Not all casino bonuses are equal. A key distinction that many players miss: whether the bonus itself can be withdrawn, or whether only the winnings generated by it can be cashed. Understanding this affects the real value of any offer.
Cashable (Real Cash) Bonuses
A cashable bonus means the bonus amount becomes real money after you meet the wagering requirement. If you receive a €100 cashable bonus and meet 30x wagering, you have €100 (minus any losses during wagering) as withdrawable cash.
Sticky (Non-Cashable / Phantom) Bonuses
A sticky or non-cashable bonus is used to meet wagering requirements but is automatically deducted when you withdraw. If you receive a €100 sticky bonus, meet wagering, and have €150 total, only €50 (the winnings generated) is withdrawable — the €100 bonus itself disappears.
How to Identify Which Type You Have
Look for terms like "non-cashable bonus", "phantom bonus", "bonus funds not withdrawable", or "wagering applies to winnings only". If the T&Cs say "the bonus amount will be removed upon withdrawal", it's sticky. Many casinos don't prominently advertise sticky mechanics — always check the full T&Cs before depositing.
Which Is Better?
Cashable bonuses are better for the player if the wagering requirement is achievable. Sticky bonuses have one potential advantage: a larger bonus gives you more funds to generate winnings from, even if the bonus itself isn't cashable. With a large sticky bonus and a hot streak, your withdrawable winnings can be significant — but on average, sticky bonuses are worth less than cashable equivalents.
Deposit Match Bonuses: Often Sticky
Large deposit match bonuses (200%, 300%) are frequently sticky. The headline numbers attract attention, but if the bonus can't be withdrawn, the offer is effectively a "risk your deposit with more funds" structure. High wagering requirements on sticky bonuses are especially unfavourable.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Sticky vs Cashable Bonus: Side-by-Side
| Feature | Sticky (non-cashable) | Cashable (withdrawable) |
|---|---|---|
| Bonus funds withdrawable? | No — bonus removed on withdrawal | Yes — after wagering complete |
| What you can withdraw | Winnings from bonus bets only | Bonus amount + winnings |
| Wagering applies to | Bonus amount only (usually) | Usually bonus amount or bonus+deposit |
| Typical wagering | 30–40× | 25–35× |
| Which is better? | Lower effective value | Higher effective value |
| How to identify | Terms say "bonus forfeited on withdrawal" | Terms say "bonus convertible to cash" |
Worked Example: Which Is Worth More?
Scenario: €100 deposit. Site A: 100% sticky bonus, 35× wagering. Site B: 100% cashable bonus, 40× wagering.
Site A (sticky): You get €100 bonus. After €3,500 wagering at 96% RTP slot, expected loss is €140. Bonus is then removed. You have your €100 deposit minus expected losses. Net expected result: about −€40 on the bonus activity.
Site B (cashable): You get €100 bonus. After €4,000 wagering, expected loss is €160. But you can withdraw the remaining bonus funds. If you beat the wagering (variance permitting), you keep the €100 bonus. Net expected result: −€60 on the bonus activity but with the €100 bonus potentially withdrawable.
The cashable bonus is structurally better for the player despite higher wagering, because the bonus funds themselves become real money. Always prefer cashable bonuses when the wagering requirement is comparable.
A sticky bonus (also called a non-cashable or phantom bonus) is used to meet wagering requirements but is automatically removed from your balance when you request a withdrawal. Only the winnings generated from the bonus are cashable.
A cashable bonus converts to real withdrawable cash after the wagering requirement is met. The full bonus amount (minus any losses during wagering) can be withdrawn.
Look for language like 'bonus funds not withdrawable', 'phantom bonus', 'non-cashable', or 'bonus amount removed at withdrawal' in the T&Cs. If unclear, contact customer support before depositing.
Sticky bonuses are generally worth less than equivalent cashable bonuses, but aren't inherently bad if the wagering is achievable. A large sticky bonus with moderate wagering can still generate meaningful cashable winnings on a good session.
Written by Mark Craic, editor at CraicBet. See how we review.