What is a Non-Sticky Casino Bonus?
Non sticky casino bonus offers are now very common at UK-licensed sites, especially since sticky bonuses are no longer allowed under current regulations. With a non sticky bonus, your deposit is used first, and you can withdraw any winnings from it without triggering wagering requirements. The bonus funds only come into play if your deposit balance is lost, which is what makes the bonus non sticky – it’s not locked in with your cash.
Also known as cashable bonuses, non sticky offers are generally more player friendly, especially when paired with low wagering requirements. The value of any non sticky casino bonus depends on the size of the offer and how favourable the terms are, but they usually give players more flexibility and better control over their balance.
How Non-Sticky Bonuses Work?
To understand how a casino non sticky deposit bonus works, we’ll use an imaginary situation. Say you join a casino where you deposit £100 and claim a 100% non sticky bonus. Your bonus balance right at the beginning will be £100 + £100 – that’s the bonus and your deposit. Let’s say you get lucky and play through your first £100. You can withdraw those winnings without worrying about the wagering requirements. However, if you try and withdraw the winnings, you’re forfeiting the bonus balance of £100.
If you decide to play with your extra £100 and win something, the bonus conditions kick in. You will need to complete the bonus wagering by following the T&Cs. Only then you’ll be able to cash out the money you’ve won with non sticky bonuses.
What is a Sticky Casino Bonus?
Sticky is a non-cashable casino bonus. In short, you can use the bonus funds for wagering purposes, but you can’t withdraw the bonus amount. When you claim sticky casino bonuses, your bonus funds and deposit are ‘stuck’ together from the beginning. That’s the sticky bonus meaning. Until you complete the wagering requirements, you won’t be able to withdraw your winnings. While non-sticky promotions are more common, it’s safe to say that nearly any casino site has a classic sticky bonus, usually as part of the welcome bonus package.
Even better, online casino sites are quite generous with these bonus offers. Claiming sticky bonuses requires you to make a deposit. The casino will then match that deposit by several hundred percent. As you can guess, this means that you can get a massive balance on sign up, and more money means more play time and hopefully more wins. Massive sticky casino bonuses will give you numerous opportunities to practice your gaming skills.
Note for UK Players: Sticky casino bonuses are no longer offered by licensed UK casinos. These types of bonuses were more common in the past, but current UKGC regulations prevent operators from using sticky bonus structures. The information in this guide is for educational purposes and applies mostly to non-UK licensed casinos.
Where Can You Find Sticky Bonuses?
Sticky bonuses are still found at some international casino sites, but they are not available at UKGC-licensed casinos. UK players will typically find non-sticky or wager-free bonuses instead. The sticky bonus format may appear in older guides or at non-UK sites, but it’s no longer part of standard welcome offers for UK players.
Different Types of Sticky Bonuses for non UK Players
There are two different types of sticky bonuses you should be aware of. Their concepts are different and will be explained below.
Phantom Bonus
In our experience, this is the most appropriately named casino incentive. The phantom bonus will disappear from your balance when you make a withdrawal. If you complete the wagering on time, you will be able to withdraw any regular + bonus winnings.
Variation Bonus
This variant is different from the phantom bonus. It can stay active after you’ve withdrawn your deposit and winnings, after which you’ll continue playing with it. Sometimes, casino sites will allow you to cash out any remaining balance if your overall balance drops due to losses. In this case, you won’t need to exceed the original balance to withdraw winnings.
Wagering Requirements for Sticky Bonuses
The wagering requirements on non sticky bonuses and other casino offers are one of the most important terms to understand. While no wager bonuses do exist, they are relatively rare. In most cases, you’ll need to meet the specified wagering requirement before you can withdraw any winnings generated from the bonus.
With sticky bonuses, wagering conditions apply from the moment you accept the offer. If you manage to win and choose to withdraw, the sticky bonus amount will simply be removed from your balance before the withdrawal is processed.
Sticky Bonuses vs Non-Sticky Bonuses
When signing up at an online gambling site, especially as a new casino player, you’ll often come across welcome bonuses. Two common formats are sticky bonuses and non sticky bonuses. The key difference lies in how the bonus money interacts with your deposit and what you’re allowed to withdraw. To make things easier, we’ve broken down the main pros and cons of each bonus type in the table below.
| Sticky Bonuses | Non-Sticky Bonus |
|---|---|
| ✅ Great opportunity to place larger bets | ✅ Easier to understand at face value |
| ✅ Less demanding wagering requirements | ✅ You can stop playing before the wagering kicks in |
| ✅ You can cash out your winnings even if the bonus expires | ✅ You can withdraw the bonus and any winnings |
| ❌ Can’t withdraw the bonus money | ❌ Wagering conditions are usually high |
FAQs
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Are sticky casino bonuses still available in the UK?
No. Sticky bonuses are no longer offered by UK-licensed casino sites due to updated UK Gambling Commission rules. While they were once a common part of welcome packages, they’ve been phased out in favour of more transparent bonus types like non-sticky or wager-free bonuses. Sticky bonuses may still be available at casinos operating under other international licences. -
What happens if I try to withdraw before completing wagering?
If you try to withdraw funds before completing the wagering requirements, most casinos will void your bonus and any winnings tied to it. With non sticky bonuses, you may still be able to withdraw your deposit winnings if you haven’t yet touched the bonus balance. Always check the casino’s terms before requesting a withdrawal. -
Are sticky bonuses safe to use?
Yes, sticky bonuses are safe to use as long as you’re playing at a licensed and reputable online casino. While you can’t withdraw the bonus amount itself, it still gives you extra funds to play with. Just be sure to read the full bonus terms, as sticky offers can sometimes come with stricter wagering conditions or withdrawal rules. -
Do all casinos offer non sticky bonuses?
No, not all casinos offer non sticky bonuses. However, they have become much more common – especially at UK-licensed sites. Many new UK casinos now prefer non sticky bonuses because they’re more transparent and player-friendly. -
Can I claim multiple bonuses at once?
In most cases, no. Online casinos usually allow one active bonus at a time. If you’re already playing through a sticky or non sticky bonus, you’ll likely need to complete or forfeit it before claiming another offer. Some casinos may offer separate promotions (e.g. free spins or tournaments) alongside a main deposit bonus, so always read the terms.
