Game guide

Starburst Slot Review: Expanding Wilds and Both-Ways Wins

NetEnt's low-volatility classic with expanding wilds and wins both ways. Rules, RTP and free spins offer checks.

By , Editor, betting tips and bookmaker reviewsUpdated 2 min read

Starburst Slot Review: Expanding Wilds and Both-Ways Wins

Starburst is a NetEnt slot built on two simple ideas: lines pay both ways, and wild stars expand to fill their reel and award a free respin. There is no free spins round inside the game, so "Starburst free spins" usually refers to casino promotions. With low volatility, Starburst slots suit players who want a long, steady session on a small KES budget rather than chasing a rare jackpot.

Starburst essentials

ProviderNetEnt
Layout5 reels, 3 rows, 10 paylines that pay both ways
FeatureExpanding wild with respins, up to three in a row
VolatilityLow, according to the provider
RTPAbout 96.1%, according to the provider
Max win500x the stake, according to the provider

Expanding wilds and respins

Wild stars can land only on the three middle reels. When one does, it expands to cover the whole reel and stays in place while the other reels respin. If another wild lands during the respin, it also expands and you get another respin, up to three wild reels. Three expanded wilds across the middle create the game's best moments.

Both-ways wins in practice

Most slots only pay left to right. In Starburst, a line of matching symbols starting on the far right also pays. This raises how often you win, which is part of why the game feels smooth. The trade-off is a modest maximum win: Starburst rarely produces the huge multiples of high-volatility games.

Who Starburst suits

  • New slot players who want to learn without long dead spells.
  • Players clearing bonus wagering, if the terms count the game fully. Check, because some casinos exclude low-volatility slots.
  • Anyone with a small budget who prefers more spins to bigger swings.

If you want bigger swings, compare Book of Dead or Gates of Olympus.

Starburst free spins and no deposit offers

Starburst is a frequent choice for casino free spins promotions, from 25 to 50 spins and more. These offers set a fixed stake per spin and usually attach wagering to winnings, a maximum cash-out and an expiry. Some need a deposit even when they say "free". Check our no deposit bonuses page for verified offers and read the terms on the operator's own site.

Starburst demo

NetEnt and many casinos offer a demo. Because the game is low volatility, a few hundred demo spins give a fair picture of how it behaves: frequent small wins, occasional wild respins and a slow drift in the balance.

Where to play Starburst
RankOperatorRatingWelcome offerHighlightsVisit
1Our rating: 5.0 out of 10See current offer on site
  • Casino
  • Android app
  • M-Pesa
  • Airtel Money
Visit siteReview of 1xBet
2
22Bet
22BetRead review of 22BetM-Pesa paybill 7325515
Our rating: 6.5 out of 10
100% first deposit bonus up to KES 19,00018+ T&Cs apply
  • Casino
  • Android and iOS app
  • M-Pesa
Visit siteReview of 22Bet
3
Betika
BetikaRead review of BetikaM-Pesa paybill 290290
Our rating: 8.0 out of 10See current offer on site
  • Jackpot
  • Aviator
  • Virtuals
  • Casino
Visit siteReview of Betika
4
Mozzart Bet
Mozzart BetRead review of Mozzart BetM-Pesa paybill 290059
Our rating: 7.5 out of 10See current offer on site
  • Jackpot
  • Aviator
  • Virtuals
  • Casino
Visit siteReview of Mozzart Bet
5Our rating: 7.5 out of 10See current offer on site
  • Jackpot
  • Aviator
  • Casino
  • Android app
Visit siteReview of SportPesa

18+. Offers and terms change often: always read the full terms on the operator site before you deposit.

Starburst is in the lobby of many casinos that carry NetEnt games, but not every Kenyan bookmaker does; search before you deposit. More options are in our slots guide. Slots are for adults 18+ only; set a deposit limit first.

Frequently asked questions

Does Starburst have free spins?

Not as an in-game bonus round. Its feature is expanding wilds with respins. Starburst free spins are casino promotions on the slot.

What is the Starburst RTP?

About 96.1% according to NetEnt. Check the paytable at your casino.

Is Starburst high or low volatility?

Low volatility. Wins come often but are usually small, and the max win is 500 times the stake.

What does win both ways mean?

Paylines pay from left to right and from right to left, so more combinations count as wins.

Faith WambuiIllustrated editorial avatar

About the author

Editor, betting tips and bookmaker reviews

Faith Wambui is the editorial pen name of the BetTips.co.ke desk. Pages under this name are researched and written by several contributors who follow Kenyan football, the SportPesa and Betika jackpots and licensing news, and are checked against each operator's published terms, help pages and app store listings before publishing. We update pages when terms change and never accept payment for ratings. How our editorial team works.