Key Insights
Quick Answer:
- Best X for Y: Best Bonus Type For Flexibility: Non-sticky bonuses, because you can usually withdraw your deposit and forfeit the bonus if needed
- Best time to do X: Best Time To Take A Sticky Bonus: When the terms are low-wagering and you’re planning a longer session anyway
- Biggest mistake: Claiming a sticky bonus when you might want to withdraw early
- Pro tip: If you hate locked withdrawals, prioritize non-sticky bonuses and avoid low max cashout promos
Before you start, if you want the full overview of bonus types and key rules, read The Complete Guide To Casino Bonuses (pillar).
What “Sticky” And “Non-Sticky” Actually Mean
These terms describe what happens to the bonus and your money when you try to withdraw.
Sticky Bonus (Also Called “Non-Cashable”)
A sticky bonus is bonus money that:
- Cannot be withdrawn on its own
- Often locks your account into bonus rules until playthrough is complete
- Usually forces you to complete wagering to cash out bonus-linked winnings
Sticky bonuses can still be valuable, but they tend to feel restrictive.
Non-Sticky Bonus (Also Called “Cashable” In Some Casinos)
A non-sticky bonus is bonus money that:
- Can be forfeited without necessarily losing your deposit
- Often allows more flexibility with withdrawals
- Usually lets you withdraw your own money, though the bonus may be removed if you do
Non-sticky bonuses are usually easier for beginners because the “escape hatch” is clearer.
If you want the full step-by-step view of what happens when you claim and later withdraw, read How Casino Bonuses Work: A Complete Beginner’s Guide (article #1).
The Easy Way To Remember The Difference
Use this simple mental shortcut:
- Sticky = bonus sticks to your account.
- Non-sticky = bonus can be dropped.
Sticky bonuses tend to keep you “inside the bonus system” until you clear it.
Non-sticky bonuses are more like: “Use it if you want, forfeit it if you don’t.”
A Real Example: Sticky Bonus In Action
Let’s say you:
- Deposit $100
- Claim a $100 sticky bonus
- Wagering is 30x bonus-only (target: $3,000)
Now imagine you win early and your balance jumps to $250.
What happens next depends on the casino rules, but many sticky bonuses work like this:
- You cannot withdraw until you complete wagering
- If you try to withdraw, the bonus and bonus-linked winnings may be removed
- Your cash balance can be locked until the bonus is cleared
Sticky bonuses often create the “my balance is high but I can’t withdraw” problem.
If that confusion has ever happened to you, use this guide explaining your withdrawable balance: The Difference Between Bonus Money & Real Money (article #2).
A Real Example: Non-Sticky Bonus In Action
Same start:
- Deposit $100
- Claim a $100 non-sticky bonus
- Wagering is 30x bonus-only
Now you win early and have $250.
In many non-sticky setups:
- You may be allowed to withdraw your deposit
- The casino may remove the bonus if you withdraw
- Bonus-linked winnings might also be reduced or removed, depending on terms
Non-sticky bonuses still have rules, but they usually give you more flexibility if you decide you don’t want to complete playthrough.
Why Sticky Bonuses Feel Worse (Even When They’re “Good”)
Sticky bonuses aren’t automatically bad, but they feel worse because:
Your Withdrawal Options Can Shrink
With a sticky bonus active, some casinos restrict:
- Withdrawals
- Payment method switching
- Partial cashouts
Your Money Can Get “Mixed” With Bonus Rules
Even if you deposited real money, your account can be treated like it’s “under bonus mode” until cleared.
You Might Be Forced Into Slots
Since slots often count 100% toward wagering, sticky bonus systems often push you toward slots to clear playthrough faster.
If you want to understand why the progress bar moves slowly when you pick the “wrong” game, read How Playthrough Calculations Actually Work (article #4).
How Casinos Decide Which Bonus Type To Use
Casinos choose sticky vs non-sticky based on risk.
Sticky bonuses reduce the casino’s risk because:
- You must play more before withdrawing
- Your funds stay inside the platform longer
- The casino can enforce restrictions more tightly
Non-sticky bonuses are more player-friendly but riskier for the casino, so they often come with:
- Lower bonus amounts
- Tighter max bet rules
- Higher wagering multipliers
- Shorter timers
This is why you always need to look at the full terms, not just the bonus label.
The One Rule That Matters: What Happens If You Withdraw Early?
Before you claim, check the promo’s “withdrawal” rules.
Some casinos say:
- “Any withdrawal request cancels the bonus and winnings.”
Others say: - “You may withdraw deposit funds at any time, but the bonus will be forfeited.”
That one detail is basically the difference between “flexible” and “locked.”
If you want help spotting these traps fast, use this guide to read bonus terms without getting tricked: How To Read Casino Bonus Terms Without Getting Tricked (article #16).
Where Max Cashout Caps Usually Show Up
Sticky bonuses often show up with:
- Free spins promos
- No deposit bonuses
- “Wager-free” offers (rare, but capped)
These bonuses can be fun, but max cashout caps can make them less valuable.
If you want to understand caps quickly, read What “Maximum Cashout” Means For Bonus Play (article #11).
Which Bonus Type Is Better For You?
Here’s the practical answer.
Non-Sticky Is Better If You:
- Want flexibility
- Might withdraw early
- Prefer lower-stress play
- Don’t want your deposit locked
Sticky Can Be Fine If You:
- Plan to play longer anyway
- Have time to clear wagering
- Are comfortable staying inside bonus rules
- Are playing eligible games that contribute well
If you want to match promos to how you actually play, use this guide to pick a bonus that fits your style: How To Pick The Best Bonus For Your Betting Style (article #59).
FAQs On Sticky Vs Non-Sticky Bonuses
What Is A Sticky Bonus In An Online Casino?
A sticky bonus is bonus money that cannot be withdrawn and usually keeps your account under bonus rules until you complete wagering. Withdrawals may be restricted while the bonus is active.
What Is A Non-Sticky Bonus?
A non-sticky bonus is a bonus you can typically forfeit, often allowing you to withdraw your deposit under standard rules. If you withdraw early, the bonus and bonus-linked winnings may be removed.
Can I Withdraw My Deposit With A Sticky Bonus?
Sometimes, but many casinos restrict withdrawals while a sticky bonus is active. Always check the promo terms because rules vary by casino and region.
Why Do Casinos Offer Sticky Bonuses?
Sticky bonuses reduce casino risk by keeping funds on-site longer and requiring more play before withdrawal. They also give casinos more control over bonus restrictions.
Which Is Better, Sticky Or Non-Sticky?
Non-sticky bonuses are usually better for flexibility and beginners. Sticky bonuses can still be good if the wagering is fair and you’re planning longer sessions anyway.
Where To Go Next
Now that you understand sticky vs non-sticky bonuses, the next step is learning how another “value-shaping” promo works: cashback bonuses.
Next Article: How Cashback Bonuses Work In Online Casinos (article #7)
Next Steps
If you’re betting spreads, read: How Bonus Expiration Timers Impact Player Behavior (article #18)
If you’re betting totals, read: How To Avoid Bonus Locking At Online Casinos (article #37)
Want a deeper edge? Use: How To Use Bonuses Without Getting Limited Or Restricted (article #56)
Gridzy Hockey is Shurzy’s daily NHL grid game where you pretend you’re “just messing around” and then suddenly you’re 15 minutes deep arguing with yourself about whether some 2009 fourth-liner qualifies as a 40-goal guy.
If you think you know puck, prove it. Go play Gridzy right now!
