Play Starburst for Free – Play for Real Money or in Demo Mode

Launched by NetEnt in November 2012, Starburst has become an icon of online slots thanks to its blend of simplicity and engaging gameplay. This 5-reel, 10-payline video slot features a “Win Both Ways” mechanic—meaning winning combinations pay left‐to‐right and right‐to‐left—and expanding wilds that trigger re-spins. With its low volatility and accessible max win of 250× stake, Starburst appeals to both newcomers seeking steady returns and seasoned players chasing frequent thrills .

Starburst’s enduring popularity is evident in its top-rank status on many casino sites, and it remains one of NetEnt’s most-played titles over a decade after release.

Important Game Details

Pros & Cons

Introduction to Starburst

If you like puzzle-based games like Bejeweled but want a slot experience, Starburst is a great choice. The game is inspired by jewel-based puzzle games and combines this with classic slot mechanics for a captivating gaming experience.

NetEnt has optimized Starburst for smooth gaming experience across multiple devices, making it possible to play on desktop, mobile and tablet without quality loss.

Graphics & Theme

Starburst has dazzling graphics with an almost 3D-like effect, making it visually impressive. The sound design is equally captivating and enhances the overall experience. The reel symbols consist of colorful jewels as well as classic slot symbols such as lucky sevens and BAR icons, giving a retro-futuristic aesthetic.

• Theme: A fusion of cosmic ambience and radiant gemstones, evoking a futuristic “space-jewel” expedition.

• Graphics: High-definition symbols with smooth “gleaming” animations; an intuitive UI with subtle parallax backgrounds.

• Soundtrack: An energetic electro-synth score that ramps up on wins; cool “shimmer” SFX accompany symbol hits and wild expansions, reinforcing the slot’s brisk pace

How to Play Starburst ✨

1. Launch the Game

   • Available on desktop browsers and all major mobile devices via HTML5.

2. Set Your Stakes

   • Bet Level: 1–10

   • Coin Value: €0.01–€1.00

   • Total Bet = Bet Level × Coin Value × 10 paylines.

3. Review the Paytable

   • Click the “ℹ️” icon to see detailed symbol pays, paylines, and feature mechanics.

4. Enable Autoplay (Optional)

   • Choose up to 1,000 spins and set stop-loss/profit limits for hands-free play.

5. Spin Reels

   • Hit Spin or use Autoplay. Wins pay both ways.

6. Watch for Expanding Wilds

   • If wilds land on reels 2, 3, or 4, they expand, lock in place, and trigger re-spins.

7. Manage Your Bankroll

   • Use Demo Mode first, set time/budget limits, and adjust bet levels based on session performance

Starburst may only have 10 paylines, but thanks to its “Win Both Ways” feature, winning combinations are created from both directions, doubling the payout potential.

Official Rules

• Payline Wins: Highest win per line paid; multiple lines add cumulatively.

• Win Both Ways: Applies to all symbols except wild-only payouts, which follow left-to-right rules.

• Re-Spins: Awarded upon each expanding wild; capped at 5 re-spins per base spin.

• RTP & Volatility: Fixed at 96.1% and low, respectively; game outcomes are determined by a certified RNG.

• Malfunction: Any defect voids all plays and pays.

• Jurisdiction: Players must comply with local gambling laws; NetEnt holds licenses from UKGC, MGA, and others.

For full legal details and country-specific T&Cs, refer to the NetEnt Starburst game manual.

Winning Combinations

1. Standard Wins

   • Match 3–5 identical symbols on adjacent reels along any of the 10 fixed paylines.

2. Wild Re-Spin Wins

   • Triggered exclusively by expanding wilds on reels 2, 3, or 4.

   • Up to 5 re-spins can occur, with each new wild resetting the re-spin count.

3. Concurrent Paylines

   • Multiple paylines can win on the same spin; all pays are summed.

4. Highest-Line Rule

   • Only the highest win per payline is paid, preventing double-paying the same line.

Slot Symbols & Payouts

About the Provider: NetEnt

• Founded: 1996 in Stockholm, Sweden.

• Evolution: Pioneered browser-based casino games; acquired by Evolution Gaming in 2020.

• Accolades: Multiple EGR Operator Awards for “Innovator of the Year” and “Slot Provider.”

• Portfolio Highlights: Gonzo’s Quest, Mega Fortune, Dead or Alive 2, and dozens of branded titles.

• Compliance: Holds licenses in regulated markets including the UK, Malta, Sweden, and New Jersey.

NetEnt’s commitment to quality and fair play has solidified its reputation as a top-tier studio in iGaming

Starburst RTP & Volatility

Starburst has an RTP of 96.1%, which means that for every €10 wagered, the game pays back an average of €96.10 in the long run. As a low volatility slot, Starburst offers frequent wins, but these are usually small in comparison to high volatility slots.

Bonus Features: Expanding Wilds & Re-Spins

Starburst ✨ does not offer a traditional free spins feature, but its expanding wilds provide an exciting gaming experience. Wild symbols can appear on reels 2, 3 and 4, expanding across the entire reel and triggering up to five re-spins. Each new wild that lands brings additional re-spins and increases winning opportunities.

Maximum Winning Potential

Despite not having a progressive jackpot, Starburst still offers good payout opportunities:

• Maximum win: 250x your bet
• Volatility: Low
• RTP: 96.1%

Free Play & Betting Strategy

Before betting real money, it is recommended to try Starburst in demo mode to learn the mechanics of the game. Ideally, players should test the game for 150-200 spins before making financial commitments.

Bet Level and Strategy

• Choose a bet level that corresponds to your real bet level to simulate real play.
• Avoid max bets if your bankroll cannot handle big losses.
• Use demo mode to see if Starburst suits your playing style before you deposit real money.
• Play on a budget and have a clear strategy for when to quit.
• Take advantage of the “Win Both Ways” feature to maximize winning potential without risking large amounts.

Having a well-thought-out strategy will help you play more responsibly and give you a better experience. Good luck at the reels!

Similar Games to Starburst ✨

If you like Starburst, try these similar titles:

Slingo Starburst

Slingo Starburst combines the excitement of bingo and slots, creating a fast-paced game where each round consists of 10 spins. On each spin, numbers are drawn – if they match those on your board, they are highlighted, creating a Slingo. During the game, you can also get wilds and extra spins, increasing your chances of progress.

When you reach three or more Slingos, you unlock the iconic Starburst slot feature. The more Slingos you collect, the stronger your winning spin will be, with higher Slingo scores unlocking even more valuable symbols.

In short, the more Slingos you get, the higher you climb the symbol ladder, leading to more lucrative payouts.

Slingo games have become hugely popular among slot fans, offering a fresh twist on classic games. Today, you can find Slingo versions of several top titles, including:

• Slingo Reel King – Unlocks the Bonus Trail, an exciting feature from the Reel King series.
• Slingo Rainbow Riches – Includes three of the most popular bonus rounds from Rainbow Riches in Slingo format.
• Slingo Fluffy Favourites – Features a Pick-Me Bonus where you choose soft toys that reveal cash wins, similar to the original slot’s feature.

With its unique play style and engaging bonus mechanics, Slingo games offer a new and exciting way to experience your favorite slots. Will you climb the Slingo ladder and win big?

Starburst XXXTreme

Released in 2021, Starburst XXXTreme brings a bold and high-stakes variation of the legendary Starburst slot while retaining its iconic look and feel. This high volatility game has a higher RTP of 96.26% and an impressive maximum payout of 200,000x your bet.

One of the game’s most prominent features is the introduction of multipliers. When a Starburst Wild lands, it can have a random multiplier between 2x and 150x, which can significantly increase your winning potential.

Unlike the original, the XXXTreme mode has removed the “Win Both Ways” feature, meaning that wins now only count from left to right. However, the game compensates for this by giving the chance for random wilds after each spin, which keeps the action intense.

For those who want to guarantee wild symbols, XXXTreme Spins offers an optional bet feature. You can pay 10x your bet for a spin with one guaranteed wild or 95x your bet for a spin with two guaranteed Starburst Wilds.

Both versions share the same iconic graphics and expanding wild re-spins, but Starburst XXXTreme is designed for high rollers. The game offers significantly greater risks-but also potentially huge rewards-compared to the more casual and low-volatility experience of the original. If you’re looking for bigger thrills and even bigger wins, this slot is a great choice.

Conclusion

Starburst remains a top-rated slot even after over a decade. It is a balanced game for both beginners and experienced players. Although it lacks traditional free spins, its expanding wilds and re-spins keep the gaming experience engaging.

Summary: Starburst is an iconic, easy-to-play slot with frequent wins, great graphics and a fun re-spin feature, making it ideal for beginners and casual players.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What’s the house edge?

   • The RTP is 96.1%, meaning the house edge is 3.9%.

2. Can I play Starburst on mobile?

   • Yes—NetEnt’s HTML5 build ensures full functionality on smartphones and tablets.

3. Are there jackpot prizes?

   • No progressive jackpot; top win is 250× stake per spin.

4. How volatile is the game?

   • Low volatility: frequent smaller wins with occasional medium payouts.

5. Do wilds pay both ways?

   • Wild symbols themselves pay left-to-right only, but substituting wins still benefit from two-way paylines.

6. Is there a demo mode?

   • Most casinos offer a free-play demo to learn mechanics without wagering real funds.

7. How do I trigger re-spins?

   • Land an expanding wild on reels 2–4; each grants one re-spin, up to five.

8. Who developed Starburst?

   • The game was created by NetEnt, now part of Evolution Gaming Group.