Definition
A sticky bonus is a promotional credit that cannot be withdrawn, only used to place bets. When a player requests a withdrawal, the sticky bonus amount is removed from their balance but any winnings derived from it can be cashed out.
In context
Sticky bonuses are credited to a separate bonus balance that the player can wager with but cannot withdraw. When the player cashes out, the bonus amount is deducted from the withdrawable balance.
The format is popular with high-roller VIP programs and crypto casinos because it lets operators offer very large bonus figures without taking on equivalent cash liability.
There are two common variants. The traditional sticky bonus disappears on withdrawal, regardless of whether the wagering requirement has been cleared.
The expire-on-withdrawal or phantom bonus works the same way but is more commonly used for one-off promotional credits. The non-sticky or parachute bonus, by contrast, lets players withdraw their cash balance before touching the bonus, with the bonus forfeited if they do.
For players, sticky bonuses are best used aggressively: place large bets early to either build a big balance or bust out, since grinding through small bets rarely produces a withdrawable surplus. For operators, sticky bonuses reduce bonus cost because most players bust out before generating winnings large enough to withdraw.
This makes them attractive in markets where traditional matched bonuses have become too expensive.
A common operator mistake is mixing sticky and non-sticky bonuses in the same promotional terms without making the distinction clear, which leads to player complaints and regulatory issues. Affiliates should always clarify whether an offer is sticky or non-sticky in their reviews, because the same headline bonus figure can mean very different things.
Compliance teams in regulated markets increasingly require explicit labeling.
Worked example
A casino credits a 1,000 euro sticky bonus. The player builds the balance to 3,500 euro and requests a withdrawal of 2,500 euro, with the 1,000 euro bonus removed from the cashout.
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Frequently asked questions
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