Starburst Slot Review
4.5 /5 
– Starburst was one of the first games to introduce features like stacked sticky wilds and win-both-ways, and this sort of new gameplay has had a significant effect on slot game design ever since.
- Simple, fast-paced, and visually mesmerising gameplay
- Expanding Starburst Wilds
- Wins pay both ways, doubling the chances for winning combinations
- Universally available at most of the best slot sites
- No free spins round
Is This Slot For You?
Best for: All players seeking a polished, low-volatility slot with frequent action and iconic special features.
Where to Play:
You can play Starburst slot at these slot sites:
Sky Vegas not only has the game in its library, it frequently provides players with free spins promotions, providing a perfect opportunity to try various casino games without an additional deposit.
888casino is another excellent option, particularly for players who appreciate a brand with a long-standing reputation.
Both sites are regulated by the UK Gambling Commission, ensuring transparency and fair play. Both platforms are also easy to use. Additionally, both sites have fast withdrawal times, with payments often processing within a few hours for some methods like e-wallets. For more options, check out our list of the best slot sites in the UK.
Since the slot game is built on HTML5 technology you can play the game on a web browser.
Best Bingo Sites That Offer Slots
If you prefer high-volatility slots with massive jackpots, try this instead:
Play Starburst at these suggested casinos
Heart Bingo
Spin Rider
Party Casino
888 Casino
Starburst Screenshots
Starburst Overview
The Starburst slot game has earned its legendary status as one of the most popular online slot machines of all time. Yes, of all time. Players particularly love its Starburst Wilds feature where expanding wilds trigger re-spins and create dazzling winning combinations. This iconic NetEnt game transports you to deep space, with gems, a rainbow of colours, and other symbols like the lucky Red 7 and BAR. It’s one of the country’s favourite games, and it’s not hard to see why it remains so today.
This legendary slot game is packed with rewarding special features, including winning line mechanics:
- Fast-paced, straightforward gameplay that’s perfect for mobile play.
- A respin feature triggered by the expanding Wild mechanic.
- A ‘Win Both Ways’ mechanic that pays from left to right and right to left.
How to play Starburst
New to Starburst? Getting started is straightforward. The game is built on a classic layout of five reels and three rows with 10 fixed paylines, adjustable according to your bet level. However, the key difference from traditional slot games is the ‘Win Both Ways’ mechanic, meaning winning combinations are formed from left to right and right to left.
To begin, simply set your total bet on the screen and click the spin button to set the reels in motion. The game’s low volatility ensures a steady stream of smaller, frequent wins, perfect for budget bettors.
Check out the Starburst Wild symbol which triggers the core bonus upon landing. This symbol instantly covers the entire reel, becoming a sticky Starburst Wild and awarding a respin. During the respin, if another Starburst Wild lands on another reel or other reels, it too will expand, lock in place, and award another respin. This can happen for up to three re-spins.
Starburst Jackpots
Starburst has a maximum jackpot payout of £50,000 (50,000 coins) through hitting a combination of Bar symbols and stacked sticky wilds when betting the maximum coin size and number (10 x £1).
In order to get the max payout, you first need to hit a wild on either reel 2, 3 or 4, and then on the free spin hit another wild while also hitting 5x Bar symbols on all 10 paylines (producing a payout of 25,000 coins, potentially worth £25,000). If this then happens again on the next free spin, you will finish with 3x stacked wilds and 5x Bar symbols on all 10 paylines, producing another 25,000 coin payout (a further £25,000 when betting the max). This means you will have had two consecutive £25,000 payouts, making a total win of £50,000 from a single spin (plus two free spins).
Starburst Special features
Although features like win-both-ways and sticky wilds are now relatively commonplace, when they first appeared in Starburst they were important innovations that revolutionised slots gameplay. These features aside, however, the gameplay on Starburst is relatively straightforward and this combination is the secret of the game’s appeal. For instance, apart from the additional spins you pick up when you hit a sticky wild, there is no free spin feature, nor are there are any bonus rounds.
At the same time, Starburst is a medium to high volatility slot where there are relatively large payouts on offer, but these tend to more sporadic than on low volatility games. The left-to-right and right-to-left payouts do, however, mean that the gameplay is always engaging.
WhichBingo Starburst Rating
As a modern classic, Starburst’s rating reflects its iconic status and polished design, balanced against its straightforward mechanics. It has remained a classic, accessible, and engaging title since its release.
Fun Factor – ★★★★
The mechanics are effortless and easy to grasp, making it perfect for both quick sessions and longer play. The constant anticipation of the expanding Starburst Wild and subsequent re-spins creates a compelling loop of excitement. If you’re looking to start playing, adding some more free spins as a bonus, however, would make it better for players.
Looks & Sounds – ★★★★
The audio-visual presentation remains one of the game’s strongest assets. The vibrant colours of the cosmic gems and the arcade-inspired design have aged well. The light effects during wins and the ambient soundtrack create positive playing experience.
Jackpots & Features – ★★★
Features on Starburst are solid but limited in scope. The core Starburst Wilds feature is iconic for a reason – the expanding wild symbols and re-spins are incredibly satisfying and trigger frequently, offering regular bursts of potential. The ‘Win Both Ways’ mechanic is a great addition. However, the lack of a traditional free spins round or any multipliers means the feature set is a miss for us.
Starburst Gameplay
Starburst takes us into new territory when it comes to graphics and sound effects. The design concept of bright, shiny gem symbols is quite simple, yet it manages to be eye-catching, while the animation and sound effects on a winning spin (especially when the sticky wilds come into play) capture the attention and significantly add to the excitement of the game. At the same time, however, along with the contemporary, abstract gem symbols, you also have classic slot game symbols such as Lucky 7 and Bar, and this demonstrates the game’s traditional roots.
The electronic soundtrack is also very effective and suits the space-age theme very well, while the bursts of explosions on winning spins create a real sense of excitement.
Starburst Slot Strategy
Slot games like Starburst run on Random Number Generators, so every spin is independent – there’s no way to influence the result, but what you can control is your bankroll. Starburst’s RTP is 96.09%. As a low-volatility game, it tends to deliver smaller, more frequent wins, which can help your budget last, but the maximum payout is capped at 500x your stake. The smartest approach: set a budget, play for fun, and don’t chase losses.
For more help, see our Responsible Gambling resources.
Starburst Payouts
The maximum win on Starburst is 500x your total bet. This is achieved by filling the five reels with the BAR symbol, the highest paying symbol, and benefiting from the ‘Win Both Ways’ mechanic, which effectively doubles the payout. Remember this is the top potential win and not a progressive jackpot, so there are no networked elements.
The things that make this game extra-special are the expanding Starburst Wilds and subsequent re-spins, which increase your chances to win. While there is potential for winning, outcomes are always random, and the 500x max win is not guaranteed compared to other slots. Always check the paytable wherever you’re playing as there are lower RTP Starburst games.
Players Also Like:
If you’re a fan of classic slots with medium volatility, you might enjoy some of these slots
Our Verdict:
A true classic.
Starburst delivers a masterclass in great slot play. Its low-volatility and expanding wilds with re-spins create consistently fun sessions. While the 500x max win may deter jackpot hunters, it still deserves a place inane slot site hall of fame.
Starburst FAQs
What is the RTP of Starburst?
The Starburst RTP is 96.09%, which is slightly above average for online slots. However, it is important to check the paytable within the game wherever you’re playing to adjust your coin value, as NetEnt provides several RTP configurations and some operators may use a lower version.
Does Starburst have free spins?
The Starburst slot machine does not offer a traditional free spins bonus round. Instead, its main feature is the re-spin mechanic, triggered when a Starburst Wild symbol lands and expands to cover an entire reel. This awards a re-spin, which can be retriggered up to two more times for a total of three re-spins.
Where can I play Starburst for real money?
You can play Starburst for real money at most major UK online casino sites. We recommend starting with curated lists of the best slot sites and new slot sites to find a reputable, licensed casino. Always ensure you are playing at a site regulated by the UK Gambling Commission and remember to gamble responsibly.
User Reviews