Cost per 100 spins at $0.20 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highest | 99.06% | 0.94% | $0.19 |
| 2 | 98.05% | 1.95% | $0.39 |
| Default | 96.09% | 3.91% | $0.78 |
| 4 | 95.05% | 4.95% | $0.99 |
| 5 | 94.05% | 5.95% | $1.19 |
| 6 | 93.05% | 6.95% | $1.39 |
| 7 | 92.05% | 7.95% | $1.59 |
| Lowest | 90.05% | 9.95% | $1.99 |
The difference is staggering: at the lowest setting (90.05%), you lose 2.5x more per spin than at the default. Always check the in-game paytable to verify your casino's RTP version before playing.
What Low volatility means practically (at default 96.09%):
- Your bankroll depletes slower and more predictably than in High-volatility slots
- Hit frequency is ~23% — roughly 1 win every 4–5 spins
- Expanding Wild Respins trigger approximately every 12th spin, keeping gameplay active
- At $0.10/spin: average session of 1,000 spins costs about $3.91 in expected losses
- The 800x max win cap means no life-changing payouts, but also no rapid bankroll collapses
A $50 bankroll at $0.20/spin (250 theoretical spins) has a reasonable chance of lasting a full session — something that is far less likely with High-volatility slots like Dead or Alive 2 or Wanted Dead or a Wild at the same bet-to-bankroll ratio.
Where Do the Wins Actually Come From?
Starburst's win distribution is 100% base game — there is no bonus round to shift returns into. This creates a fundamentally different experience from bonus-dependent slots.
Key probability anchors (from official and verified sources):
- Hit frequency: 23% (NetEnt official) — roughly 1 in 4–5 spins produces some return
- Expanding Wild trigger: ~8.4% (~every 12th spin, per third-party tracking)
- Double Wild Respin: Rare (requires a second Wild during a Respin)
- Triple Wild (reels 2+3+4): Extremely rare — the only path to the maximum 800x win
- Volatility rating: 3.1 on NetEnt's internal scale (Low)
The 23% hit frequency is comparable to other popular slots, but what's different is the win distribution. In Starburst, wins cluster tightly around the mean — the distance between the smallest and largest possible wins is much narrower than in High-volatility games. There are no "dead zones" where you wait hundreds of spins for a bonus trigger.
For comparison: Gates of Olympus has a higher hit frequency (~28%), but approximately 80%+ of its returns are locked behind the ~1-in-448 Free Spins trigger. Starburst delivers all its returns continuously, spin by spin. Dead or Alive 2 concentrates nearly all value in its bonus rounds — base game returns are minimal. In Starburst, base game IS the entire game.
Bankroll Scenario Table
| Bankroll | Bet Size | Bets per Bankroll | Expected Loss per 100 Spins | Avg Spins to First Bonus | Cost to First Bonus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50 | $0.20 | 250 | $0.78 | ~100 | $20.00 |
| $100 | $0.20 | 500 | $0.78 | ~100 | $20.00 |
| $100 | $0.50 | 200 | $1.96 | ~100 | $50.00 |
| $100 | $1.00 | 100 | $3.91 | ~100 | $100.00 |
| $200 | $1.00 | 200 | $3.91 | ~100 | $100.00 |
| $500 | $2.00 | 250 | $7.82 | ~100 | $200.00 |
| $1,000 | $5.00 | 200 | $19.55 | ~100 | $500.00 |
Expected loss assumes 96.09% RTP (3.91% house edge). "Cost to First Bonus" is the average expected wagering ($bet × 100 spins) — actual results vary enormously due to Low volatility. See our slot glossary for term definitions.
Casinos bundle Starburst with welcome bonus Free Spins for a mathematical reason, not generosity. At $0.10/spin with an 800x max, the casino's maximum exposure per free spin is $80 — and the expected value of each free spin is about $0.096 (96.09% × $0.10). For comparison, a $0.10 free spin on Dead or Alive 2 has the same expected value (~$0.097) but could theoretically pay $11,111. Starburst lets casinos offer "200 Free Spins" as marketing while keeping their risk exposure predictable and bounded.
— Galaxy of Slots Editorial Team
How Does Starburst Compare to the Competition?
Starburst occupies a unique position in the market: it competes not on max win potential but on accessibility, session length, and brand recognition.
| Feature | Starburst | Starburst XXXtreme | Book of Dead | Gonzo's Quest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Developer | NetEnt | NetEnt | Play'n GO | NetEnt |
| Year | 2012 | 2021 | 2016 | 2011 |
| Grid | 5x3 | 5x3 | 5x3 | 5x3 |
| Paylines | 10 (Both Ways) | 9 (Left-to-Right only) | 10 | 20 |
| RTP | 96.09% | 96.26% / 96.45% (buy) | 96.21% | 95.97% |
| Volatility | Low (3.1) | High (9.9) | High | Medium-High |
| Max Win | 800x | 200,000x | 5,000x | 2,500x |
| Hit Frequency | ~23% | ~87%* | ~29% | ~41% |
| Free Spins | None | N/A (respins) | Yes (Expanding Symbol) | Yes (Free Falls) |
| Buy Feature | None | Yes (10x / 95x) | None | None |
| Key Mechanic | Expanding Wild Respins | Multiplier Wilds (up to 150x) | Expanding Symbol | Avalanche + Multipliers |
* XXXtreme's 87% hit frequency includes many "wins" below the bet amount.
What Makes Starburst Different?
- Lowest volatility in the collection — Starburst is the only Low-volatility game in the Galaxy of Slots library. Every other game ranges from Medium to Very High. This makes it ideal for extended play sessions and bonus wagering requirements.
- No bonus round at all — No Free Spins, no separate feature, no trigger condition to wait for. The game's mechanics are fully expressed in every single spin. You never "wait" for a bonus.
- Win Both Ways — Paylines evaluate left-to-right AND right-to-left. Book of Dead and most traditional slots only pay left to right. Interestingly, even Starburst XXXtreme removed this feature (pays left-to-right only on 9 lines).
- Universal availability — Starburst is available at essentially every licensed online casino. It is the default inclusion for any operator's game library.
Starburst vs Starburst XXXtreme: The XXXtreme version (July 2021) is a fundamentally different game wearing the same skin. It adds multiplier Wilds (x2 through x150 — multiplied together when multiple appear), a Buy Feature (10x for 1 guaranteed Wild, 95x for 2), and a 200,000x max win — but with High volatility (9.9 vs 3.1). It also removed Win Both Ways, reducing paylines from 10 to 9 and paying left-to-right only. The original is the smooth, Low-volatility experience; XXXtreme is for players who want the Starburst theme with modern high-risk mechanics.
Are Starburst Predictor Apps Real?
Starburst's massive popularity makes it a frequent target for misinformation:
"Starburst Predictor" / "Starburst Hack"
These do not exist. Every spin uses a certified Random Number Generator (RNG) tested by independent labs including eCOGRA and GLI. The result is determined at the moment you press Spin. Any app or website claiming to predict Starburst outcomes is a scam designed to steal your money or data.
"Starburst Has Hidden Free Spins That Unlock at High Bets"
False. Starburst does not have Free Spins at any bet level. The game's mechanics are identical at $0.10 and $100. There are no hidden features, unlockable bonus rounds, or bet-level-dependent mechanics.
"Starburst Pays Better at Certain Casinos"
This one is partially true, which makes it dangerous. NetEnt offers 8 operator-configurable RTP versions from 90.05% to 99.06%. Two casinos can legitimately run different RTP versions of the same Starburst game. The difference between 96.09% and 90.05% means losing $6 more per $100 wagered. Always verify the RTP in the in-game paytable — the game itself displays which version is active.
"Starburst Pays Better as a Casino Welcome Bonus Game"
The game mathematics are identical regardless of whether you play with bonus funds or real money. However, casinos frequently include Starburst in welcome bonus Free Spins offers because its Low volatility and 800x max win cap limit the casino's exposure — the most a player can win from a $0.10 bonus spin is $80. This is a business decision by the casino, not a feature of the game itself.
Common Myths Debunked
- "Starburst is rigged because the max win is only 800x" — The 800x cap is a design choice, not a limitation. Low-volatility games have lower max wins but more frequent returns. The default RTP is 96.09% — the game returns $96.09 for every $100 wagered over time, which is competitive with slots that have 10,000x+ max wins.
- "The Wild always lands after a dry spell" — False. Each spin is independent with the same probability of a Wild appearing (~8.4% chance per spin). Perceived patterns are confirmation bias: you remember the Wilds that appeared after losses more than those during winning streaks. The RNG has no memory of previous results.
- "Starburst used to pay better before NetEnt introduced configurable RTP" — Starburst was released in 2012 with 96.09% RTP. Around 2020, NetEnt (now part of Evolution) expanded operator-configurable RTP options across their portfolio. The original 96.09% version still exists and is still offered by many casinos. However, some operators have switched to lower versions. The game itself was not changed — operators simply gained the ability to choose from 8 RTP tiers.
- "You can influence which reel the Wild lands on" — The Wild's position is determined entirely by the RNG. Bet timing, bet size, and previous results have zero effect on Wild placement. Each of the 3 center reels has an independent probability of receiving a Wild on each spin.
- "Playing Starburst is a waste because of the low max win" — This depends on your goals. If you seek a 10,000x+ win, Starburst is objectively the wrong choice. If you want the longest possible play session for your bankroll with consistent entertainment, Starburst's Low volatility is mathematically optimal among popular slots.
Who Is Starburst Actually For?
Starburst is designed for players who prioritize session length and consistency over jackpot potential. Its Low volatility and 800x max win make it the mathematical opposite of games like Dead or Alive 2 (111,111x, Very High volatility).
Choose Starburst if:
- You want the longest possible sessions — Low volatility means your bankroll depletes slower and more predictably
- You prefer constant action — Wilds and Respins occur approximately every 12th spin, no waiting for rare bonus triggers
- You are clearing wagering requirements — Starburst's Low volatility minimizes risk during bonus playthrough
- You value simplicity — no features to learn, no optimal strategy decisions, instant understanding
- You want to verify RTP before playing — Starburst displays the active RTP version in its paytable, and you should always check since casinos run different versions
Consider alternatives if:
- Higher max win potential: Book of Dead (5,000x, High volatility) — same 5x3 format but with Expanding Symbol Free Spins and a higher ceiling
- Modern mechanics with Medium volatility: Gonzo's Quest (2,500x, Medium volatility) — Avalanche tumble mechanic with increasing multipliers up to 15x in Free Falls
- Extreme max win: Dead or Alive 2 (111,111x, Very High) — NetEnt's maximum-volatility offering with Sticky Wilds and three Free Spin modes
- Cluster pay excitement: Sugar Rush (5,000x, Very High) — 7x7 grid with position-based multipliers that persist across tumbles
Other NetEnt Games
Explore more guides from NetEnt:
- Gonzo's Quest — 95.97% RTP, Medium volatility, 2,500x max win
- Dead or Alive 2 — 96.82% RTP, Very High volatility, 111,111x max win