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Guide · bonuses Updated 6 Nov 2026

Sticky and non-sticky bonuses at new casinos

A sticky bonus can be played but never withdrawn: it is removed from your balance when you cash out. A non-sticky bonus sits apart from your deposit, which you play first; if you win before touching the bonus, you can withdraw and drop the bonus.

For most players non-sticky is the better deal, because your own money stays free of the wagering until you start using the bonus.

Sticky and non-sticky bonuses differ in the order that money is used. A sticky bonus is played alongside your deposit and is removed at cash-out. A non-sticky bonus is played after your deposit, so your own money stays withdrawable. The bonus terms state which type applies, so read them before you accept the offer.

By Chloe O'Sullivan | Bonuses

There's no doubt that bonuses play a big role in how new online casinos attract new customers and keep their existing ones interested. Among the most common types of bonuses offered by these platforms are sticky bonuses and non-sticky bonuses. You will be able to take advantage of such deals with a greater understanding if you are aware of the differences between these two types of incentives. In this article, we are going to explore a few of the subtle differences between sticky bonuses and non-sticky bonuses as well as their traits, in order to understand them better.

What is a Sticky Bonus?

A sticky bonus, also known as a non-cashable bonus, is a type of casino incentive that cannot be withdrawn. Essentially, it is a bonus that sticks to your account and can only be used for wagering purposes. When you receive it, the initial bonus amount is added to your casino balance. These bonuses are commonly used as a means to prolong the playing time of players and provide them with more chances to win.

What is a Non-sticky Bonus?

A non-sticky bonus is a withdrawable bonus that can be cashed out after the player met specific wagering requirements. When you receive this bonus, it is kept in a separate bonus balance. You can choose to use this balance for wagering or withdraw it along with any winnings derived from it, as long as you fulfill the predetermined playthrough requirements.

The Difference Between Sticky and Non-sticky Bonuses

Sticky bonuses, as mentioned earlier, cannot be withdrawn. When you receive it and start playing, a bonus amount is added to your casino account balance. However, when you decide to cash out your winnings, the sticky bonus is subtracted from the total amount.

For example, if you received a $100 sticky bonus and won $500, upon requesting a withdrawal, you would only be able to withdraw $400 ($500 - $100). The deducted amount remains with the casino as it is considered non-cashable.

Non-sticky bonuses provide players with the opportunity to withdraw both the bonus amount and any associated winnings. These bonuses are usually subject to specific wagering requirements or playthrough conditions. For instance, if you receive a $100 non-sticky bonus with a 30x wagering requirement, you would need to place $3,000 in bets ($100 x 30) to fulfill the requirements and unlock the ability to withdraw the bonus and any accumulated winnings.

The key advantage of this bonus is that it allows players to have greater control over their funds. Since the bonus amount is kept separately in a bonus balance, you can differentiate it from your deposited funds. This separation helps you keep track of your current balance and determine when you have met the wagering requirements.

Different Types of Sticky Bonuses

Sticky bonuses can further be categorized into various types based on their terms and conditions. Some of them include:

  • Phantom Sticky Bonus: This type of bonus disappears from your account balance once you initiate a withdrawal request, effectively leaving only your remaining winnings.
  • Post-Wager Sticky Bonus: In this case, the sticky bonus is credited to your account after you have completed the wagering requirements using your deposited funds. The bonus cannot be removed after it has been added; only profits are withdrawable.
  • Time-Based Sticky Bonus: This kind of incentive is only accessible for a limited time. If not utilized within the given timeframe, the bonus is forfeited.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between sticky and non-sticky bonuses is crucial for making informed decisions while gambling at new online casinos. Sticky bonuses provide extended gameplay and the opportunity to win larger amounts, but they cannot be withdrawn. Non-sticky bonuses, on the other hand, offer the flexibility of withdrawing both the bonus and any associated winnings after meeting the required wagering conditions.

Questions

Sticky and non-sticky bonuses: questions

What is a sticky bonus?

A bonus you can bet with but cannot withdraw. When you cash out after wagering, the bonus amount is taken off. With a €100 sticky bonus and a €500 balance, you can withdraw €400.

What is a non-sticky bonus?

Also called a parachute bonus. Your deposit is played first and stays withdrawable; the bonus only comes into play once your real balance is used. Once wagering is done, bonus winnings become cash.

A non-sticky bonus depends on that order of play. With a no deposit bonus there is no deposit to play first, so check how the terms treat winnings.

Which is better, sticky or non-sticky?

Non-sticky in most cases. If you win early with your own money, you can cash out and forfeit the bonus without any wagering. With a sticky bonus, everything is tied to the wagering from the start.

A sticky bonus offers no early exit. It suits players who plan to wager the full amount anyway.

How do I know which type a bonus is?

The terms say whether the bonus amount is withdrawable and in which order real and bonus money are used. Look for "bonus funds are non-withdrawable" or "real money is wagered first".

The terms also list the maximum bet, the games that count and the expiry date. Our guide to bonus fail issues shows what goes wrong when a player misses one of these limits.

Do sticky and non-sticky bonuses have the same wagering?

Not necessarily. Read the multiple and what it applies to: the bonus only, or deposit plus bonus. Our terms and conditions guide explains each clause.

Where do wagering-free offers fit in?

A wagering-free bonus removes the playthrough multiple, but the terms still say how the bonus amount is treated at cash-out. Read the withdrawal clause as well as the multiple.

Our guide to no wagering bonuses at new casinos covers whether such offers exist.

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