- Multi-fuctions of wild symbol
- Low volatility and pay both ways
- Above average RTP
- Most impressive reputation amongst casino games
- Lack of bonus game and free spins
- Slow gameplay
- No gamble feature
Looking for the most popular online pokies Australia game of all time? Across all casino online games ever made, NetEnt’s Starburst is by far number one. It’s a simplistic video slot, with 5 reels, 3 rows, and 10 paylines that pays both ways. It’s game grid is set against a dark background filled with stars, which contrasts nicely with the gems that operate as symbols here.
The RTP of Starburst is above average, at 96.10%, and the bet levels range from $0.10 up to $100 per spin. The maximum possible win is 50,000 coins, which is astounding for a non-jackpot title. There is a sticky wild available in Starburst, which results in a free re-spin. Other than that, the game is pretty standard. But why is it so popular with players?
Theme & Design
NetEnt has done the best job possible when developing Starburst back in 2012, taking the futuristic theme and wrapping it nicely with the colourful gems. Even today, it feels so much better than other slot games. The vibe of the game is smooth, as its sound effects, establishing a perfect environment for a chilling gaming session.
The low paying symbols are all represented by different gems colours, with the 7 sphere and the Bar being the high paying symbols. Multipliers range from 2.5x players stake for the low symbols up to 25x stake for 5 of the high value symbols.
How to Play Starburst Slot
Starburst pokies machine is not your standard game, when it comes to how it is being played. When it comes setting paylines, the process is standard, as you just have to select between 1 – 10. We advise going for the max of 10, as it creates substantially more winning opportunities. When 10 paylines are active, the minimum bet is $0.10 per spin, and you can adjust it up to $100 using the (+) and (-) buttons.
Now, you can hit the Starburst play button or use the Autoplay to automatically spin the reels multiple times. To win, you must match 3 identical symbols on an active payline from left to right or vice versa. Alternatively, wilds can help you win as they substitute for all other symbols. If you land 4 identical symbols and a wild in the middle, then you will get the multiplier of 5x symbols.
Starburst Free Spins & Bonus Features
Despite its lack of free bonus spins and exclusive bonus games, Starburst wilds are fascinating. They land on reels 2, 3, and 4 only; and when they do, they cover the whole reel allowing players to form multiple combinations. Then, a free re-spin is triggered, with the wild remaining active. Landing more wilds will trigger more re-spins; the maximum win of 500x your original bet is achievable when landing a wild on all the middle reels of the Starburst slot.
Stats & Mechanics of this Slots Game
Classified as a medium volatility slot game, Starburst is a perfect game for beginners that want frequent payouts. The pay both ways format plays a detrimental role into the variance of this slot, which is also its signature feature.
The wilds are the only bonus, but they appear pretty often on the reels – so players do not really feel that there is something missing. Further, almost all symbols pay decent values, so punters can land frequent wins of 20x their bet or more.
Despite the RTP being slightly above average at 96.09%, players will quickly notice that their bankroll remains at very decent levels as they play Starburst and comparing this to other games. Nonetheless, outstanding wins are not frequent either in this game.
Starburst | Statistics |
Return to Player (RTP) | 96.09% |
Bet Levels | $0.10 – $100 per round |
Volatility/Variance | Low |
In-Game Bonuses | Expanding Wilds, Sticky Wilds, Re-spins, Pay both Ways |
Demo Play Available? | No |
Theme | Futuristic, Space, Diamonds, Jewels, Classic |
Developer | NetEntertainment |
Release | 2011 |
Maximum win | 500x / 50,000 coins |
Gameplay | 5×3 reels and 10 paylines |
Hit Rate | 1 – 2.70 |
Jackpot Prize? | No |
Our Verdict
By far the most popular online slot in the globe, Starburst is a game worth playing. It’s success lies within its interestingly simple format and gameplay, which is coloured by the special wilds and the pay both ways features.
In terms of mechanics, NetEnt made this game lucrative and accessible by all players, thanks to its inviting bet levels, low variance, and above average RTP. An added bonus when playing Starburst is the fact that you can find it in most Australian casino sites, which frequently feature as part of their welcome package.
Starburst FAQs
If you are still unsure about Starburst, and whether it is the right game for you, then you keep reading below.
Starburst is a low variance slot game, which means that wins come fairly regularly but are not very high in size.
No, Starburst is not amongst the pokies that carry a progressively rising jackpot.
Starburst has an RTP of 96.09%, which means that upon wagering $100, players will see a return of $96.09. Obviously, this is a theoretical value that actualizes on millions of spins and should not be employed as a measure to judge the outcome of your gaming session.
There is hardly one of the best Aussie casinos and pokies mobile apps that do not offer Starburst. NetEnt is a very popular gaming provider, and Starburst is their signature game. It has also been re-visited and improved in terms of graphics, which is why it is offered with free spins by casinos even today.
If you are looking for the best phonee pokies for iPhone & Samsung devices, then Starburst should definitely be in your radar. There is a desktop version of this pokies machine, a touch version, and a mobile one. It operates smoothly on any screen size, as it has portrait mode available indifferently to the browser, software system or device that you employ to play Starburst game.
- About the Author
- Affiliate Disclosure
Michael has reviewed and verified all information on this page. Having worked in the iGaming industry for over 8 years, he is the most capable person to help you navigate online casinos, pokies, and the Australian gambling landscape.