Starburst Slot Review – A Celestial Casino Classic
The Starburst slot game has long been considered a classic online casino slot by both players and casino sites alike and you can find it available at pretty much every good online casino. Since launching in 2012, the game has remained wildly popular thanks to its space theme, dynamic gameplay, and distinctive visual style.
In this comprehensive review, we will take you through the fundamentals of the game, introduce you to some of the best Starburst casinos on the market, and provide you with all you need to know from the gameplay mechanics, maximum wins, and Starburst slot RTP, to sites with Starburst free play demos.
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How to Play the Starburst Slot Game
The aim of the game is to line up matching symbols along any of the 10 paylines. Three or more of the same symbol in adjacent reel positions deliver a payout with the highest payouts determined by lining up five of the highest-paying symbols.
Winning combinations pay from the left and the right-hand side, so as long as you line up three matching symbols starting from either side, you will be in line for a payout.
Wild symbols count for any missing symbol too, so it’s possible to make combinations of any two matching symbols plus a wild when they fall in adjacent positions on a payline.
Starburst Slot Paylines and Reels
There are five reels, and three rows that payout both ways from left and right. This is one of the unique selling points of the Starburst slot which has led to its widespread popularity with players since most slots only payout from left to right and not the other way around as well.
There are 10 paylines in Starburst, because you can win from combinations with starting positions on the left reel and the right reel, there are effectively 20 different ways to win on any spin, by landing combinations of three or more matching symbols on these paylines.
Starburst Slot Features
The primary feature of Starburst, which has made it such an enduring classic, is the Starburst Wilds. The wild symbols appear in the middle three reels and substitute for all symbols to help complete a payline. When a wild lands it will expand over the reel and trigger a respin, with a maximum of 3 potential respins from a single spin.
There is no Starburst bonus round in the game; it’s all tied up in the base gameplay mechanics, with Wilds symbols providing much of the added action. But the potential for wins from the wilds in Starburst is much greater than in some other comparable slots, a huge part of its appeal to slots fans.
Starburst Bonuses and Free Spins
Starburst free spins and bonuses are often available as part of the welcome bonus from online casinos. However, the Starburst slot game is not always compatible with every online casino bonus so you will need to check the terms and conditions of any Starburst casino to see if you can use your welcome bonus with the game.
Play Starburst on Mobile
One of the easiest and most convenient ways to play Starburst is on mobile. The game’s simple yet flawless design means that nothing is lost when you play the slot on a smaller screen, and thanks to NetEnt’s high-quality software touchscreen gameplay is both responsive and satisfying.
Despite being a slot game that’s over a decade old at this point, the Starburst slot seems made to be played on mobile devices.
Even when compared to more recent titles from both NetEnt and other software providers the game still feels fresh with dynamic gameplay and quality graphics that look crisp and clean on your smartphone screen.
Starburst Free Play Demo
Unfortunately, we cannot provide you with a Starburst free play demo in this review, however, once you confirm your age as being over 18 years old and complete sign up at our recommended Starburst casinos you will be able to try out a free play version of the game at the casino site.
While not every casino site will offer a demo version of a slot to its players, many online sites will let you test out the game first before you start spending your real money funds on the game.
Playing Starburst for Real Money
There are a few fundamentals that you should take into account when you play Starburst for real money. Always make sure to set a budget for how much you are willing to spend and lose on a session playing the Starburst slot.
More experienced slots players do tend to try to prolong their session by playing at a lower per spin bet. While riskier play with larger bets can lead to larger payouts when you win there’s no guarantee of that outcome and we recommend that you gamble responsibly.
Ultimately the best strategy is a decision for you to make when you’re playing Starburst for real money. We would always recommend playing within your own limits, and only ever with money you can afford to lose. Some online casinos will also offer a Starburst free play option to let you test out the game before you spend real money.
The advice we give here is for entertainment purposes only and you should only ever play Starburst while it’s fun to do so. Gambling can be addictive and help is available if you need it, via GamCare and the National Gambling Helpline.
Starburst Slot RTP
Starburst has a return-to-player percentage (RTP) of 96.09%. This is the percentage of money bet on Starburst that is returned to the player base as winnings over the long-term. As a result, the house edge in Starburst is under 4%.
However, this is not a guarantee that you will win back 96.09% of what you spend but rather an indicator of the game’s overall fairness. There’s no telling how you will perform over an individual session and player results do vary.
While it’s ultimately a matter of luck how you perform when you’re playing Starburst, it’s nevertheless advisable to play games with a high RTP wherever possible. This ensures you’re playing against a game that is stacked against you to a lesser degree than gambling games that have a lower RTP percentage.
Starburst Slot Betting Limits
Betting limits on the Starburst slot range from a minimum of £0.10 per spin up to £100 per spin depending on your budget. Note that there is no difference in game mechanics whether you’re betting at a lower level or a higher level.
It’s worth mentioning that these wagering limits are subject to change in the near future. For UK players the UK Gambling Commission will soon be limiting maximum stakes on all online slots including Starburst slots to £2 per spin for 18-24 year olds and £5 per spin for over-25s.
Starburst Slot Maximum Win
The maximum win available from Starburst is set at 500x. Which means following the introduction of the new slots limits the maximum possible win for any Starburst players will be £2,500.
Note that the vast majority of spin wins will fall short of this maximum amount but it shows what’s possible when you play at the highest per spin stake and land a maximum win.
Landing the maximum win requires hitting three Starburst Wilds in one spin, which is no easy feat. But if it lands for you, you’ll be celebrating a potentially huge win from your spin on this iconic slots game.
Within normal play, the highest wins come from lining up combinations of five of the highest-paying BAR symbols, which pays out at 25x your per spin stake.
Starburst Software Provider – NetEnt
Starburst was developed by NetEnt, a casino games developer that has been around since 1999. NetEnt has built its reputation on the back of games such as Starburst, to the point where it’s considered one of the leading developers in the iGaming industry with over 200 slots titles in its roster.
Today, its slots are widely represented across some of the biggest and best online casinos in the UK. Famed for their graphics, game mechanics, and often highly creative themes, NetEnt games are always high quality and endlessly entertaining.
Other NetEnt Slots
The Starburst slot isn’t the only noteworthy game to be developed by NetEnt. For players looking for more top-quality casino games from this developer, we’ve put together a short list of other NetEnt titles that may be of interest.
Gonzo’s Quest: A beloved online casino classic that has waned in popularity in recent years but still remains a fan favourite, Gonzo’s Quest is one of the flagship NetEnt games which helped build the software providers reputation. It has an average RTP of 95.97%, a 2,500x maximum win and a brilliant bonus mode feature.
Dead or Alive 2: This dramatic outlaws-themed slot is a must for any fan of the Wild West. A high-paying game with some cool features, this game has a maximum win of a huge 111,111x and an above-average RTP of 96.8%. This is a NetEnt slot that maintains an enduring following among UK gamblers.
Hall of Gods: NetEnt’s epic Hall of Gods is a progressive jackpot that offers players a chance of landing a truly big win. The base game is simple and fun to play, as a jackpot slot it has a lower than average 95.7% RTP that is still towards the higher end for games with a progressive jackpot.
Mega Fortune: Another stand out progressive jackpot slot, Mega Fortune is synonymous with wealth and luxury. Its reels are adorned with high-value symbols, including jewellery, limos and wads of cash. Boasting an RTP of 96.6% this is a rare jackpot that offers a better return-to-player rate than most standard slots.
Tiki Wonders: With 30 paylines and a 10,000x maximum win Tiki Wonders is a highly competitive Pacific-themed slot that boasts not one, but two progressive jackpots. A well-designed and visual stimulating slot, Tiki Wonders offers plenty of additional features to keep you playing.
Starburst Advantages and Disadvantages
There are several clear advantages to playing Starburst slots most noticeably the game’s high RTP, the ability to win both ways, and the Starburst Wilds feature which can be the difference between a win and a loss. There’s a lot to take advantage of here with very little drawbacks.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| High RTP | Low volatility |
| Starburst Wilds feature | No bonus mode |
| Both ways wins | – |
If there’s anything to criticise the game for it would be that its low volatility means that you can expect to rack up more frequent but lower-value wins than would be the case with some other slots. The lack of a bonus mode might turn away some players but the Starburst Wilds feature more than compensate for this in our opinion.
Starburst Slot Review – The Verdict
Starburst is an impressive slot, even more than 10 years after it was first introduced. The Starburst Wilds feature in particular means this is a game that still stands out from the crowd – even among those who have played Starburst regularly over the years.
While it’s simple in its essence, there’s no shortage of fun to be had spinning Starburst. And when you consider the high RTP and the potential for wins of up to 500x, plus the added benefits of those expanding wilds with respins, it’s a game that isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
How We Choose the Best Starburst Slots Casinos
All of our recommended Starburst casinos must meet our strict set of judging criteria before we will recommend them to our readers. We only feature fully licensed, legitimate casino sites on our pages and each casino must also rank highly in the following areas.
Games selection: It goes without saying that our recommended Starburst casinos must offer the game. However, we also consider the quality of the rest of the games selection to see what other high-quality slot games are available, in addition to table games and live casino games for a more rounded experience.
Promotions and welcome bonuses: The best Starburst casinos must offer Starburst casino bonuses . We take great consideration of the quality of the welcome bonuses and any terms and conditions that might restrict their use with the Starburst slot game.
Safety and licensing: We only recommend licensed legitimate casino sites that are safe and trustworthy with a good reputation for providing a fair and safe gambling experience. Additionally, all sites must have cybersecurity and encryption software in place to protect player data.
Payment Methods: Deposit and withdrawal methods are a major part of what makes a convenient casino experience. Our recommended Starburst casinos all have convenient banking with a range of payment methods supported for deposit and withdrawal.
Mobile Compatibility: We want to make sure that players can enjoy playing Starburst on all devices and as such, mobile compatibility is a must. We prioritise casino sites that have been fully optimised for mobile use along with any that offer dedicated casino apps.
Customer support: Our recommended sites all take customer support seriously, either via live chat or email and phone support. The best Starburst casinos must have helpful, knowledgeable support agents available to help assist with customer issues, so you can trust support is there when you need it.
Starburst Slots FAQs
Is Starburst a good slot?
Starburst is one of the most popular slots in the UK, even more than a decade after it was launched. Enjoyed for its Wilds feature and high payout potential, it’s a game that held an enduring appeal for online gamblers for a very long time.
Can I play Starburst for real money?
Yes, you can play Starburst for real money. The maximum win per spin is 500x the amount of your wager. The RTP comes in at a generous 96.09% – higher than many comparable slots, meaning the house edge is low.
Is there a Starburst free play option?
While we cannot offer you a Starburst free play demo on our site. We do have an extensive list of the best Starburst casinos where you should be able to find a demo version of the game to play before you try your luck with your own funds.
Why is Starburst so popular?
Starburst is popular for a number of reasons, not least its high payout potential and potent Starburst Wilds feature, which can deliver some decent feature wins. Many players enjoy the game mechanics of the Starburst slot, which allow for fast-paced, exciting slots play.
What is the maximum payout for Starburst slots?
The maximum win on Starburst is 500 times the wager amount you’re playing per spin. At maximum bets this can mean there is the potential for large wins when playing Starburst for real money. Please remember to always gamble responsibly.
