After accepting a large welcome offer at an online casino, players sometimes wonder whether they signed up for a sticky or non-sticky bonus. Usually, what transpires is that you accept that alluring bonus offer and don't understand what's happening until you've finished spinning and winning and want to take your original deposit money out.
To clear up any doubt, we've chosen to discuss the distinctions between sticky and non-sticky bonuses and get you ready for your next iGaming experience.
Definition of Sticky Bonus
Sticky bonuses are wagerable but non-withdrawable. Online casinos that state the bonus is "for wagering only." have sticky bonuses. Despite being ineligible for withdrawal, a sticky bonus may be worth it for experienced players with a large bankroll. Stick bonuses must be played differently than ordinary bonuses to be completely effective.
Sticky bonuses boost your balance before you play. Sticky bonuses often match up to 300% or 400% of your initial deposit, giving you more money than no sticky bonus. Naturally, this will boost your odds, but be cautious. You can wind up losing more than you intended to win unless you have a sizable sum of money to start with (and you really understand the game).
Consider this: suppose your preferred online casino is giving you a $50 sticky bonus for a $50 deposit. Players start with $100 after investing $50 and earning a $50 bonus. If you bet $100 (your whole amount), you might win $100 or lose $100.
In case you win, and then decide you want to leave, you may take the entire balance from your account ($200) less the bonus sum ($50), meaning you can withdraw $150, for a win of $100 on your $50 investment. On the other hand, if you lost and chose to quit playing, you’d wind up losing simply your deposit amount which is $50.
What is a non-sticky bonus?
A non-sticky bonus or a standard bonus (sometimes known as a parachute bonus) is a cashable bonus that may be withdrawn as soon as you fulfill the wagering requirements, according to the terms and conditions of the offer in question.
You’ll be aware you’re dealing with non-sticky bonuses should the online casino enable you to withdraw all the money you’ve won with whatever amount you have left on top of your original deposit bonus, after you’ve satisfied your wagering requirements, of course.
Most players would prefer to pick this form of bonus since it is less confusing and because you can pay out your extra money while still generating a small profit.
As an example, let’s assume you’ve made a deposit of $50 and taken a non-sticky bonus of the same amount, you would have the $50 real money, plus the authorized $50 bonus money to play with. Initially, you would start to play with your actual money first ($50), and during that period you would be allowed to withdraw it at any moment. How come? It's because the bonus money's terms and conditions—which you haven't yet touched—do not bind your actual money. Should you win, you may withdraw your actual money immediately and skip the wagering restrictions.
The wagering limitations would only become a concern if you had touched that extra $50 (bonus money) and begun to play with it.
What Sticky Bonuses Are Not
Simply said, sticky bonuses are those that cannot be taken from the casino; regular (non-sticky) bonuses, on the other hand, may be withdrawn without any conditions. Stated differently, although a non-sticky bonus is cashable, a sticky bonus is not.
Thus, find out if the bonus you are taking is cashable before claiming it. No matter how alluring the offer may seem, before accepting it, always read the terms and conditions of the casino, especially when looking for a free cash bonus no deposit casino.
Variations of Sticky Bonus
- Sticky Phantom Bonus
The so-called "phantom" bonus, often referred to as sticky type I, is among the most often encountered kinds of sticky bonuses. Phantom sticky bonuses let you wager and play with them right away by being instantly applied to your deposit. Your balance is deducted from the bonus once you choose to withdraw. In other words, if you made a $10 deposit and got a $10 sticky bonus, your account would have $20 when you first started. If, after playing with $25 on your balance, you decided to take a withdrawal, you would get $15 less the $10 bonus.
- Expired Sticky Bonus
Another kind of sticky bonus is an expiry sticky bonus. When the conditions of an online casino allow, this kind of bonus will stay on your account. Although expiration date bonuses might be utilized for more betting, phantom sticky bonuses usually vanish from your account the instant you remove the profits.
The Advantages of Sticky Bonuses
Sticky bonuses, to start with, allow you to wager more and maybe win big. Less onerous wagering requirements are another benefit of this sort of bonus. You are also free to choose any game to satisfy the wagering criteria for a sticky bonus. You will therefore be able to benefit from your bonus even if you set minimal bets while playing online slots or maximum bets at table games.
You might still pay out your profits without necessarily going over the amount you began with even if your bonus balance expires because you lost.
A drawback of sticky bonuses
While a sticky, non-cashable bonus allows you to play with it, you are unable to withdraw the casino bonus itself. Though merely to play with, you do get free money; thus, you may only take out profits above the bonus amount.
Furthermore, gambling with sticky bonuses entails some risk even if you might benefit handsomely. You might want to make a larger deposit at some time to get a larger sticky bonus, but doing so could result in a significant loss, so watch out.
Nevertheless, at least someday, applying a sticky bonus will let you win a sizable sum of money.
Where to Get Specifics on (Non) Sticky Bonuses?
Whatever its kind, every bonus has its own set of rules and restrictions. Should the bonus you are going to accept not be refundable, the terms and conditions must make it clear.
“The bonus is for wagering purposes only and cannot be withdrawn” is one to watch out for. A non-cashable incentive is also meant to be indicated if you see anything like "real money is used first". Sometimes it says "Bonus and Cash Balance are kept separate," however if in doubt, ask the casino's live chat support staff.