UK online casinos usually offer enticing offers such as welcome bonuses, cashback rewards, and match bonuses. All these offers work slightly differently, but fall into two major categories: sticky or non-sticky bonuses.
While both categories can boost your play time and potential winnings, they work differently when it comes to withdrawals and overall value. That’s why it’s essential to understand their working mechanism to set the right expectations and avoid surprises.
In this guide, we take a closer look at sticky and non-sticky bonuses, how they work, and real-life examples. By the end of this read, you’ll learn how to choose the bonuses that best match your preferences.
What Are Sticky Bonuses?
As the name suggests, sticky bonuses are ‘stuck’ to your account, meaning that they can’t be withdrawn. So, when you have made your deposit and received your first deposit bonus offers, effectively the bonuses are tied to that account. However, you can use the sticky bonus funds to play select games. If you win, you can only cash out winnings after the casino has deducted the bonus amount.
Since sticky bonuses are actually non-cashable, some players refer to them as ‘phantom bonuses’ or simply ‘non-cashable bonuses’.
Here’s how sticky bonuses work: Let’s say you claim a 100% sticky bonus after depositing £100, so your account balance will be £200 (£100 deposit + £100 bonus). If you play and win £300, and want to cash out, the casino will first deduct the £100 bonus, leaving you with a £200 withdrawable amount.
Sticky bonuses may also have wagering requirements that you must meet before you can withdraw. For example, with a 10x wagering requirement on a £100 bonus, you would need to place £1,000 worth of bets before withdrawing any winnings. And if the wagering requirement applies to both the bonus and the deposit, you’d need to wager £2,000.
What Are Non-Sticky Bonuses?
Non-sticky bonuses are the exact opposite of sticky bonuses. Instead of being tied to your balance, the bonus works separately from your deposit. You can also withdraw the winnings and bonus amount, provided you meet the wagering requirements.
When you claim a non-sticky bonus, your balance displays your real money and bonus funds balance separately. You’ll begin by playing with your real money and only switch to the bonus funds if your real-money deposit is depleted.
That’s why UK players often refer to non-sticky bonuses as ‘second chance bonuses’ or ‘parachute bonuses’, as they allow playthrough if you lose your deposit.
How non-sticky bonuses work: Assume you receive a 100% non-sticky bonus on your £100 deposit. You’ll have £100 as real cash and an extra £100 as the bonus fund. So, you can use your money to play online slot games and withdraw the winnings without any issues. However, if you lose your cash, you’ll play with the bonus funds and can withdraw the winnings after meeting the wagering requirements.
Key Differences Between Sticky and Non-Sticky Bonuses
Check out the table below to help you better understand the differences between sticky and non-sticky bonuses:
| Sticky Bonuses | Non-Sticky Bonuses |
|---|---|
| The bonus amount and deposited funds are treated as one balance. | The bonus and real money funds are separated, allowing you to use real cash first before using the bonus amount. |
| The bonus is non-withdrawable, and the amount is deducted from the winnings before you can withdraw. | You can withdraw the bonus and the winnings after completing the wagering requirements. |
| The bonus is ready for use immediately after claiming it. | The bonus is ready for use only after you’ve used up all your real money deposit. |
| Most sticky bonuses have game restrictions, like no live games, and only select slot titles. | Usually have fewer game restrictions since you’ll need to use your real cash before the bonus is active. |
| Have a higher risk level since the winnings are locked until you meet the terms and conditions. | Lower risk level, as you can withdraw winnings early when playing with your deposited cash. |
UKGC’s Stand on Sticky and Non-Sticky Bonuses
Most UK online casinos only offer non-sticky bonuses to stay compliant with UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) rules. The UKGC requires operators to clearly display bonus funds and real-money balances separately so players can easily see which funds are withdrawable.
Operators must also allow players to withdraw their deposited funds even if they have an active or pending bonus. While wagering requirements are allowed on bonus funds, they cannot apply to a player’s deposited money and are now (as of new regulations in January 2026) capped at 10x the bonus amount.
Sticky vs Non-Sticky: Which Is the Best Bonus for You?
Most online casinos don’t display the terms ‘sticky’ or ‘non-sticky’ on their website. So, how can you tell if a bonus is sticky or non-sticky? Here’s how:
- Sticky bonuses: If you see phrases like ‘non-withdrawable’, ‘bonus funds can’t be withdrawn’, or ‘bonus is for play only’, it means it’s a sticky bonus.
- Non-sticky bonuses: Phrases such as ‘withdrawable bonus’, ‘redeemable rewards’, and ‘bonus funds are withdrawable after meeting wagering requirement’ indicate non-sticky bonuses.
How to Choose the Right Bonus
Always compare several deposit offers from different online casinos and read the T&Cs. After finding a good offer, consider the following before claiming it:
- Playing style: Sticky bonuses are best suited to casual players who want longer gameplay. High rollers prefer non-sticky bonuses since they can achieve the wagering terms and withdraw the winnings.
- Risk tolerance: Non-sticky bonuses are less risky since you can withdraw your deposit and winnings. If you have a higher risk tolerance, go for sticky bonuses.
Conclusion
It’s important to understand how different bonuses work, including sticky and non-sticky bonuses, to ensure you make the right decision. Consider your risk tolerance, gambling style, the bonus value, and wagering terms to select the bonus that elevates your gambling experience.