Online casinos are known for offering generous welcome bonuses, free spins, and reload deals. But not all bonuses are created equal. One type that often confuses players is the sticky bonus. It sounds attractive on the surface—extra cash to play with—but it comes with a catch that most beginners miss.
If you’ve ever wondered why your bonus balance looks great but you still can’t withdraw anything, a sticky bonus might be the reason. In this blog, we’ll break down how sticky bonuses work, why they’re tricky, and what you should know before claiming one.
What Is a Sticky Bonus?
A sticky bonus is a type of casino bonus that you can use to play games, but you can’t withdraw it. While you can win money using the bonus, the bonus amount itself will always remain locked.
How It Works
Let’s say a casino gives you a $100 sticky bonus with a $100 deposit. You now have $200 to play with. If you win and your total balance becomes $500, you might think you can withdraw the whole amount. But once you try to cash out, the $100 bonus will be removed. So, you’ll only be able to withdraw $400.
The bonus is only there to help you play longer—not to be withdrawn.
Why Casinos Offer Sticky Bonuses
Sticky bonuses give players more funds to explore games, which makes the casino experience more fun. But since the bonus can’t be cashed out, casinos reduce their risk while still attracting players with a high bonus offer.
Types of Sticky Bonuses
There are two main types of sticky bonuses, and it’s important to know the difference:
1. Classic Sticky Bonus (Non-Withdrawable)
This is the most common type. The bonus stays in your account while you play, but it’s removed automatically when you request a withdrawal. Only your winnings can be withdrawn — a structure often seen at the best Toronto online casinos.
Example:
- Deposit: $100
- Bonus: $100 sticky
- Total balance after winning: $300
- Withdrawable amount: $200 (bonus is removed)
2. Phantom Bonus
A phantom bonus works almost the same way but disappears as soon as you meet the wagering requirements or request a withdrawal—whichever comes first.
The key difference is that it may vanish earlier than expected, so you need to read the fine print carefully.
Why You Might Never Withdraw a Sticky Bonus
Sticky bonuses may seem like a good deal, but they come with a few complications that make cashing out harder than it appears.
1. High Wagering Requirements
Most sticky bonuses have high wagering requirements—sometimes 30x, 40x, or even 50x your bonus amount. That means you need to wager thousands of dollars before you can even think about withdrawing your winnings.
For example, with a 40x wagering requirement on a $100 bonus, you’d need to wager $4,000 before withdrawing anything.
2. Game Restrictions
Not all games contribute equally toward the wagering requirement. Slots may count 100%, but table games like blackjack or roulette often count less—or not at all.
This limits your options and could slow down your progress, especially if you prefer lower-risk games.
3. Bonus Abuse Rules
Many casinos have strict rules to prevent “bonus abuse.” If you bet too high or switch games during bonus play, your bonus and winnings might be voided. Sticky bonuses often come with more rules than regular cash play.
4. Limited Time Frame
You might also be under pressure to meet the requirements within a short time—sometimes 7 or 14 days. If you don’t, the bonus (and your winnings) may expire.
5. Bonus Removed on Withdrawal
The most frustrating part for many players is the moment they hit the “withdraw” button and suddenly see their balance drop. Even if you won big using the bonus, the bonus itself disappears during the withdrawal process.
This can feel like a surprise if you didn’t understand how sticky bonuses work.
Tips Before Accepting a Sticky Bonus
Sticky bonuses aren’t always bad. In fact, they can offer good value for casual players who want extra funds to enjoy more game time. But you should always approach them with a clear strategy.
Read the Terms and Conditions
This might sound boring, but it’s essential. Look for information on wagering requirements, game restrictions, and whether the bonus is sticky or not.
Don’t Confuse It with a Regular Bonus
Just because a casino is offering a 100% match bonus doesn’t mean it’s withdrawable. Always confirm if the bonus is sticky or cashable. Some casinos won’t use the word “sticky” directly—they may call it a “non-withdrawable bonus.”
Play Low-Variance Games
If you’re aiming to clear the wagering requirement, stick with low-volatility games that offer more consistent payouts. This can help you stay in the game longer.
Set Realistic Expectations
Understand that sticky bonuses are not meant to give you free money. They are a tool to extend your playtime. If you happen to win big, great—but don’t count on withdrawing the full balance.
Final Thoughts
Sticky bonuses can be fun, but they come with important limitations. While they offer more money to play with, they also lock you into strict terms and can make withdrawals harder than expected.
If you’re a casual player who enjoys exploring new games and doesn’t mind keeping winnings modest, a sticky bonus could be right for you. But if your goal is to build up a bankroll and cash out often, you might want to consider other types of promotions.
As always, the best strategy is to stay informed. Know what you’re signing up for, and you’ll avoid surprises down the line.
