Sticky vs Non-Sticky Casino Bonuses: Which Do UK Casinos Actually Use?
Two bonuses with the same headline can behave very differently at the cashier. Here is the difference between sticky and non-sticky (parachute) offers and what it means for your own money.
The headline of an offer tells you the match and the cap. The structure, sticky or non-sticky, tells you what happens to your own money. It is rarely in the headline, and it matters more than most people realise.
Non-sticky ("parachute") bonuses
Your deposit and the bonus are kept apart. Bets are taken from your cash balance first. If you win on your own money and decide to withdraw, you can: the bonus is forfeited and you never had to wager it. Only once your cash is gone does play switch to the bonus balance, and only then does the wagering requirement apply.
This is the friendlier design. It gives you a real exit if your session goes well early.
Sticky ("phantom" or non-cashable) bonuses
Deposit and bonus are merged into one balance. The bonus itself can never be withdrawn; it is removed when you cash out, so only winnings above it are yours. If you deposit £50, take a £50 sticky bonus, play up to £140 and complete wagering, you withdraw £90, not £140.
Sticky bonuses are not a scam, but their value is the expected winnings above the bonus, not the bonus figure, so the value formula in our guide Is a casino bonus worth it? overstates them.
How to tell which one you have
- Look in the terms for "bonus funds are non-withdrawable" or "bonus will be removed on withdrawal" (sticky).
- Look for "real money is used before bonus money" or separate "cash balance" and "bonus balance" in the cashier (non-sticky behaviour).
- Look for "withdrawing before wagering is complete will forfeit the bonus" (common to both; it is the order of play that differs).
Withdrawing your own deposit
UK operators must have fair terms under the Consumer Rights Act, and the Gambling Commission expects that players are not prevented from withdrawing their own deposited funds. In practice you can request a withdrawal; the operator will cancel the active bonus. Do this deliberately, not by accident: if you want to keep the bonus, do not withdraw until wagering is complete.
Forfeiting a bonus on purpose
Most sites let you cancel an active bonus from the account page. You lose the bonus and bonus winnings, and keep your cash. That is a legitimate choice if the terms turn out not to suit you (for example, if your preferred game contributes 0%).
Our casino reviews state the bonus structure where the operator makes it clear.
18+ only. Gambling should be fun, never a way to make money. Set a budget, never chase losses, and take breaks. If gambling stops being enjoyable, free, confidential help is available at BeGambleAware.org, via GAMSTOP self-exclusion, or the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133.
Frequently asked questions
What is a non-sticky casino bonus?
A bonus that sits separately from your cash. Your deposit is played first; if you win and withdraw before touching the bonus, the bonus is simply forfeited and no wagering applies. Also called a parachute bonus.
What is a sticky bonus?
A bonus that is combined with your deposit and cannot itself be withdrawn. Only winnings above the bonus amount can be cashed out, after wagering, and the bonus is removed on withdrawal.
Can I withdraw my deposit while a bonus is active?
At UK-licensed casinos you can normally request a withdrawal of your cash balance at any time. Doing so usually cancels the active bonus and any winnings attributed to it. Check the terms for the exact wording.
Which type do UK casinos use?
Both exist. Many large UK brands keep bonus and cash in separate wallets (effectively non-sticky). Some use a combined balance. The terms will say whether bonus funds are withdrawable and in what order funds are used.