Specs at a glance
Some numbers don't match between NetEnt and the reviewers, so we show both.
| Spec | Starburst |
|---|---|
| Provider | NetEnt |
| Release | 23 January 2012 (NetEnt) |
| Grid and lines | 5 reels × 3 rows, 10 paylines that pay both ways (Bigwinboard) |
| RTP | 96.08% on the NetEnt page. Bigwinboard: 96.09% default, and says the operator can adjust it from 90.05% to 99.06% depending on the market |
| Volatility | Low/Medium (Bigwinboard). The NetEnt page shows a percentage, not a label. |
| Max win | 800× the bet (NetEnt). Bigwinboard: 500× per spin |
| Min/max bet | €0.10 / €100 (NetEnt). May differ on your site and in your currency. |
| Hit frequency | 23.00% (NetEnt); 22.6% (Bigwinboard) |
When sources disagree, we go with the official provider page first, but what matters most is the number on the game's info screen on the site you'll use. For other games, see the slot games hub.
How you win
It's a payline slot with a twist: the 10 lines pay left to right and right to left. So three matching symbols starting from reel 1 or from reel 5 can win.
Colorful gems are the low-pay symbols, and the 7 and BAR are the premiums. No scatter, no free spins round. All the excitement is in the wild. If you're new to paylines and RNG, read the slots guide first.
Features
There's just one core feature: the Starburst Wild with a respin.
- Expanding Wild. The Starburst Wild only appears on reels 2, 3 and 4. When it lands, it expands to cover the whole reel.
- Respin. When there's an expanding wild, it's held in place and the other reels respin. If a new wild lands on the respin, you get another respin. All wilds stay locked, and up to 3 respins in a row are possible according to Bigwinboard.
The base Starburst has no bonus buy, according to the sources we opened.
RTP, volatility and budget
Starburst is one of the best examples of a low-volatility slot: small wins are frequent, big ones are rare.
According to NetEnt, about 23% of spins win something. But remember that not every "win" is bigger than your bet. And because the max win is capped (800× per NetEnt), the biggest possible result is also limited compared with high-volatility games.
As for RTP: on ₱1,000 in total bets, the expected cost at 96.08% is about ₱39. But if the flexible RTP range Bigwinboard mentions is real, other sites may run a lower version. Check the info screen. The explanation is in the RTP guide.
Just an example: with a ₱300 budget and ₱3 spins, that's 100 spins. In a low-volatility game, the budget is more likely to last than in a high-volatility game at the same bet, but the house edge still slowly eats away at it over time. Read the volatility guide.
Myths and common mistakes
- "It's low volatility, so I won't lose." The swings are just slower. The house edge is still there.
- "Two wilds means a guaranteed win." The chance is higher, but it's not a guarantee.
- "Starburst is the same on every site." It looks the same, but the RTP setting can differ.
- "Raise your bet after a losing streak." The RNG has no memory. Your budget just runs out faster.
Want to know how NetEnt differs from other studios? Read the slot providers guide.
Where to play legally
Only play on a PAGCOR-licensed site. Starburst is made by an international studio, so not every site in the Philippines carries it, and we don't verify which licensed sites offer it.
Before signing up, check the site's exact address with our PAGCOR license checker. Many copies and fake sites use popular game names to lure players. Only deposit inside the site's own cashier, never to an "agent's" personal GCash number. Read the safe GCash and Maya deposit guide for slots before putting in money.
If it's not fun anymore
If you're already chasing losses, stop for now. Read our responsible gaming tips and take a break.
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FAQ
What is the RTP of Starburst?
96.08% according to the official NetEnt page. Bigwinboard lists 96.09% as the default and says operators can adjust the RTP depending on the market, so check the info screen on the site you'll use.
Is Starburst high volatility?
No. It's low/medium volatility according to Bigwinboard, so small wins are frequent and big ones are rare. There's still a house edge, so play with a budget.
Does Starburst have free spins?
It has no free spins round. The main feature is the Starburst Wild on reels 2, 3 and 4, which expands to fill the reel and gives a respin.
Is there a free demo of Starburst?
Many providers, including NetEnt, offer a demo on their own site. We don't link to demos we haven't verified, so look for it on the official provider site or on a PAGCOR-licensed site.
Sources
- NetEnt, Starburst official game page (96.08% RTP, 23.00% hit frequency, 800× max win, 5×3, 10 lines, release 23-01-2012, €0.10–€100, expanding wilds and respins)
- Bigwinboard, Starburst (NetEnt) slot review (96.09% default RTP and 90.05%–99.06% flexible range, low/medium volatility, 500× per spin, pays both ways, wild on reels 2–4, up to 3 respins, 22.6% hit frequency)
Kassandra Marcos is SugarFun's lead reviewer. She checks every site against PAGCOR's official list and writes our game and responsible gaming guides. How we test