Sticky vs Non-Sticky Bonuses: Which Actually Protects Your Winnings

Last updated June 2026 · Casino Capybara editorial team

Last checked: June 2026

Two casinos can both advertise a “100% up to €200” welcome bonus and treat your money completely differently when you try to withdraw. The deciding factor is whether the bonus is sticky or non-sticky — one of the most important and least-explained terms in any offer.

Non-sticky (cashable) bonuses

With a non-sticky bonus your deposit and the bonus are kept separate. You play with your real money first; if you hit a good run you can withdraw your own funds and any winnings made from them at any time, only forfeiting the unused bonus. This is the player-friendly model — your deposited cash is never held hostage to the wagering requirement.

Sticky (non-cashable) bonuses

A sticky bonus is bolted to your balance. Your deposit and the bonus are pooled, and you cannot withdraw anything until the entire wagering requirement is cleared. If you try to cash out early, the bonus — and often any winnings tied to it — is removed. The bonus amount itself is never withdrawable; it is purely playing fuel. Sticky terms are common on larger headline offers precisely because they are far harder to beat.

How to tell which one you are getting

Look for the words “non-cashable”, “the bonus amount is not withdrawable”, or “you cannot withdraw until wagering is complete” — those signal sticky.
Phrases like “withdraw your deposit at any time” or “real money is played first” signal non-sticky.
If the terms are silent, assume sticky and ask support before depositing.

Which is better for you?

For most players a smaller non-sticky bonus is worth more than a larger sticky one, because your own money stays liquid and you keep early wins. Sticky bonuses can still suit a player who intends to wager the full amount anyway and treats the bonus as extended play time — just never as withdrawable value.

The regulator’s view

Unfair withdrawal restrictions on online casino bonuses have drawn regulatory action: the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority forced operators to stop trapping players’ own deposited money behind bonus play-through and to make the terms clear up front. The lesson holds everywhere — read the cashout rule before you claim.

Source: UK Competition and Markets Authority action on unfair online gambling terms — gov.uk CMA online gambling case.

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Responsible gambling note: Gambling is for adults aged 18 or over. A bonus never changes the house edge — set a budget before you play and treat gambling as entertainment, not income. If it stops being fun, seek help at BeGambleAware.