What makes Starburst different
Starburst is a 5-reel, 10-payline pokie by NetEnt. Released in 2012, it became one of the most-played online slots globally, including in New Zealand, largely because of its simple mechanic, low minimum bet, and consistent volatility profile.
The game pays in both directions — left-to-right and right-to-left — which effectively doubles the number of winning combinations compared to a one-way 10-line game.
The Starburst Wild
The Starburst Wild is the only bonus feature in the game. When a Wild lands on reels 2, 3 or 4, it expands to cover the entire reel and triggers a re-spin. If another Wild lands during that re-spin, it also expands and triggers another re-spin. This can continue up to three times total.
The expanded Wild locks in place during the re-spins, meaning multiple locked Wilds on different reels can combine for the largest wins the game offers.
Why there are no free spins
Starburst was designed without a traditional free spins round. The Wild re-spin mechanic is the only feature, which keeps session variance low. Wins come frequently but rarely at very high multiples — the maximum win is 500x stake, significantly lower than high-volatility titles.
This design suits players who prefer longer sessions over chasing large single wins.
RTP and volatility
NetEnt publishes 96.09% RTP. Starburst is low-medium volatility — wins come regularly, and extended dry spells are uncommon by pokie standards. Confirm the RTP in the game’s information panel at the casino you use, as some operators run lower settings.
What it costs per hour
At NZ$0.20 per spin and 400 spins per hour: NZ$80 wagered × 3.91% house edge = approximately NZ$3.10 expected loss per hour.
### Q: Why does Starburst not have a free spins round?
A: NetEnt designed Starburst as a simple, low-variance game. The Wild re-spin mechanic replaces the free spins round and keeps volatility low. Many casinos also use Starburst as a free spins bonus game precisely because it is fast, simple, and easy for players to understand.
### Q: What is the difference between Starburst and Starburst XXXtreme?
A: Starburst XXXtreme (2021) is a higher-volatility version with a multiplier Wild that can reach up to 150x during re-spins, raising the maximum win to 200,000x. XXXtreme is significantly more volatile than the original. If a casino offers free spins on “Starburst”, confirm which version applies.
### Q: Can the Wild land on reels 1 or 5?
A: No. The Starburst Wild only appears on reels 2, 3, and 4. Reels 1 and 5 carry gem symbols and BAR symbols only.
Playing Starburst at NZ casinos
Starburst’s 96.09% RTP is substantially higher than the 78% return minimum that NZ land-based pokies venues must provide by regulation. For NZ players choosing between physical machines and online play, the RTP gap translates to a meaningful difference over repeated sessions. At the NZ$0.10 minimum bet, the 3.91% house edge produces an expected hourly loss of approximately NZ$1.56 at 400 spins. At the NZ$100 maximum bet the expected hourly loss rises to approximately NZ$1,564. The both-ways pays structure maximises the effective number of winning combinations at any stake level.
Low-medium volatility means Starburst delivers one of the smoothest session experiences available in online pokies. The Wild re-spin mechanic triggers regularly, providing consistent small wins without extended dead-spin periods. Players who prefer longer sessions, steady small returns, and low risk of rapid bankroll depletion will find Starburst well suited to those goals. The absence of a traditional free spins round means there is no big-event moment to chase — the experience is designed around sustained, low-variance play.
The 500x maximum win is the lowest ceiling of any game reviewed on this site, which is a direct consequence of the low-variance design. At NZ$0.10 per spin this represents NZ$50; at NZ$100 it represents NZ$50,000. Starburst is not suited to players targeting large single-session wins. Expected hourly cost at the NZ$0.10 minimum is approximately NZ$1.56; at NZ$0.20 approximately NZ$3.13.
Gambling should be enjoyable and within your means. If you have concerns about your play, visit our responsible gambling page for NZ support services and self-help tools.
Q: What is the RTP of Starburst?
A: Starburst has an RTP of 96.09%. This means for every NZ$100 wagered over many sessions, the game returns an average of NZ$96.09 to players and keeps NZ$3.91 as the house edge. At NZ$0.10 per spin and approximately 400 spins per hour, the expected hourly loss is approximately NZ$1.56. Check the in-game information panel at your specific casino to confirm the RTP setting in use — some casinos apply lower settings.
Q: Is Starburst available at NZ casinos?
A: Yes. Starburst by NetEnt is available at reviewed NZ casinos on this site. Check individual casino reviews for the current game library — availability can change as operators update their game catalogues.
Q: What is the maximum win on Starburst?
A: The stated maximum win is 500x your stake. At NZ$0.10 per spin this would be NZ$50.00. Maximum win figures represent the theoretical ceiling under optimal conditions — they are statistical outliers that occur rarely across millions of spins, not typical session outcomes.