Sticky and non-sticky bonuses, side by side
In short
- A non-sticky bonus keeps your deposit separate and plays it first: win early and you can withdraw without touching the bonus.
- A sticky bonus is mixed into your balance and can never be withdrawn itself.
- Non-sticky is usually better for the player, even at the same wagering.
- The terms rarely use these words: look for which balance is used first and whether the bonus is removed at withdrawal.
Two bonuses can have the same match, the same wagering and the same deadline, yet one is clearly better. The difference is how your deposit and the bonus share your balance. That split is what players mean by sticky and non-sticky.
The short version
| Non-sticky | Sticky | |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit and bonus | Separate balances | One mixed balance |
| Which money is played first | Your deposit | Both together |
| Can you withdraw a win before wagering? | Yes, by forfeiting the bonus | Usually no |
| What happens to the bonus at cash-out | Becomes cash once wagering is done | Removed from the balance |
| Other names | Hybrid, parachute | Phantom, non-cashable |
How a non-sticky bonus plays
Deposit 100, receive a 100 bonus. The two sit in separate balances. Every bet comes out of your real money first.
Scenario A, early win. Your 100 grows to 400 before you touch the bonus. You can withdraw the 400 and give up the bonus. The wagering never applied to you.
Scenario B, early loss. Your 100 runs out. Now the bonus balance comes into play, with its wagering, max bet and game rules. If you complete the wagering, what’s left becomes real money.
The bonus works like a second chance that only switches on once your own money is gone. That is why some players call it a parachute.
How a sticky bonus plays
Deposit 100, receive a 100 bonus, and the two merge into a balance of 200. Wagering applies from the first bet, and your deposit is usually locked until it is done.
Say you complete the wagering and finish with 350. At withdrawal, the 100 bonus is removed and you receive 250. If you finish with 80, the bonus is removed and you receive nothing, because the balance never rose above the bonus amount.
The sticky bonus adds playing power, but you can never cash out the bonus amount itself.
The same offer, two outcomes
Take one 100% match on 100 at 35x the bonus, and three possible results:
| Result | Non-sticky | Sticky |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit grows to 400 early | Withdraw 400, no wagering | Locked until 3,500 in bets is done |
| Finish wagering with 350 | Withdraw 350 | Withdraw 250 |
| Balance falls to 0 | Lose 100 | Lose 100 |
The non-sticky version is never worse, and often clearly better. The extra flexibility is the reason it is worth seeking out. The wagering requirements guide covers the 3,500 sum itself.
Why casinos offer both
Sticky bonuses protect the casino: the bonus can’t leave, and the deposit is held inside the wagering. Non-sticky bonuses are a more generous design, often used as a selling point. Some casinos use sticky terms on very large matches and non-sticky terms on standard offers.
Spotting them in the terms
Few casinos print the words sticky or non-sticky. Look instead for:
- Order of play. “Real money is used before bonus money” points to non-sticky.
- Withdrawal before wagering. “You may withdraw your real balance at any time; the bonus will be forfeited” also points to non-sticky.
- Deduction at withdrawal. “The bonus amount will be deducted from your balance on withdrawal” means sticky.
- Locked deposit. “Deposit and bonus must be wagered before withdrawal” usually means sticky, and the wagering is likely on deposit + bonus.
If the terms don’t say, ask support and keep the written reply.
What stays the same
Whichever type you hold, the usual bonus rules still apply once the bonus money is in play. On a non-sticky bonus they may not apply while you are still on your deposit, but check: some casinos apply the max bet rule from the moment the bonus is credited. The same goes for game weighting and excluded games.
Which to choose
- Pick non-sticky when you have the choice. It costs nothing extra and lets you leave with an early win.
- Treat sticky bonuses as playtime. The bonus amount is never yours, so value it only by what it lets you play.
- Use the wagering calculator to see whether the playthrough is realistic in either case.
A clear non-sticky offer with modest wagering is one of the better deals in the bonus world. A sticky offer with heavy wagering is one of the weakest.
Questions players ask
What is a non-sticky bonus?
A bonus held apart from your deposit. You play with your own money first, and if you win before it runs out you can withdraw and forfeit the bonus. The bonus only comes into play once your deposit is used up.
What is a sticky bonus?
A bonus that stays in your balance but cannot be cashed out. After completing the wagering, the bonus amount is removed and you keep the rest. Your deposit is usually locked until wagering is done.
Are non-sticky bonuses the same as hybrid bonuses?
Yes, the two names are used for the same idea: separate cash and bonus balances with real money played first. Some casinos call them parachute bonuses.
How do I tell if a bonus is sticky?
Check the terms for the order in which balances are used, whether your deposit can be withdrawn before wagering is complete, and whether the bonus amount is deducted at withdrawal. Those three lines answer it.