Worked example: the same S$100 bonus as sticky and non-sticky
A worked example shows the difference with the same numbers. The example below assumes a S$100 deposit matched by a S$100 bonus. It is an illustration and not an offer from a named casino.
| Non-sticky | Sticky | |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit and bonus | S$100 + S$100 | S$100 + S$100 |
| You win early, balance S$300 | Withdraw S$300 of real money, forfeit the bonus | Must finish wagering first; bonus S$100 removed at cash-out |
| You lose the deposit | Then play the S$100 bonus | Already playing the combined balance |
A non-sticky bonus lets the early win leave as real money. The win was made with your own deposit, so the S$300 can be withdrawn and the bonus is forfeited.
A sticky bonus pays out less at the end. After the wagering is complete, the casino removes the S$100 bonus from a S$300 balance, and S$200 is paid out. The sticky bonus gave you a bigger stake while you played, and the non-sticky bonus gave you the earlier exit.
When a sticky or a non-sticky bonus suits you
- Non-sticky: you want the option to leave early with a win.
- Sticky: you plan to play through the wagering anyway and want the larger balance from the start.
A sticky bonus suits a player who intends to finish the wagering. The larger balance gives more room on high-variance slots, where a bigger stake helps a feature round land.
A non-sticky bonus suits a player who plays short sessions. That player may stop after one good run, and a non-sticky bonus lets the winnings leave before the bonus is used.
How wagering applies to sticky and non-sticky bonuses
Wagering is the amount of betting a bonus requires before winnings can be withdrawn. The wagering multiplier is the same kind of term on a sticky bonus and on a non-sticky bonus. What differs is when the wagering starts to count, which depends on the casino's terms.
On a non-sticky bonus, wagering usually counts once your own deposit is spent and the bonus balance is in play. On a sticky bonus, the bonus is part of the balance from the first bet. The terms say which bets count, so read that clause instead of assuming.
A S$100 bonus with 30x wagering needs S$3,000 of bets. A sticky bonus then takes the S$100 back at cash-out, so the same turnover earns you less. For comparison, the page on no wagering bonuses at new real money casinos explains what offers without turnover look like.
Terms that limit a sticky or non-sticky bonus
Sticky and non-sticky bonuses both carry limits that decide what you can actually withdraw. These limits sit in the bonus terms and differ from one casino to the next. Check each of the four below before you claim.
- Maximum bet: many terms cap the stake per spin while a bonus is active, and a bet above the cap can void the winnings.
- Game weighting: slots often count in full towards wagering, while table games may count for less or not at all.
- Expiry: a bonus can have a time limit, and an unfinished bonus is removed when it runs out.
- Cash-out cap: some terms limit how much of the winnings from a bonus can be withdrawn.
How to tell whether a bonus is sticky or non-sticky
The bonus terms say whether the bonus is cashable or non-cashable, and whether real money is used first. If the terms do not say, ask support in writing before you deposit.
Words such as non-cashable, forfeit and bonus balance point to the type. A non-cashable bonus is sticky. A separate bonus balance that is used after your deposit points to a non-sticky bonus.
For the other clauses that decide value, see our guide to casino terms.
Choosing between a sticky and a non-sticky bonus
Choosing a type comes down to one question: do you want to keep the option of leaving early with a win. If yes, a non-sticky bonus fits. If you will play through the wagering anyway, a sticky bonus is a fair trade for the larger balance.
Whichever type you pick, play with an amount you can afford to lose. A bonus does not change the odds of a game. The claim steps are covered in how to find and claim the best new casino bonuses.