updated regularly – latest review: October 2026
A sticky bonus is casino bonus money that can be played with but never withdrawn: when you cash out, the bonus amount is taken off your balance. A non-sticky bonus works the other way round, because your own cash is played first and the bonus only kicks in once it’s gone. This guide explains both types, with worked examples, and shows which is better value.
Sticky Bonus: Key Facts
- A sticky bonus stays in your balance but is removed when you withdraw.
- A non-sticky bonus keeps your cash and bonus money separate, and your cash is used first.
- With a non-sticky bonus, you can withdraw cash winnings before the bonus is used and simply give up the bonus.
- In Great Britain, wagering on any casino bonus is capped at 10 times the bonus amount.
- Always check the terms: casinos don’t always use the words “sticky” or “non-sticky”.
How a Sticky Bonus Works
With a sticky bonus, your deposit and bonus are added together into one playing balance. You can stake the whole amount. However, the bonus itself can never be cashed out. When you meet the wagering requirement and withdraw, the casino deducts the original bonus amount, and you keep the rest.
For example, you deposit £50 and get a £50 sticky bonus with 10 times wagering, so £500 of bets. You complete the wagering and finish with £180. When you withdraw, £50 is removed, so £130 is paid out.
How a Non-Sticky Bonus Works
A non-sticky bonus keeps two balances: your cash and your bonus. Your cash is always played first. If you win while you’re still on cash, you can withdraw those winnings and cancel the bonus, with no wagering to meet.
If your cash runs out, the bonus balance takes over. From then on, the wagering requirement applies, and any winnings are bonus money until you complete it.
Using the same numbers, you deposit £50 and get a £50 non-sticky bonus. On your cash, you win and reach £150. You can withdraw the £150 and give up the bonus. Alternatively, if you lose the £50, you carry on with the £50 bonus and its £500 of wagering.
Sticky vs Non-Sticky: Which Is Better?
| Sticky | Non-sticky | |
|---|---|---|
| Bonus can be withdrawn | Never | Never |
| Cash played first | No, combined balance | Yes |
| Withdraw early cash wins without wagering | No | Yes, by giving up the bonus |
| Best for | Longer sessions with a bigger balance | Flexibility and keeping early wins |
For most players, a non-sticky bonus is better value, because it gives you a free choice. If you win early on your own money, you can walk away with it. If you don’t, you still get the bonus as a second chance.
Withdrawing Your Own Money in the UK
Following action by the Competition and Markets Authority in 2018, UK casinos are expected to let you withdraw your own deposited balance even if you’ve accepted a bonus. Doing so usually cancels the bonus and any bonus winnings, so read the terms before you request a withdrawal.
In practice, this means many UK offers already behave much like non-sticky bonuses. Still, check exactly when cash becomes bonus money and what happens to winnings if you withdraw early.
Other Terms to Check
- Wagering: no more than 10 times the bonus in Great Britain. See our guide to the UKGC wagering cap.
- Maximum bet: most bonuses cap your stake while the bonus is active. See max bet rules.
- Game weighting: some games count less, or not at all, towards wagering.
- Expiry: unused bonus money and unfinished wagering expire after a set time.
You can test an offer with our bonus value calculator, or skip the question entirely with no wagering offers.
Sticky Bonus FAQs
Can I withdraw a sticky bonus? No. You can withdraw winnings once the wagering is complete, but the bonus amount itself is removed.
What is a parachute bonus? It’s another name for a non-sticky bonus. Your cash is played first, and the bonus only comes into play if you lose it.
Do UK casinos still offer sticky bonuses? Some offers work in a similar way, but UK casinos are expected to let you withdraw your own deposit, which usually cancels the bonus. Read each offer’s terms.
For the basics of how bonuses work, see how casino bonuses work.
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