What is a Non-Sticky Bonus?
As the name suggests, a non-sticky bonus is an awarded sum of bonus money that is not tied or ‘stuck’ to your deposit. Sometimes called a parachute bonus, wagering may be completed with cash or by using bonus funds, depending on the terms. In short, a non-sticky bonus is separate from your real money and means you can withdraw your cash, plus any associated winnings, at any time without having to fulfil any bonus terms or wagering requirements.
Different casinos have different conditions for non-sticky bonus funds. Some allow players to use bonus money before real money. This can be more advantageous for the player. Others commence after players lose their deposit. In most cases, making a withdrawal before meeting the wagering requirements will usually forfeit the bonus. Instead, you can choose to continue and meet the requirements to convert the bonus money into withdrawable cash.
On the flip side, a sticky bonus is tied to your deposit in some way and is not usually withdrawable. Sticky bonus funds are traditionally used in conjunction with your cash deposit to place bets. In most cases, winnings are not withdrawable until the wagering requirements have been met, sticking your cash and bonus money together. Forfeiting a sticky bonus can sometimes mean losing any winnings obtained whilst wagering.
It is also worth mentioning that some casinos will split winnings between cash and bonus funds accordingly. The attraction of a sticky bonus is that it can often significantly increase your bankroll. Although sticky bonuses tend to be more restrictive and often more complicated, they often award larger bonus sums compared to non-sticky. In any case, both sticky and non-sticky bonus offers come in a variety of shapes and sizes with differing terms.
Sticky & Non-Sticky Casino Bonus Examples
- Non-Sticky Casino Bonus: Player A deposits €100 and receives €100 bonus funds. The deposit and bonus funds are displayed separately. Player A can withdraw cash funds plus any associated winnings at any time, most likely forfeiting the bonus, or, continue to meet the requirements to convert the bonus money into cash.
- Sticky Casino Bonus: Player B deposits €100 and receives €100 bonus funds. The deposit and bonus funds are combined, boosting the player’s balance immediately. Player B is unable to request a withdrawal until the requirements have been met, otherwise, they will forfeit the bonus, and potentially any winnings, depending on the terms and conditions.
Choosing a Casino Bonus
When it comes to choosing a bonus, the devil is in the details, namely, the terms and conditions. Before rushing blindly into the alluring light of an online casino promotion, you should check and understand fully the rules of play. Whether a seasoned or casual player, check the bonus-specific terms, as well as any other terms and conditions which may apply in general to all bonus offers and promotions.
To begin with, check the wagering requirement (WR), which will be presented as a multiplier. For example, a 10x WR means that the bonus funds given must be wagered ten times in the casino before being converted into cash. It is important to clarify whether the wagering requirement applies to bonus funds only or the deposit and bonus amount combined. Without question, the best non-sticky bonus offers come with low wagering requirements.
After establishing the wagering requirement, check the deadline for conversion which typically varies from 7 to 30 days based on the casino. In turn, check for terms and conditions that may restrict your gameplay or reward potential. These include, but are not restricted to, maximum win caps, maximum bet limits, and games excluded from play with bonus funds. It is better to check beforehand than to have a lucky session denied due to onerous terms and conditions.
Choosing a Casino Bonus Checklist
To determine if an online casino bonus is a good fit, complete the following checks:
- Wagering Requirement (WR)
- Time to Meet Wagering Requirements
- Restricted Games
- Restrictive Terms
Which is Better, a Sticky or Non-Sticky Bonus?
When it comes to choosing a bonus, player preference is key. It is important to check the rules of play for suitability, regardless of whether the bonus is sticky or non-sticky. However, in general, sticky bonuses tend to award larger sums of bonus funds, such as a 500% match of your deposit, whereas the non-sticky kind typically lingers in the 100% to 200% range. On the whole, most players prefer the freedom of a non-sticky casino bonus.
Either can appeal providing the terms and conditions are appropriate. The more preferred non-sticky bonus offer tends to be uncomplicated, allowing you to play and cash out with ease, presenting a clear difference between real and bonus funds. On the other hand, although sticky bonuses tie the awarded bonus to your cash deposit, some will allow you to continue to play with bonus funds without real money, providing an opportunity to boost the bonus budget. However, most will require cash funds to play with simultaneously.
The Best Non-Sticky Casino Bonuses
Comparing bonus offers can be an arduous task for the uninitiated. Aside from the obvious advantage of having a low wagering requirement, a longer deadline for conversion might suit weekend players or those with less time on their hands. In addition, a non-sticky bonus without bonus-excluded games might be fitting for those who enjoy a wide variety of game types. Furthermore, live casino enthusiasts may want to check that they can play their favourite live casino games.
In addition, some non-sticky bonus casinos will allow you to deposit and withdraw until wagering requirements are met. These are among the most sought-after non-sticky bonus offers because they leave players free to deposit, play and withdraw, on an unlimited basis until the conversion of the bonus funds or the bonus term expires. In summary, the longer the deadline, the lower the wagering, and the fewer restrictions, the better the bonus.
