Two welcome bonuses can have the same size and the same wagering, yet behave completely differently when you win. The difference is whether the bonus is sticky or non-sticky. Knowing which one you have decides when, and how much, you can withdraw.
Non-sticky bonus (also called parachute or hybrid)
Your deposit and the bonus sit in two separate balances. You play with your real money first. If you win, you can withdraw at any time and the bonus is simply cancelled. Only if you lose your deposit does the bonus balance activate, with its wagering requirement.
Example: you deposit €100 and receive a €100 non-sticky bonus. You win €400 with your own money: you can withdraw €400 straight away, no wagering.
Sticky bonus
Deposit and bonus are merged into one balance and the wagering applies to everything. The bonus amount itself can never be withdrawn: when you cash out, it is deducted.
Example: €100 deposit + €100 sticky bonus = €200. After wagering you have €500: you can withdraw €400, because the €100 bonus "sticks" to the casino.
Phantom bonus
Similar to sticky: it helps you play but is removed at withdrawal. The name is often used interchangeably with sticky.
Side-by-side
- Withdraw early wins: non-sticky yes, sticky no.
- Bonus withdrawable: non-sticky yes after wagering, sticky never.
- Best for: non-sticky for most players; sticky only if the wagering is low.
How to find out which one you have
Look in the bonus terms for phrases like "the bonus amount will be deducted upon withdrawal" (sticky) or "real money is played first" (non-sticky). If the casino shows two separate balances in your account, it is almost always non-sticky. Then run the numbers with our wagering calculator and compare with other low wagering bonuses.
More bonus basics: the complete casino bonus guide and the casino glossary.
18+. Gamble responsibly: responsible gambling.
Frequently asked questions
What is a non-sticky bonus?
A bonus kept separate from your deposit. You play with your own money first and can withdraw it at any time; the bonus only activates if you lose your deposit.
What is a sticky bonus?
A bonus merged with your deposit that can never be withdrawn. It is removed from your balance when you cash out.
Which is better, sticky or non-sticky?
For most players non-sticky is better because an early win can be withdrawn without completing wagering.
