When you first explore online casino promotions, you may come across terms like “sticky bonus” or “non-sticky bonus”. These phrases aren’t always explained clearly, yet they can affect how you play and what you can withdraw.
This guide can help you understand what these bonus types mean, how they work, and how they may impact your experience. Whether you’re looking at welcome offers, matched deposits or other promotions, knowing the difference between sticky and non-sticky bonuses can help you make more informed choices before playing.
What Is a Sticky Bonus?
A sticky bonus is a promotional offer added to your balance after making a deposit, but it can’t be withdrawn. It’s designed for playing only. If you win while using these bonus funds, any profit you make may be withdrawn—but the bonus amount itself will be removed when you request a cashout.
For example, if you deposit £40 and receive a £40 sticky bonus, your account will show £80 to use on games. If, after meeting the casino’s bonus terms, your balance grows to £120, only £80 can be withdrawn. The original £40 bonus is deducted when you make a withdrawal.
Some casinos may use different names for sticky bonuses, such as “phantom bonus” or “non-withdrawable bonus”. These offers can differ between casino sites. Some might apply the bonus to specific games, while others may include restrictions on bet sizes or time limits. You’ll need to read each casino’s terms to see how their sticky bonus operates.
All casino games rely on random outcomes. There is no guaranteed way to win, and any potential profit depends entirely on chance. Even if you receive a bonus, there is no certainty that your play will result in winnings.
What Is a Non-Sticky Bonus?
A non-sticky bonus, also known as a “parachute bonus”, allows you to play with your deposited money first. The bonus only comes into effect if your deposit is lost. Until then, you’re using your own money, and any potential winnings at this stage can be withdrawn without needing to meet bonus wagering requirements.
For example, you deposit £50 and receive a £50 non-sticky bonus. If you win using your £50 deposit, you can withdraw those winnings without touching the bonus. However, if you lose your deposit, the bonus balance activates and becomes available for play.
Once you begin using the bonus funds, wagering requirements will likely apply. These are conditions that require you to place a certain number of bets before you can withdraw any winnings made from the bonus.
For instance, a 35x wagering requirement on a £50 bonus means you’ll need to place £1,750 worth of bets before you’re eligible to withdraw any bonus-related winnings.
The specifics will vary between casinos. Some may allow different game types to count differently towards these requirements. For example, slots often contribute 100%, while table games like blackjack might only contribute 10%. Checking the terms can help you understand what games are eligible and how long you have to meet the requirements.
How Do Sticky and Non-Sticky Bonuses Work?
The way each bonus type works can affect how your money is used and whether you can withdraw it.
With a sticky bonus, your deposited money and the bonus are combined straight away. You’ll see a larger playable balance, but the bonus itself cannot be withdrawn. If your total balance increases after meeting the terms, only the portion that excludes the sticky bonus can be withdrawn.
A non-sticky bonus, on the other hand, keeps your real-money deposit separate. You use your deposit first. If you withdraw at this stage, the bonus is usually forfeited. Only if your deposit is fully used does the bonus activate. Once you start using the bonus funds, wagering requirements come into play.
Casinos can structure these offers in different ways. Some may include win caps, expiry times or limited game access during the bonus period. These conditions can all affect your experience. That’s why reviewing the terms before using a bonus can help you understand what you might expect.
Casino games involve random number generation, which means every outcome is based on chance. Some players may win; others may not. That’s the nature of these games.
What Are The Differences Between Sticky and Non-Sticky Bonuses?
While both bonus types are used to try and extend your playtime, they work very differently when it comes to how your deposit, bonus and potential withdrawals are handled.
A sticky bonus is added to your balance immediately and used alongside your deposit. Although this gives you more funds to play with, the bonus itself cannot be withdrawn. If you meet the wagering requirements and your balance increases, only the amount above the bonus can be withdrawn. The bonus is removed when you cash out.
With a non-sticky bonus, your deposit is used first. If you win before touching the bonus, you can choose to withdraw your deposit and any potential winnings without having to meet any wagering conditions. The bonus is only activated if your deposit is fully used. Once you’re playing with the bonus funds, wagering rules apply before you can access any winnings from it.
Each format suits different playing styles. Some players may prefer the higher balance from sticky bonuses, while others may value the flexibility of being able to withdraw early with a non-sticky bonus.
Here’s a simple comparison of how they differ:
- Use of funds:
- Sticky: Deposit and bonus are combined from the start.
- Non-sticky: Deposit used first, bonus held in reserve.
- Withdrawals before using bonus:
- Sticky: Not possible, bonus is active from the start.
- Non-sticky: Possible, if you win before bonus funds are used.
- Withdrawals after wagering:
- Sticky: Bonus is removed at withdrawal stage.
- Non-sticky: Any winnings from the bonus may be withdrawn after meeting wagering rules.
- When bonus activates:
- Sticky: Immediately after deposit.
- Non-sticky: Only if deposit is lost.
- Flexibility:
- Sticky: Less flexible, may allow for longer sessions.
- Non-sticky: More flexible, especially for early withdrawals.
Every game carries an element of chance, and no strategy can change the outcome. Playing with bonuses should be considered part of the entertainment, not a way to secure winnings.
UK-licensed casinos offer responsible gambling tools such as deposit limits, session timers and cooling-off periods. You can use these features to manage how you play and make decisions that suit you.
