Starburst Pokies Review

Classic Gem Pokie Overview: What Makes This Slot a Classic

If you have spent any time playing online pokies, chances are you have already crossed paths with Starburst. Developed by NetEnt and released back in 2012, this jewel-themed slot has become one of the most recognisable casino games in the world, and it remains a staple at sites offering Online Pokies Australia players can access today. Its simple five-reel, three-row layout, ten paylines, and the famous both-ways-win mechanic make it easy to pick up within minutes, yet the expanding wild feature keeps every spin feeling exciting.

Before we go any further, a quick word of clarification for anyone who landed here by accident: this review covers the NetEnt slot game, not the popular chewy lollies. Starburst lollies, Starburst lollipops, and even the gummy variations like Starburst snakes and Starburst babies are entirely different products sold in supermarkets. While the candy shares the same name, our focus here is purely on the pokies experience, so if you came looking for sweets, the confectionery aisle is that way. If you came for one of the greatest slots ever made, read on.

What makes this NetEnt classic endure more than a decade after release? A few things stand out:

• Low volatility: Wins land frequently, which keeps your bankroll ticking over during longer sessions.
• Win both ways: Paylines count from left to right and right to left, doubling your chances on every spin.
• Expanding wilds with respins: The signature rainbow star symbol expands to fill a reel and triggers a free respin.
• Clean design: The game runs smoothly on almost any device, from desktop to mobile.

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Game Rules, Symbols and Paylines Explained

Understanding the rules takes about thirty seconds, which is a big part of its appeal. The game is set across five reels and three rows, with ten fixed paylines that pay in both directions. Your stake per spin can be adjusted using the coin value and bet level controls, and the minimum bet typically starts at just a few cents, with a max bet that suits higher-stakes players as well.

The symbols are a mix of sparkling gems and classic slot icons. Here is how they rank from highest to lowest value:

• Bar symbol: The highest-paying icon, evoking old-school Vegas machines.
• Lucky Seven: The second-highest payer, another nod to traditional pokies.
• Yellow, green, orange, blue and purple gems: These make up the mid-to-low paying symbols.
• Rainbow Wild: A multicoloured star that appears only on reels 2, 3 and 4.

There is no scatter symbol, no bonus code to enter, and no separate free spins round to unlock. Instead, everything revolves around the wild. When the rainbow wild lands, it expands to cover the entire reel, locks in place, and awards a respin. If another wild lands during the respin, that reel also expands and holds, with up to three respins possible in a single sequence. Fill the middle three reels with wilds and you are looking at the game's biggest possible payouts.

One thing to note: the game uses a certified random number generator (RNG), meaning every spin outcome is independent. No pattern, no hot streaks, no "due" wins. That is how licensed pokies are required to operate, and it is why understanding the rules helps you enjoy the game for what it is — a game of chance.

RTP, Volatility and Winning Potential

The return to player (RTP) rate sits at approximately 96.09%, which is a solid figure for an online pokie. In practical terms, that means the game is designed to return about $96.09 for every $100 wagered over an extremely long run of spins. Your individual sessions will vary wildly from that number, of course — that is the nature of random outcomes — but the RTP gives you a useful benchmark when comparing games.

Volatility is where this pokie really defines itself. This is a low-to-medium volatility slot, meaning wins come frequently but tend to be on the smaller side. Compare that to high-volatility titles like Sweet Bonanza or similar tumble-mechanic games, where you might spin dozens of times with nothing before landing a nuclear-sized payout. This title is the opposite experience: steady, frequent hits that keep your balance relatively stable.

Key numbers at a glance:

• RTP: 96.09%
• Volatility: Low to medium
• Max win: Up to 500x your stake (in the classic version)
• Paylines: 10, paying both ways
• Min bet: Typically $0.10 per spin
• Max bet: Often up to $100 per spin, depending on the operator

For players who prefer longer sessions with less bankroll swing, this profile is almost ideal. You are unlikely to hit a life-changing jackpot, but you are also unlikely to burn through your deposit in ten minutes. If you are chasing massive multipliers, a game like Bonanza or one of the newer Megaways titles might score higher for you — but for relaxed, entertaining play, this classic holds its own against almost anything released since.

It is also worth mentioning the sequel, XXXtreme, which cranks the volatility up dramatically and adds multipliers up to 150x. If the original feels too gentle, that version delivers a much hotter ride.

How to Play This NetEnt Pokie in Australia

Playing this pokie from Australia is straightforward, but there are a few things worth knowing about the local landscape. Under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001, online casinos are not permitted to be based in Australia or to offer their services to Australian residents from within the country. However, many offshore operators licensed in jurisdictions like Malta, Curaçao, or Gibraltar accept Australian players, and it is not an offence for individuals to play at these sites.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) actively blocks unlicensed offshore gambling websites, so it is important to choose operators that hold a valid licence from a reputable regulator. A licence from the Malta Gaming Authority or the UK Gambling Commission, for example, signals that the operator meets standards for fair games, secure payments, and responsible gambling tools.

Here is a simple step-by-step guide to getting started:

1. Choose a reputable site. Use a trusted affiliate link like this one to find operators that offer this NetEnt title to Australian players.
2. Register an account. You will be required to provide basic details such as your name, date of birth, and email address.
3. Verify your identity. Licensed sites will ask for ID verification before withdrawals — this is a good sign, not a hassle.
4. Make a deposit. Popular methods for Australians include Visa, Mastercard, Neosurf, e-wallets, and sometimes cryptocurrency.
5. Find the game. Search the title in the pokies lobby and load it up. Most sites also offer a free demo mode so you can test the game before wagering real money.
6. Set your limits. Decide on a budget before you spin and stick to it.

Many sites offering Online Pokies Australia fans enjoy will also bundle this game into welcome packages, often as part of a free spins offer. We cover those in more detail below.

Bonus Features and Free Spins Offers

Unlike many modern pokies, this game does not have a traditional free spins bonus round built in. There is no bonus buy feature, no tumbling reels, and no mini-game. The entire feature set centres on the expanding wild respin mechanic, which we described earlier. Some players see this simplicity as a drawback; others see it as the whole point. There are no complicated rules to learn — what you see is what you get.

Where free spins do come into play is through casino promotions. This pokie is arguably the single most common game used in welcome offers across the industry. It is not unusual to see offers like "deposit $20 and get 100 free spins" on the featured game. Operators love featuring it because the game is universally recognised and appeals to both new and experienced players.

When evaluating these promotions, keep an eye on the fine print:

• Wagering requirements: Free spins winnings usually come with playthrough conditions, often between 20x and 50x.
• Time limits: Spins may expire within a set number of days if unused.
• Max bet rules: There is often a cap on how much you can bet per spin while clearing a bonus.
• Game weighting: Most pokies, including this classic, typically contribute 100% toward wagering, but always check.
• Promo codes: Some offers require a bonus code at deposit; others credit automatically.

Compared to games like Sweet Bonanza or live dealer tables, which sometimes contribute less toward wagering, this pokie is usually a safe choice for clearing a bonus. You can find current offers at our recommended partner: Claim Your Bonus Here.

Mobile Play: Pokies on the Go

NetEnt built this title on HTML5 technology, which means it runs directly in your mobile browser without any app download required. Whether you are on an iPhone, an Android device, or a tablet, the game adapts cleanly to smaller screens. The touch controls are intuitive — tap to spin, swipe to adjust your stake — and the vibrant gem graphics actually look sharper on a modern mobile display than they do on an older desktop monitor.

Performance-wise, the game is lightweight. It loads quickly even on average mobile connections, and it does not chew through data the way some graphics-heavy live dealer games do. If you have ever tried streaming live casino tables on 4G, you will appreciate how snappy this pokie feels by comparison.

A few tips for mobile play:

• Use Wi-Fi where possible to avoid interruptions mid-spin.
• Keep your device updated for the smoothest experience.
• Try demo mode first on your phone to make sure you are comfortable with the touch controls before wagering real money.
• Set session reminders if the casino offers them — mobile play can make it easy to lose track of time.

For Australians who enjoy a few spins during a commute or while watching the racing on a Saturday afternoon, the mobile version delivers the full experience without compromise.

How It Compares to Other Popular Pokies

How does a 2012 release stack up against modern competition? Surprisingly well, but it depends on what you value as a player. Let us compare this classic to a few other titles you are likely to encounter at sites featuring Online Pokies Australia players can access.

Classic gem slot vs Sweet Bonanza: Sweet Bonanza uses a tumbling reels mechanic where winning symbols disappear and new ones drop in, plus a free spins round with multipliers. It is higher volatility with bigger potential wins, but longer dry spells. This game offers steadier, more frequent payouts. If you want a relaxed session, pick this one; if you want a thrill ride, Bonanza-style games deliver that.

Classic gem slot vs Book of Dead: Book of Dead is another casino staple, but its high volatility means your balance can tumble fast. This lower-volatility option is far gentler on your bankroll.

Pokies vs live dealer games: Live casino games like blackjack and roulette involve a real dealer streamed to your device and, in some cases, an element of strategy. Pokies are pure chance. If you enjoy the social atmosphere of a live table, that is a different kind of entertainment — but for quick solo sessions, a simple gem pokie is hard to beat.

Online vs pub pokies: Australia's pubs and clubs are famous for their pokie machines, and many players wonder how online versions compare. Online pokies generally offer higher RTPs than land-based machines in venues, simply because online operators have lower overheads. A typical pub machine might hold a significantly bigger house edge than this game's 3.91%.

In terms of sheer longevity, few games score as highly. This release has been a top-ten title at online casinos for over a decade — a gold standard that very few releases ever match.

Responsible Gambling and Playing Safely

We want every reader to enjoy pokies as entertainment, not as a way to make money. This game, like all casino games, is designed so the house holds an edge over time. No strategy, system, or "hot" machine theory can change the random outcomes produced by the RNG. If a site or tipster promises guaranteed wins, don’t trust it; anyone telling you otherwise is not being honest.

Australia has some of the strongest responsible gambling frameworks in the world, and there are excellent tools available:

• BetStop: The national self-exclusion register lets you block yourself from all licensed Australian wagering services in one step. While it primarily covers Australian-licensed operators, it is an important resource for anyone struggling.
• Deposit limits: Reputable offshore sites let you set daily, weekly, or monthly caps on how much you can deposit.
• Session reminders: Pop-ups that tell you how long you have been playing.
• Self-exclusion: Most licensed casinos allow you to exclude yourself for a set period or permanently.
• Support services: Gambling Help Online (1800 858 858) offers free, confidential support 24/7 across Australia.

Practical tips for keeping your play healthy:

1. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose — never rent money, bill money, or borrowed funds.
2. Set a time limit as well as a money limit before each session.
3. Do not chase losses. Walking away after a bad run is always the right call.
4. Never gamble when upset, stressed, or under the influence of alcohol.
5. Remember that gambling is prohibited for anyone under 18, full stop.

If pokies stop feeling like fun and start feeling like a need, reach out for help early. There is no shame in it, and support is genuinely effective.