There's a bonus term that matters as much as the wagering requirement, and casinos rarely put it in big letters: whether the bonus is sticky or non-sticky. Pour yourself a cup of tea — Granny has opinions.
Sticky bonuses
A sticky bonus is mixed into your balance and can never be withdrawn itself. You can only withdraw winnings above it, and when you cash out, the bonus amount is removed.
Deposit $100, get $100 sticky bonus → balance $200. Win your way to $350 and clear the wagering. Withdraw: $250 — the $100 bonus "sticks" behind.
Non-sticky (parachute) bonuses
A non-sticky bonus sits separately from your real money. You play with your own cash first. If you win, you can withdraw at any time and simply forfeit the bonus — no wagering needed. Only if you lose your deposit does the bonus kick in, like a parachute.
Deposit $100, get $100 non-sticky. Win to $300 with your own money → withdraw $300, forfeit the bonus. Lose your $100 → now play on with the $100 bonus, subject to wagering.
No-wagering bonuses
The kindest of all: winnings are paid as cash immediately. Usually smaller (often free spins), but you keep what you win. See free spins explained.
Side by side
| Sticky | Non-sticky | No-wagering | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Can you withdraw the bonus itself? | Never | No (forfeited) | Yes — winnings are cash |
| Can you withdraw your own winnings early? | Usually not until wagering is done | Yes, before the bonus is used | Yes |
| Typical size | Larger | Medium–large | Smaller |
| Granny's verdict | Grumble | Thumbs up | Two thumbs up |
How to tell which one you've got
Look for phrases in the terms like "the bonus amount will be deducted on withdrawal" (sticky) or "real money is played first" / "you can withdraw your real balance and forfeit the bonus" (non-sticky). If you can't tell, ask support before you deposit.
Granny's rant, in one line
A sticky bonus with a big headline is often worth less than a modest non-sticky one — because one lets you walk away with your winnings, and the other keeps a hand in your pocket. Compare real-value rankings on our casino bonuses page, and test any offer in the wagering calculator.
