What is a Sticky Casino Bonus?

Casino bonuses are often one of the first elements that attract online players. Among them, sticky bonuses stand out due to their specific functionality. While they increase your playing capital, they also impose significant constraints on withdrawals. How can you take advantage of these bonuses while avoiding their pitfalls? Understanding their mechanics is essential to avoid unpleasant surprises and maximise your winnings. This article covers everything you need to know about these unique bonuses, from their definition to how to use them effectively.

What Is a Sticky Bonus?

A sticky bonus is an online casino offer that increases your playing capital but cannot be withdrawn. Unlike other types of bonuses, it is “sticky,” meaning it remains attached to your balance and is solely intended for gameplay. Once the wagering requirements are met, you can withdraw your winnings, but the bonus amount will be deducted from your balance.

Example : Imagine depositing €100 at a casino offering a 100% sticky bonus, which gives you an additional €100. Your total balance becomes €200. After meeting the wagering requirements, if your final balance is €300, you can withdraw only €200. The €100 bonus remains non-withdrawable, as it is only meant to extend your playing time.

Difference Between Sticky Bonuses and Non-Sticky Bonuses

Sticky Bonus: The bonus can never be withdrawn, even if the wagering requirements are fulfilled. Only winnings generated from the bonus are withdrawable.

Example: With a sticky bonus of €50, if you win €200, you can withdraw €150 (€200 - €50).

Non-Sticky Bonus: The bonus is separated from your deposit and becomes withdrawable after meeting the wagering requirements. If you lose your initial deposit, you play with the bonus, and it can be withdrawn if you meet the rules.

Example: If you deposit €100 and receive a €100 non-sticky bonus, you can withdraw both amounts after satisfying the wagering requirements.

These bonuses provide a strategic advantage for extending gameplay sessions, but it’s crucial to understand their limitations before accepting them.

How Do Sticky Bonuses Work?

Sticky bonuses are subject to strict rules that dictate how they can be used and the conditions to fulfil before withdrawing associated winnings. Here's a breakdown of their mechanics:

Wagering Requirements

Wagering requirements define the total amount you must bet before withdrawing your winnings. These are typically expressed as a multiple of the bonus or the deposit + bonus amount, such as 30x the bonus.

Importance: They ensure that players bet sufficiently before withdrawing funds, preventing bonus abuse.
Example: If you receive a €100 bonus with a 30x wagering requirement, you must wager €3,000 (€100 x 30) before withdrawing any winnings.

Associated Restrictions

Eligible Games: Not all games contribute equally to wagering requirements. For example:
- Slots often contribute 100%.
- Table games like blackjack or roulette may only contribute 10% or be entirely excluded.
Maximum Bet Per Spin: Casinos often impose a maximum bet limit per spin or round when playing with a bonus, typically around €5. Betting above this limit can result in the forfeiture of your winnings.
Validity Period: Sticky bonuses are valid for a limited time, usually 7 to 30 days. If wagering requirements are not met within this period, the bonus and any associated winnings are forfeited.

Realistic Scenario: Deposit, Bonus Usage, Winnings, and Withdrawal

Deposit and Bonus Received: You deposit €100 and receive a 100% sticky bonus worth €100. Your total balance is now €200.
Wagering Requirements: The wagering requirement is 30x the bonus, meaning you must wager €3,000 before withdrawing.
Using the Funds: You primarily play slots that contribute 100% to the wagering requirements. Betting €2 per spin, you play 1,500 spins to meet the requirement.
Winnings Earned: After fulfilling the wagering requirements, your balance is €400.
Withdrawal: Since the €100 bonus is sticky, it is deducted from your balance. You can withdraw €300 (€400 - €100).

Advantages and Disadvantages of Sticky Bonuses

When a Sticky Bonus Is Advantageous

For Beginners: Sticky bonuses provide sufficient capital to explore games without significant financial risk.
For Slot Enthusiasts: Slots typically contribute 100% to wagering requirements, making them ideal for sticky bonuses.
To Test Strategies: The bonus allows experimenting with larger bets or unfamiliar games in a relatively safe environment.

When a Sticky Bonus Is Less Suitable

For Quick Withdrawals: High wagering requirements and the non-withdrawable nature of the bonus slow down access to winnings.
For Table Game Players: Reduced contributions from these games make it harder to meet wagering requirements.
For Strict Bankroll Management: Constraints like maximum bet limits and game restrictions can complicate strategic play.

Comparison Table

Advantages	Disadvantages
Increased playing capital: Play with a larger balance thanks to the bonus.	Non-withdrawable bonus: The bonus amount can never be withdrawn.
Extended gameplay: Ideal for exploring different games.	High wagering requirements: Meeting the wagering demands can be challenging.
Opportunity to test strategies: Allows experimenting with larger bets or new games with less risk.	Game restrictions: Some games contribute little or nothing to the wagering requirements.
Widely available: Sticky bonuses are often offered by many online casinos.	Maximum bet limits: These can restrict betting strategies.

Tips for Maximising a Sticky Bonus

Sticky bonuses can be a great way to extend your gaming sessions and increase your chances of winning. However, to make the most of them, you need to approach them strategically:

Read the Terms and Conditions:
Understand the restrictions on eligible games, maximum bets, and the timeframe to meet requirements.
Choose a Reliable Casino:
Opt for a regulated and reputable platform with clear and transparent bonus offers.
Select the Right Games:
Play low-volatility slots with a high RTP to increase your chances of generating consistent winnings while fulfilling wagering requirements.
Manage Your Bankroll Wisely:
Stick to disciplined betting limits, respect maximum bet rules, and track your progress towards meeting the requirements.

Our Opinion

Sticky bonuses increase your playing capital but are non-withdrawable. Only the winnings generated can be cashed out after meeting often stringent wagering requirements. These bonuses are particularly suited for players aiming to extend their gameplay or test new strategies, especially on low-volatility slots with high RTP.

However, they come with restrictions such as limited eligible games and maximum bet rules. If quick withdrawals are your priority, these bonuses may not be the best fit.

Share your experiences with sticky bonuses in the comments or check out our guide to the best casinos offering sticky bonuses to find the right platform for your needs.