Sticky bonus meaning

Sticky bonus meaning, step by step

The word ‘sticky’ describes the bonus amount staying attached to your account. You can stake it, win with it and lose it, but the original bonus figure can never leave as cash. At withdrawal time, the casino subtracts it. This glossary entry focuses on that single mechanic; for a full side-by-side with the alternative, see our guide to sticky vs non-sticky bonuses, and for the opposite structure the non-sticky bonus entry.

A sticky bonus worked through in pounds

Suppose you deposit £20 and receive a 100% sticky bonus of £20, with 10x wagering on the bonus (£200 of qualifying bets).

1. Starting balance: £20 deposit + £20 bonus = £40.
2. You place £200 of slot bets over a few sessions, completing the wagering requirement.
3. Your balance now reads £70.
4. You request a withdrawal; the £20 sticky bonus is removed.
5. You can withdraw £50.

The last two rows matter most. With a sticky bonus, a balance at or below the bonus figure leaves nothing to withdraw, even though some of it began as your own deposit. That is the core reason players compare sticky and non-sticky structures carefully.

Why casinos use sticky bonuses

A sticky structure means the operator never pays out the bonus itself; only winnings above it. It also lets the bonus act as extra stake for longer, since it stays in play until withdrawal. From the player’s side, the bonus gives a bigger balance to play with but less flexibility to stop early. Whether that suits you depends on whether you value more play or an easy exit.

How to spot a sticky bonus in the terms

• Phrases such as ‘the bonus amount is non-cashable’ or ‘the bonus will be deducted on withdrawal’.
• ‘Bonus funds cannot be withdrawn; only winnings derived from them.’
• A combined balance with no separate real-money and bonus wallets.
• No mention of real money being played first.

Terms must be clear and fair under LCCP social responsibility code 5.1.1 (opens in a new tab), and the ASA expects the significant conditions to be stated up front; see its guidance on promotional terms and significant conditions (opens in a new tab). Our guide on reading bonus terms shows where these clauses sit.

Sticky bonuses under UK rules

Two layers of UK rules touch sticky bonuses. Since 19 January 2026 the wagering on any bonus can be no more than 10 times the bonus funds, so a £20 sticky bonus needs at most £200 of play. Earlier, the Competition and Markets Authority’s online gambling case (opens in a new tab) led several operators (Ladbrokes, William Hill and PT Entertainment, from 1 February 2018) to commit that players can withdraw their own money during bonus play. Those undertakings bind the named firms, but they shaped how many UK terms are written. Our page on bonus terms rules and the CMA covers the history.

If you believe a bonus term was applied unfairly, complain to the casino first, then use its named ADR service after 8 weeks. See how to complain about a casino.

Terms that work alongside a sticky bonus

Sticky bonuses usually come with the same companions as other match bonuses: a maximum bet while the bonus is active, game weighting that slows wagering on table games, and an expiry date. Breaking a stake cap can lead to voided winnings, so check each one before you play.

Spins offers without a sticky bonus

If you’d rather avoid bonus money that can’t be withdrawn, spins with no wagering on the winnings are the simplest alternative. Coral’s welcome offer, open from 1 October 2026 to 1 February 2027, awards new players aged 18+ 100 free spins at 10p on selected slots after a deposit (some types excluded) and £10 of slots bets; accept within 48 hours, use within 7 days, and keep spin winnings with no wagering. A deposit by PayPal, Neteller, Skrill, Paysafe, prepaid card or certain debit cards won’t qualify. Our latest Coral offer page has the current wording.

PlayOJO’s welcome deal is 80 free spins at 10p on Big Bass Bonanza for new UK customers aged 18+ outside Northern Ireland who make a first deposit of at least £10, with cash winnings and no wagering; no other offer can be combined with it. Details sit on the latest PlayOJO offer page. Each was checked on 5 October 2026 and has its own terms.

18+. Gambling should be entertainment that costs money, not a way to make it. Set a deposit limit before you play: how to set deposit limits. Free, confidential help: National Gambling Helpline 0808 8020 133.