Bonuses & Promotions

Sticky Casino Bonuses: What They Are and How to Play Them

Definition

A bonus that cannot itself be withdrawn — only winnings generated while playing with it can be cashed out. Also called a non-cashable bonus.

Full Explanation

Sticky bonuses (also called non-cashable bonuses) are a type of casino promotion where the bonus funds are permanently glued to your account and can never be withdrawn. When you reach the wagering requirement and request a withdrawal, the system automatically deducts the bonus amount and only pays out actual winnings.

For example: You have $100 deposit + $100 sticky bonus = $200 balance. After meeting 30x wagering requirements, your balance is $180. You withdraw: $180 - $100 (sticky bonus removed) = $80 paid out.

This is different from a 'cashable' bonus where the full balance including the bonus can be withdrawn after meeting requirements.

Sticky bonuses require a different strategy. Since you can never withdraw the bonus itself, your goal is to use it to generate winnings above the bonus amount. This often means playing higher-volatility games to try to run the balance up significantly beyond the starting point.

Why It Matters

Sticky bonuses are less valuable than cashable bonuses but are still worth taking as they provide additional funds to play with at no extra cost. The key strategic shift: with a sticky bonus, playing high-volatility games to chase large wins is more rational than grinding through wagering requirements with low-volatility slots.

Real-World Example

You have $50 deposit + $50 sticky bonus = $100 to play. You complete 25x wagering and your balance is $95. Withdrawal: $95 - $50 (bonus deducted) = $45. You effectively lost $5 of your original $50 deposit, and the bonus kept you playing longer.

Related Terms

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