Starburst slot guide
I've tried countless slot games, and NetEnt's Starburst slot consistently ranks among my favorites. It blends classic arcade style with sleek, modern visuals, delivering a straightforward yet engaging gaming experience. While it lacks traditional bonuses, its unique expanding Wild feature makes gameplay exciting and potentially rewarding, with payouts up to R948,746. Join me as I share an in-depth review of Starburst’s gameplay, features, and why it remains hugely popular among South African players.
By Adiela de Bruyn - Last modified 2025/03/19 - Estimated reading time: 5 minutes.
Table of contents

Design
I’ve played many slot games, but the Starburst slot from NetEnt still stands out visually. The dark, space-themed background makes the bright jewel symbols pop vividly. HD graphics ensure crisp visuals, especially on modern screens. Starburst keeps it classic with traditional 'bar' and 'seven' symbols reminiscent of old-school slots. Animations are fluid, and when you land wins, arcade-like lights illuminate the paylines, creating an exciting yet calming atmosphere. The music complements the game’s retro space vibe perfectly, adding excitement without overwhelming the player.
Though the game launched years ago, NetEnt regularly updates the design. This ensures the visuals remain competitive with newer games. Overall, the vibrant animations and sleek design deliver an engaging experience, blending nostalgia and innovation smoothly.
Gameplay
When I first tried the Starburst slot, the simplicity surprised me. It has five reels, three rows, and just ten paylines, paying both ways. This setup allows players up to 20 winning combinations, increasing chances for frequent payouts. Symbols range from lower-value colored jewels to higher-value 'Lucky 7' and 'BAR'. Here's what each combination pays out:
- Purple & Blue Jewels – 3, 4, 5 = 0.5, 1, 2.5x bet
- Orange Jewel – 3, 4, 5 = 0.7, 1.5, 4x bet
- Green Jewel – 3, 4, 5 = 0.8, 2, 5x bet
- Yellow Jewel – 3, 4, 5 = 1, 2.5, 6x bet
- Lucky Red 7 – 3, 4, 5 = 2.5, 6, 12x bet
- BAR – 3, 4, 5 = 5, 20, 25x bet
Bets range from R1.9 to R1987 per spin, accommodating casual players and high rollers alike. The max win is 5,000x your stake, making it possible to hit jackpots of up to R948,746.
Gameplay remains engaging despite the limited paylines, thanks to frequent smaller wins. Starburst also has an autoplay mode in select regions, allowing from 10 to 1,000 automated spins. You can customize stops based on wins or losses, giving added control.
One common beginner mistake is betting too high too soon. I recommend starting with smaller bets and gradually increasing them as you get comfortable with the game's rhythm.

Playing the Starburst atYeti casino.
Starburst Wild Symbol
Starburst doesn’t offer traditional free spins or complicated bonus rounds like newer slots. Instead, its primary feature is the expanding Wild symbol. This multi-colored Wild appears exclusively on reels two, three, and four. When triggered, it expands to fill the entire reel, locking in place for up to three respins. If you hit another Wild during a respin, it also expands and sticks, awarding another spin. This continues until no additional Wilds land, significantly boosting your winning potential.
With luck, you could fill the central reels entirely with Wilds, setting up substantial wins. This unique feature adds excitement without complicating the gameplay. Plus, you can easily adjust your bets, with coin values from 0.01 to 1.00 and bet levels from 1 to 10, fitting any budget or play style.
Landing all five reels with BAR symbols results in the maximum 500x jackpot payout, even without Wild symbols present, making every spin potentially rewarding.

RTP and Volatility
Starburst has a solid Return to Player (RTP) of 96.09%, meaning for every R100 wagered, players statistically receive R96.09 back. Its volatility is low to medium, delivering frequent smaller wins and occasional bigger payouts. This balance appeals to players who prefer steady gameplay over highly volatile games that deliver rare but massive jackpots.
NetEnt ensures fairness through RNG (Random Number Generator) technology, which guarantees truly random outcomes every spin, enhancing player confidence.

Mobile Gaming
I appreciate how smoothly Starburst plays across devices, thanks to NetEnt's HTML5 technology. Whether using Android, iOS, or tablets, the interface adjusts flawlessly. Graphics, gameplay, and features remain consistent, offering a quality mobile gaming experience from virtually anywhere. In particular, I found performance on Chrome and Safari browsers exceptionally smooth.

Conclusion
Overall, Starburst remains one of South Africa’s most beloved slots for good reason. Its design is vibrant, gameplay is simple yet rewarding, and the expanding Wild feature regularly triggers engaging wins. However, some players might miss typical features like free spins or bonus rounds. Additionally, its maximum payout isn't among the highest. Yet, the game's smooth experience, frequent smaller payouts, and easy-to-understand mechanics keep both beginners and seasoned players coming back. Starburst rightfully holds its spot among top online slot games available today.
- Pros: Excellent graphics, simple gameplay, frequent wins, mobile-friendly.
- Cons: No traditional free spins or bonus games, lower maximum jackpot potential.
Starburst continues to stand out visually and through gameplay, making it a must-try, especially for new slot enthusiasts or those seeking steady, relaxing gameplay.

Frequently Asked Questions about Starburst Slot
Is there a free spins bonus in Starburst?
Starburst doesn't have a traditional free spins feature, but it offers a unique expanding Wild respin. Landing a Wild on reels 2, 3, or 4 triggers up to three respins, significantly enhancing your winning potential.
What is the RTP of the Starburst slot?
The Starburst slot offers a competitive RTP of 96.09%, meaning players can expect frequent returns over extended play. Its low to medium volatility ensures a good balance of smaller wins and occasional bigger payouts.
Can I play Starburst slot on mobile devices?
Absolutely. Starburst is optimized using HTML5 technology, making it fully compatible with Android and iOS devices, including tablets and smartphones. The gaming experience is seamless, regardless of your device.
What’s the maximum win on the Starburst slot?
The maximum win in Starburst is 5,000x your stake. If you play at the maximum stake, you could potentially win up to R948,746, offering excellent payout potential despite the game's simplicity.
Is Starburst suitable for beginners?
Yes, Starburst is perfect for beginners due to its straightforward gameplay, frequent small wins, and easy-to-understand mechanics. Its expanding Wild feature adds excitement without complexity, ideal for players new to slots.
Are there strategies to improve winning chances in Starburst?
Slots like Starburst operate on Random Number Generators (RNG), ensuring every spin is random. No strategy guarantees wins, but managing your bankroll wisely and starting with smaller bets can enhance your gaming experience.