Sticky Bonus
A sticky bonus is a bonus that can be used for wagering in a game, but cannot be cashed out. This can also be referred to as a “non-cashable bonus,” given that it can be used for bets, but is not withdrawable itself.
What is a Sticky Bonus?
A sticky bonus is a casino bonus that cannot be withdrawn, and must be wagered on a casino game. Winnings that come from the use of a sticky bonus may be withdrawn, but the bonus itself must be used, and cannot be taken out of an account.
Many sticky bonuses offered may also have restrictions to their use, or wagering requirements. For example, they may only be available for use on a certain game, such as free spins on a slot game, and players may have to fulfill prerequisites, such as wagering a certain amount, before receiving the bonus.
Restrictions to Sticky Bonuses
Many sticky bonuses come with restrictions attached to them. They are rarely allowed to be used across an entire casino, and are often linked to a specific game. Also, they cannot be withdrawn, and any withdrawals made with an active sticky bonus linked to your account could lead to the bonus funds and any winnings from them being forfeited.
| Restriction | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Game Limitations | Many sticky bonuses can only be used on a specific game. |
| Withdrawing | Any amount of the bonus credit cannot be withdrawn at any point, and must be wagered. |
| Winnings Forfeited | With many sticky bonus offers, the cashing out of any deposited money before the bonus has been fully used will result in the forfeiture of remaining bonus funds, as well as winnings from the bonus. |
| Wagering Requirements | Often, a certain amount of deposited funds must be wagered before the bonus is awarded. |
Sticky Bonus Example
Many sticky bonuses are awarded alongside a player’s deposit, with plenty of online casinos offering a deposit match. For example, a deposit of $50 into the site might be matched by $50 in bonus funds.
The sticky bonus must then be used on the site, often with specific rules or restrictions. A certain amount of the deposited funds may have to be wagered, and the bonus most likely will be limited to a specific game. In many sticky bonus terms and conditions, it states that the bonus must be used on a specific slot game, roulette, or blackjack.
Sticky Bonus vs Other Bonuses
Sticky bonuses are just one type of bonus offered by a casino. Although bonus funds cannot be withdrawn, this is not always the case. Some operators offer deposit bonuses, meaning that they will add funds to your account depending on how much is deposited. There are also no-deposit bonuses, which are bonuses that a player can receive without having to make a deposit into their account. Many online casinos offer no-deposit bonuses.
| Bonus | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Sticky Bonus | Often a larger bonus, that can easily be used on a casino game | Offered alongside many requirements and restrictions that need to be navigated |
| Deposit Bonus | Bonus given for simply depositing money onto a casino account | May have restrictions or need a large deposit for the bonus to apply. |
| No-Deposit Bonus | Don't require any deposit to be awarded the bonus | Tend to be small, and contain restrictions |
Why Do Casinos Offer Sticky Bonuses?
Casinos have many reasons for offering sticky bonuses to their players. They may want to promote specific games that are available, including new games that have just landed on the site.
They may also want to reward players for their loyalty, showing that they appreciate returning players to their site.
A lot of sticky bonuses are offered to new players, allowing them to try out the casino with bonus funds.
- Promote Certain Games: If a new game appears on an online casino, or there is a game that is getting less traffic than expected, the casino may offer a sticky bonus that is specific to that game, to bring players to it.
- Reward Loyal Players: A casino that rewards its loyal players sees more return customers, hence many operators give out bonuses to their most frequent players.
- Allows New Players to Try Casino with Less Risk: A sticky bonus means that even the most sceptical of new players can see what the casino is about with minimal risk, before deciding to wager their own funds.
Casino Volatility FAQs
Are sticky bonuses worth it?
It depends on the prerequisites to receive a sticky bonus, as well as a player’s preference, but many are worth using as it offers gameplay with little risk.
How do sticky bonuses work?
Sticky bonuses are available for use on a casino game, and are similar to free play. They can be used to wager, and produce winnings just as a normal bet would.
Can you withdraw a sticky bonus?
Sticky bonuses themselves cannot be withdrawn, but the winnings produced by them can be. However, withdrawing before fully using a sticky bonus can result in the bonus itself, as well as the winnings, being forfeited.
What casino offers the best sticky bonus?
No casino necessarily offers the best sticky bonus, as welcome offers and bonus offers vary between them, and are updated regularly. Click here to find out more about casino offers.
How do you find sticky bonuses?
PokerNews has a dedicated page for online casino bonuses, which can help when deciding which casino to use. Each operator will promote their own bonus offers, and they can also be handed out to return players as a reward for loyalty.



