What Is a Sticky Bonus? Complete Guide
A sticky bonus is a casino promotion where the bonus funds remain permanently attached to your account and cannot be withdrawn as cash, even after meeting wagering requirements. For example, a $100 sticky bonus allows you to wager it alongside your real money balance, but only real money winnings can be cashed out. This structure matters because it limits the bonus’s true value—players get extended playtime but forfeit the bonus principal itself, making it less favourable than cashable alternatives.
How Sticky Bonuses Function
Sticky bonuses combine with your cash balance for wagering, where $1 deposited plus $1 bonus equals $2 playable per bet. Winnings generated count toward your real balance for withdrawal after playthrough, but the bonus portion vanishes. A $200 deposit matched with $200 sticky bonus at 30x wagering requires $12,000 total bets—yet only cash balance profits convert to withdrawable funds.
Sticky vs Non-Sticky Bonuses
Net Value Comparison
Non-sticky (cashable) bonuses fully convert post-wagering, yielding higher potential returns. Sticky offers suit low-risk extended sessions but deliver lower expected value—often 20-50% less due to forfeited principal. In Canada, review bonus terms for contribution rates, as slots typically count 100% while table games contribute less, prolonging completion.
Sticky Bonus | Non-Sticky Bonus |
|---|---|
| Bonus never withdrawable | Bonus converts to cash |
| Combines with cash balance | Separate until cleared |
| Lower true value overall | Higher cashout potential |
| Extended playtime benefit | Shorter clear time |
| Common in high offers | Rarer, better terms |
