Starburst Slot Review & Complete Guide 2025

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NetEnt released Starburst back in 2012, and honestly? It's still one of the most played slots today. There's something about its simplicity that just works. No complicated mechanics, no confusing features – just colorful gems, expanding wilds, and re-spins. That's it. And players love it.

Here's what makes Starburst special: when wild symbols land on reels 2, 3, or 4, they expand to cover the entire reel. Then you get a free re-spin. If another wild lands during the re-spin, it expands too, and you get another re-spin. I've seen players get three consecutive expanding wilds, which creates some serious win potential.

The game runs on a classic 5x3 grid with 10 paylines. The RTP sits at 96.09%, which is solid but not groundbreaking. The real draw is the low volatility – wins happen frequently, even if they're smaller. This makes it perfect for players who want consistent action without the stress of high-volatility slots.

What Actually Works:

• The Expanding Wild Mechanic: When wilds expand, they create multiple winning combinations simultaneously. Land wilds on reels 2 and 4, and you're guaranteed wins on every payline. It's simple, but effective.
• Re-spin Feature: The re-spin isn't a full bonus round – it's just one extra spin. But when that re-spin lands another expanding wild, you get another re-spin. This can chain together for multiple expanding wilds, creating bigger wins than you'd expect from such a simple mechanic.
• Low Volatility = Consistent Action: Unlike high-volatility slots where you might spin 100 times with nothing, Starburst keeps things moving. Wins happen regularly, even if they're smaller. This makes it perfect for longer sessions or players who prefer steady action over big swings.
• Simple Rules: There's almost nothing to learn. See a wild? It expands. Get a re-spin? Spin again. That simplicity is why it's so accessible. New players can jump in immediately, and experienced players appreciate the straightforward mechanics.
• Timeless Design: The colorful gems and space theme still look good today, even though it's been around for over a decade. NetEnt nailed the design, and it holds up.

From a player's perspective, Starburst is perfect when you want relaxed gameplay. It won't deliver those 5,000x wins that high-volatility slots promise, but you won't have those frustrating dry spells either. It's the slot equivalent of comfort food – reliable, enjoyable, and always there when you need it.

The Simple Mechanics

Starburst runs on a straightforward 5x3 grid with 10 paylines. You've got colorful gem symbols – purples, blues, oranges, yellows, greens. The higher-paying gems are worth more, but here's the thing – the wild symbol is where the real action happens. Wilds can land on reels 2, 3, or 4, and when they do, they expand to cover the entire reel. Then you get one free re-spin. That's it. Simple.

Betting Strategy for Low Volatility

Since Starburst is low volatility, you can bet a bit higher percentage of your bankroll per spin. I usually go with 2-3% when I have a €100 bankroll, so that's €2-€3 per spin. The frequent smaller wins mean your bankroll lasts longer, so you can afford slightly higher bets. This isn't a game where you're waiting 100 spins for a bonus – wins happen regularly.

The key thing to remember: don't expect massive wins. The maximum win is around 500x your bet, which is modest compared to high-volatility slots. But those wins happen way more often. I've had sessions where I hit 100x+ wins three times in 50 spins. That consistency is what makes Starburst appealing.

The Re-spin Feature Explained

When a wild expands on reel 2, 3, or 4, you get one re-spin. During that re-spin, if another wild lands (it doesn't even have to be on the same reel), it expands too, and you get another re-spin. I've personally seen this chain together three times – wild on reel 3 expands, re-spin lands wild on reel 2 which expands, another re-spin lands wild on reel 4 which expands. When multiple reels have expanding wilds, you're guaranteed wins on every payline. That's when Starburst delivers its best payouts.

What I've Learned Playing Starburst

• It's not about huge wins: Starburst is about consistent action. If you're chasing 5,000x wins, play something else. But if you want steady entertainment with regular wins? This is perfect.
• You can bet slightly higher: The low volatility means you can afford to bet 2-3% of your bankroll instead of the usual 1-2%. The frequent wins help sustain longer sessions.
• Multiple expanding wilds are key: The biggest wins come when you chain expanding wilds together. One expanding wild is good, two is great, three is amazing. That's when you see those 200x-500x wins.
• Perfect for beginners: If you're new to slots, start with Starburst. The rules are simple, and you'll get regular wins without the frustration of high-volatility slots.
• Great for bonus wagering: If you need to wager a casino bonus, Starburst is ideal. The low volatility means you'll complete wagering requirements more consistently than high-volatility games.

One thing I appreciate about Starburst: it doesn't try to be complicated. There are no confusing features, no complicated mechanics. Just spin, hope for expanding wilds, get re-spins. That simplicity is why it's still popular over a decade after release.