Sticky vs non-sticky bonuses
Two offers with the same size and wagering can behave very differently depending on one detail: whether the bonus is sticky or non-sticky. The difference decides which money is spent first and what you can withdraw.
This guide explains both types in plain terms, uses worked examples to show how balances move, and lists the questions to ask before you accept an offer of either kind.
Two balances, two kinds of money
When you accept a bonus, many casinos split your account into a real-money balance (your deposit and anything you win with it) and a bonus balance. The terms say which balance a bet draws from first and what happens to each at the end.
The names used by casinos vary, and you may see cash balance, bonus balance, locked funds or wagering balance. What matters is the rule, so find the sentence that says which is used first.
How a sticky bonus works
A sticky bonus stays in the account for wagering purposes and cannot be withdrawn. When wagering is complete, the bonus amount itself is removed, and only the winnings above it can be cashed out. Terms for this type are sometimes called non-cashable or non-withdrawable.
Example: you deposit 100 EUR and receive a 100 EUR sticky bonus, so you hold 200 EUR. After wagering you hold 260 EUR. The 100 EUR bonus is removed, and 160 EUR is withdrawable. Had the balance dropped to 90 EUR, the bonus would be removed and you would have 0 EUR to withdraw, because the bonus balance was not yours to take.
Bets in a sticky offer often use cash first, depending on the rules. Many sticky terms also forbid withdrawing during wagering, which locks in your deposit as well.
How a non-sticky (parachute) bonus works
In a non-sticky bonus, your real money is played first. The bonus funds only come into play if your cash balance reaches zero. That is why the type is called a parachute: it opens when your own funds run out.
If you win while using real money and meet a cash-out condition, the bonus is usually forfeited and your cash balance is paid out. If your cash runs out, the bonus balance is used, and the wagering requirement then applies to it.
Example: you deposit 100 EUR and receive a 100 EUR non-sticky bonus. You play with the 100 EUR cash first. If you reach 180 EUR in cash, you may be able to withdraw 180 EUR, and the bonus disappears. If instead you lose the 100 EUR, the 100 EUR bonus balance becomes playable under wagering. The details vary by casino, so read the terms.
Side by side
| Point | Sticky | Non-sticky |
|---|---|---|
| Which money is spent first | Depends on the terms, often bonus and cash together | Real money first |
| Bonus withdrawable | No, removed after wagering | Only if you finish wagering, otherwise forfeited |
| Withdraw early | Often blocked during wagering | Often possible, which forfeits the bonus |
| Wagering applies to | Bonus, sometimes deposit too | Bonus funds once they are in play |
Neither type is generally better. A non-sticky offer gives you flexibility if you prefer to withdraw early. A sticky offer may have a bigger headline bonus or a lower multiple, but the money is not yours to cash out.
Which type fits which player
Players who like to stop when ahead tend to find non-sticky offers easier to live with, since reaching a satisfying balance on real money can be cashed out without finishing a long wagering task. Players who plan long sessions anyway may not mind a sticky offer, provided its multiple is modest and the time allowed is generous.
Whatever the type, run the numbers first. A sticky 100 EUR bonus with 20x wagering on the bonus requires 2,000 EUR in bets. A non-sticky 100 EUR bonus with 40x requires 4,000 EUR, but only if your own 100 EUR is lost first. In the second case you may never need to touch the bonus, and in the first you must always complete the task to receive anything beyond your own funds. Nothing about either type improves the odds of the games themselves.
Questions to ask before accepting
- Which balance is used first when I place a bet?
- Can I withdraw before wagering is done, and what happens to the bonus if I do?
- Is the bonus amount deducted from my withdrawal once wagering is done?
- Does wagering apply to the bonus only, or to deposit plus bonus? See wagering requirements explained.
- What is the maximum bet and maximum cashout?
The bonus terms checklist pulls all of these together, and the how bonuses work overview covers the basics.
If a casino lets you play without a bonus, that is the simplest way to avoid both types. See responsible gambling for help setting limits. 18+ only.
Frequently asked questions
What does a parachute bonus mean?
It is another name for a non-sticky bonus. Your own funds are used first, and the bonus opens only if your cash balance is gone.
Can I withdraw a sticky bonus?
No. The bonus amount is removed from the balance when wagering ends. Only winnings above it are withdrawable.
Is a non-sticky bonus better?
It gives more flexibility to withdraw cash early. Whether it suits you depends on its wagering, caps and the other terms.
How can I tell which type an offer is?
Look in the terms for words such as sticky, non-withdrawable, non-cashable or parachute, and for the order in which balances are used.