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Starburst Slot – The Cosmic Classic That Defined Online Gaming

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Last updated on May 21, 2026
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RTP: 96.09%
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Starburst Slot Review

If there’s one online slot that defined the online gaming era, it’s definitely Starburst. The iconic NetEnt slot game is one of the most popular releases for players. It’s still going strong after over a decade, being among the featured or top slots at the best online casinos.

This low-volatility bonanza is a favorite of millions, and there are several reasons for it. The Hazreviews team will list them below, along with a comprehensive overview of the features and strategies used to test it. By spinning the reels thousands of times, we’ve managed to track the slot’s performance precisely to see how those wild re-spins truly play out. With over 3,200 USD in bets during our sessions, we’ll tell players the truth about Starburst and if it’s really worth their while.

Game Details

Overall rating 8.6/10
RTP 96.09%
Maximum win 500x the bet
Volatility Low
Release date November 12, 2013
Hit frequency 23%
Best for Low volatility enthusiasts, steady wins
Avoid if You want higher payout potential or jackpots
Top casinos 888 Casino, Rooster, Stake
USD sessions bankroll USD 200-500 recommended

What Makes Starburst Special?

Starburst isn’t your average space-themed slot. In fact, it’s a balanced slot game that has revolutionized the online slot gaming era. It introduced one of the most copied features in the Starburst wild respins along with a bothway-pays system that gets the most out of the engine.

One of the game’s main charms lies in the simplicity. This isn’t a complex slot, yet works so well. Wins are formed in both directions, and instead of complex bonus features, the Starburst wilds can strike at any time.

With its elegant cosmic visuals and the frequency of expanding wild respins, Starburst remains a tour de force at casinos.

Game Mechanics and Features

The Starburst game structure is easy to follow. It has a 5×3 setup with 10 paylines that go both ways. Paired with a low volatile math model, wins are flying in frequently.

The hit frequency is righ around 23%, which is roughly 1 win every 4.5 spins. Bets range between 10c and $100 per spin, making it suitable for any type of player. The low volatile math model comes with a disadvantage. This isn’t the highest-paying slot, with maximum win potential of 500x the bet.

But with an high RTP of 96.09% and all of the features, this is one slot players always love to spin.

Symbol Breakdown

The cosmic bonanza has several different symbols with different values. All the space gems pay the most, while lucky 7s and BARs pay less. Special symbols include the Starburst wild which is key to the slot’s main feature.

The Starburst Wild Feature

Special star-shaped wilds in lovely colors can land on the three middle reels. Every wild that appears on these reels expands over it and awards a respin. Up to 3 respins are possible in a row. Multiple expanding wilds have the potential for big wins, especially if you’re lucky enough to land 3 consecutive Starburst wild respins.

Both-Ways Pay System

Wins in the Starburst online slot pays left to right and vice-versa. There are 10 fixed paylines, with the both way systems being far more effective than standard paylines.

This allows players to create winning combinations often, especially with the low volatile math model.

Our Starburst Testing Experience

The main goal of Hazreviews is to provide our readers with accurate information of the math models used in modern online slots. To do so, we approach any slot including Starburst with a few different sessions.

The sessions differ in bet size and approach. For our Starburst sessions, we used a conservative, medium, and high roller approach.

During the conservative stage, we played 1,200 spins worth 25c each. In total, we wagered $300, and got the Starburst wild feature 54 times. The largest win our team hit was $78, with a net profit of $124.

For the medium-stakes session, we switched to bets of $1. In total, we wagered $1,000 over 1,000 spins, triggering the special feature 47 times. The result was a steady session with a profit of $189 and a largest win of $267.

During the high roller stage, we went for $600 free spins worth $5 each. The feature was triggered 28 times, with the largest win being $534. This was not as successful a session as the other two, ending in a loss of $287. It shows that higher stakes don’t suit this low volatile math model.

In conclusion, we can say that the Starburst online slot offers steady win potential. We found the respins to hit every 20-25 spins on average. The average respin win was between 8x and 20x, and the maximum win we hit was 312x. Hitting 500x is achievable with a bit of help from Lady Luck.

Where to Play Starburst

The number of top-rated online casino sites is on the rise. That’s something players appreciate, as they have a variety of options to pick from.

Here at Hazreviews, we have the best online casinos on the market available for your convenience. They’re all licensed and legal to offer services, so we suggest checking out our casino reviews to find your pick.

Best Casinos for Starburst

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Starburst Strategy Tips

Some players might feel encouraged to spend more on the Starburst slot due to the low volatility. However, like with any slot, it’s all about luck in this one. Our Starburst beginner strategy for beginners is to start with smaller bets, typically in the range of 10c-25c. This will allow you to learn the slot’s mechanics and see how the expanding wilds work.

The expanding wilds are the primary winning feature players should rely on for the top wins. Since there’s no bonus round, that’s where the big wins come from. This also means that players should manage their bankroll and play responsibly in order to get the most out of the respins.

Experienced players should pay special attention to their bets and bankroll. As we saw during our high roller testing phase, the slot can dry a bankroll quickly. Cross your fingers for the expanding wilds, as they’re key to landing decent or large wins.

In general, players should focus on the entertainment value and appreciate the patient gameplay in Starburst paired with consistent rewards. Those looking for big jackpot slots should look elsewhere.

Starburst Slot Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Easy to play
  • Colorful expanding wilds that grant respins
  • Decent and steady win potential
  • Fully mobile-optimized slot

Cons

  • Winning potential could be higher
  • No bonus feature except for the expanding wild respins

Starburst Verdict

8.6/10

Starburst delivers engaging and fun gameplay without diversifying its bonus portfolio. While it only has the Starburst wild on show, they can trigger up to 3 respins in a row for a rewarding cosmic adventure. The low volatility keeps things fun without bleeding your bankroll dry, even if the winning potential is low.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Starburst's RTP?

Starburst’s RTP sits at 96.09%, which is perfect for a low volatile slot game. It’s a decent slot for new and experienced players who focus on the entertainment value.

How Often do Re-spins Trigger in the Starburst Slot?

As our testing showed, the respins feature triggers every 20-25 spins. This shows that you can expect regular feature entertainment and larger wins than the usual base game returns.

What's the Maximum Win Potential in Starburst?

Starburst isn’t a slot for jackpot hunters. Its maximum win is 500x the bet, which can be achieved via three expanding wilds on the middle reels.

Can I Play Starburst on Mobile Devices?

Yes, all of NetEnt’s slots are fully mobile-optimized. This is a mobile-first slot game as well, giving players the chance to have fun on the go.

How Does the Both-Ways Pay System Work in Starburst?

The bothway pay system works just like a regular one, except it pays left to right and right to left. This means that matching symbols can align any way and you still get a payout.

Where Can Players Play Starburst?

Some of the best options to play Starburst include 888, Rooster, Just Casino, Rabona, and Stake. These are all licensed casinos that rank high in our reviews.

Is the Starburst Slot Suitable for Beginners?

Yes, Starburst is more than suitable for beginners. Thanks to the frequent wins and its low volatile math model, players can expect a consistent performance.

Editor's note: This review is based on extensive testing as of August 2025. Game mathematics and features remain constant, but casino availability and terms may change. Always gamble responsibly and within your means.