18+. New players only. Min deposit €20. 1st deposit: 50 spins on Big Bass Bonanza. 35x wagering applies, within 21 days. Spins expire after 24 hours. Full T&Cs Apply
Sticky vs Non-Sticky Casino Bonuses Made Simple
Understanding casino bonuses can seem confusing at first, especially if you’re not familiar with the different types available. One area that can cause uncertainty is the difference between sticky and non-sticky bonuses. These are terms used to describe how bonus money interacts with your real money balance and whether that bonus can ever be withdrawn.
This blog will explain both types clearly, using simple examples and definitions. It may help you feel more informed the next time you come across a casino promotion. If you’re new to gambling, or trying to better understand how online casino bonuses work in the UK, this guide is written with you in mind.
The Basics Of Sticky Bonuses
A sticky bonus is a type of casino promotion where the bonus amount given to you cannot be withdrawn. You can use it to play games, but you won’t be able to take that bonus money out of your account. Instead, only your own deposit and any potential winnings made with the bonus—after meeting specific conditions—can be withdrawn.
Here’s a straightforward example:
You deposit £40 and receive a £40 sticky bonus. Your balance shows £80.
You can use the full £80 to play games.
If you decide to withdraw after meeting any required terms, the £40 bonus will be removed.
Only your original deposit and any profit earned can be cashed out.
It’s important to know that sticky bonuses are less common in the UK nowadays, as many licensed operators have moved towards more transparent offers. That said, you may still see this type of promotion, especially at older sites or ones operating outside the UK.
Casinos licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) must clearly outline how their bonuses work. However, the wording used for sticky bonuses can vary. Some may call them “phantom” or “non-cashable” bonuses. The key point is the same: the bonus stays in your account only for playing—it doesn’t become withdrawable, even after meeting any wagering requirements.
Understanding Non-Sticky Casino Bonus Offers
A non-sticky bonus works differently. In this case, you start by playing with your own money. The bonus is kept separate and only comes into play if your deposit runs out. This structure can give you more flexibility when deciding whether to use the bonus or not.
Let’s look at an example:
You deposit £50 and receive a £50 non-sticky bonus.
You play using your £50 deposit first.
If you win, you can request a withdrawal without touching the £50 bonus, as long as this is permitted under the casino’s terms.
If you lose your deposit, the £50 bonus then becomes active, and any potential winnings from it will be subject to the rules—usually including wagering requirements.
Sometimes, this type of offer is referred to as a “parachute bonus”. This is because the bonus acts as a backup, not becoming active unless your real money has been used.
Each casino may set different rules around how and when a non-sticky bonus applies. Some may cancel the bonus automatically if a withdrawal is requested before it’s been activated. Others may void any potential winnings if specific conditions are not followed. That’s why it can be worth checking the terms and conditions before claiming an offer, even if it seems straightforward at first.
Clear Differences Between Each Bonus Type
While both bonus types give you additional funds to play with, how they operate is quite different.
With a sticky bonus, the bonus is part of your playable balance, but not something you can cash out. It stays locked to your account. Any profit can be withdrawn, assuming you meet the requirements, but the bonus itself will be removed at the point of withdrawal.
With a non-sticky bonus, your real money is used first. If you win before using the bonus, you may be able to withdraw both your deposit and any winnings. If your deposit is lost, the bonus becomes usable. Once that happens, you must meet any listed terms—such as wagering—to access any potential winnings from the bonus.
Withdrawals are typically more flexible with non-sticky bonuses. But both types may include restrictions, such as limits on which games count toward wagering.
Because not all casinos structure their bonuses in the same way, even offers that sound similar can have different terms in practice. Reading the fine print can help you avoid any surprises.
How Casino Wagering Works With Different Bonuses
Wagering requirements are common in casino bonuses. This means you need to stake a certain amount before any potential winnings from the bonus can be withdrawn. It’s calculated by multiplying the wagering figure by the bonus amount.
For example, if you’re given a £10 bonus with a 30x wagering requirement, you must bet £300 in total before any bonus-related winnings can be accessed.
The way these requirements apply depends on the bonus type:
With non-sticky bonuses, your own money is used first. If you win during this stage and wish to withdraw, you may not need to meet wagering. However, once you start using the bonus, any winnings from it will be subject to the casino’s wagering rules.
With sticky bonuses, wagering usually applies before you can withdraw any profit. The bonus itself remains non-withdrawable, even after you complete the requirements.
Not all games count the same towards wagering. Slots usually contribute 100%, meaning every pound bet counts fully. Table games like blackjack or roulette might count far less, sometimes only 10% or even 0%. Casinos must provide these details in their terms, but it can differ from site to site.
Some casinos also set limits on the size of bets you can place while meeting wagering requirements. A common cap is £5 per spin or hand. Exceeding this can result in the loss of the bonus and any associated winnings.
Because casino games are random and not based on skill, outcomes cannot be predicted or influenced. There is no system or strategy that can guarantee a win. Gambling should only be done with money you’re prepared to lose.
Play Casino Games at Dream Jackpot
Dream Jackpot operates with a licence from the UKGC, so you know fairness and player protection are front and centre. Here, you’ll find many casino games to suit various preferences, including favourites like blackjack and roulette, plus a strong line-up of slot games.
You can try out new releases or stick to classic titles—there’s no shortage of options. To explore, simply log in or sign up for an account and see what’s available.
If you decide to take part, it’s best to set sensible limits and only use what you can afford. For additional support or advice about keeping your play safe, visit BeGambleAware.org.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
Understanding casino bonuses can seem confusing at first, especially if you’re not familiar with the different types available. One area that can cause uncertainty is the difference between sticky and non-sticky bonuses. These are terms used to describe how bonus money interacts with your real money balance and whether that bonus can ever be withdrawn.
This blog will explain both types clearly, using simple examples and definitions. It may help you feel more informed the next time you come across a casino promotion. If you’re new to gambling, or trying to better understand how online casino bonuses work in the UK, this guide is written with you in mind.
The Basics Of Sticky Bonuses
A sticky bonus is a type of casino promotion where the bonus amount given to you cannot be withdrawn. You can use it to play games, but you won’t be able to take that bonus money out of your account. Instead, only your own deposit and any potential winnings made with the bonus—after meeting specific conditions—can be withdrawn.
Here’s a straightforward example:
You deposit £40 and receive a £40 sticky bonus. Your balance shows £80.
You can use the full £80 to play games.
If you decide to withdraw after meeting any required terms, the £40 bonus will be removed.
Only your original deposit and any profit earned can be cashed out.
It’s important to know that sticky bonuses are less common in the UK nowadays, as many licensed operators have moved towards more transparent offers. That said, you may still see this type of promotion, especially at older sites or ones operating outside the UK.
Casinos licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) must clearly outline how their bonuses work. However, the wording used for sticky bonuses can vary. Some may call them “phantom” or “non-cashable” bonuses. The key point is the same: the bonus stays in your account only for playing—it doesn’t become withdrawable, even after meeting any wagering requirements.
Understanding Non-Sticky Casino Bonus Offers
A non-sticky bonus works differently. In this case, you start by playing with your own money. The bonus is kept separate and only comes into play if your deposit runs out. This structure can give you more flexibility when deciding whether to use the bonus or not.
Let’s look at an example:
You deposit £50 and receive a £50 non-sticky bonus.
You play using your £50 deposit first.
If you win, you can request a withdrawal without touching the £50 bonus, as long as this is permitted under the casino’s terms.
If you lose your deposit, the £50 bonus then becomes active, and any potential winnings from it will be subject to the rules—usually including wagering requirements.
Sometimes, this type of offer is referred to as a “parachute bonus”. This is because the bonus acts as a backup, not becoming active unless your real money has been used.
Each casino may set different rules around how and when a non-sticky bonus applies. Some may cancel the bonus automatically if a withdrawal is requested before it’s been activated. Others may void any potential winnings if specific conditions are not followed. That’s why it can be worth checking the terms and conditions before claiming an offer, even if it seems straightforward at first.
Clear Differences Between Each Bonus Type
While both bonus types give you additional funds to play with, how they operate is quite different.
With a sticky bonus, the bonus is part of your playable balance, but not something you can cash out. It stays locked to your account. Any profit can be withdrawn, assuming you meet the requirements, but the bonus itself will be removed at the point of withdrawal.
With a non-sticky bonus, your real money is used first. If you win before using the bonus, you may be able to withdraw both your deposit and any winnings. If your deposit is lost, the bonus becomes usable. Once that happens, you must meet any listed terms—such as wagering—to access any potential winnings from the bonus.
Withdrawals are typically more flexible with non-sticky bonuses. But both types may include restrictions, such as limits on which games count toward wagering.
Because not all casinos structure their bonuses in the same way, even offers that sound similar can have different terms in practice. Reading the fine print can help you avoid any surprises.
How Casino Wagering Works With Different Bonuses
Wagering requirements are common in casino bonuses. This means you need to stake a certain amount before any potential winnings from the bonus can be withdrawn. It’s calculated by multiplying the wagering figure by the bonus amount.
For example, if you’re given a £10 bonus with a 30x wagering requirement, you must bet £300 in total before any bonus-related winnings can be accessed.
The way these requirements apply depends on the bonus type:
With non-sticky bonuses, your own money is used first. If you win during this stage and wish to withdraw, you may not need to meet wagering. However, once you start using the bonus, any winnings from it will be subject to the casino’s wagering rules.
With sticky bonuses, wagering usually applies before you can withdraw any profit. The bonus itself remains non-withdrawable, even after you complete the requirements.
Not all games count the same towards wagering. Slots usually contribute 100%, meaning every pound bet counts fully. Table games like blackjack or roulette might count far less, sometimes only 10% or even 0%. Casinos must provide these details in their terms, but it can differ from site to site.
Some casinos also set limits on the size of bets you can place while meeting wagering requirements. A common cap is £5 per spin or hand. Exceeding this can result in the loss of the bonus and any associated winnings.
Because casino games are random and not based on skill, outcomes cannot be predicted or influenced. There is no system or strategy that can guarantee a win. Gambling should only be done with money you’re prepared to lose.
Play Casino Games at Dream Jackpot
Dream Jackpot operates with a licence from the UKGC, so you know fairness and player protection are front and centre. Here, you’ll find many casino games to suit various preferences, including favourites like blackjack and roulette, plus a strong line-up of slot games.
You can try out new releases or stick to classic titles—there’s no shortage of options. To explore, simply log in or sign up for an account and see what’s available.
If you decide to take part, it’s best to set sensible limits and only use what you can afford. For additional support or advice about keeping your play safe, visit BeGambleAware.org.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
