Bonuses are part and parcel of playing online casino games, but they aren’t always the same thing. Some are in-game bonuses, such as when you unlock the bonus round of an online gambling slot or trigger win multipliers in live dealer casino games like Dream Catcher or Lightning Roulette. Then there are the bonuses that casinos offer players for various reasons. At certain stages in your gaming journey, you may come across a welcome bonus, deposit bonus, referral bonus, loyalty bonus, or even a high-roller bonus.
Whenever a bonus comes your way, ask yourself this important question: Is it a sticky bonus or a non-sticky bonus? Casinos award both and understanding how each work can make all the difference to your experience. Continue reading as we unpack the question to avoid any confusion.
Cashing Out in a Casino: Non-Sticky Bonuses
The key to understanding non-sticky bonuses (also known as “parachute bonuses”) is that the bonus and your deposit are kept separate. Say you accept a typical welcome bonus that offers to match your initial deposit, and you go on to have a good run playing online slots. If your deposit bonus is of the non-sticky variety, you’ll get to withdraw your initial deposit plus any winnings that you’ve made from it without having to meet any wagering requirements. (These are the terms and conditions attached to every casino bonus. Be sure to read them carefully because they state how much of your own money you have to wager before you can take advantage of the bonus.)
Be aware that if you do withdraw your winnings, you’ll have to forfeit your bonus, but you will be able to cash out straight away. Wagering requirements will only kick in once you dip into your bonus balance. If you play well enough to fulfill the wagering requirements, the bonus will also cash out.
How Sticky Bonuses Work
If you claim a sticky bonus, your deposit and your bonus funds are immediately “stuck” together. In other words, you can’t withdraw any winnings of any kind until you fulfill the wagering requirements of the specific bonus you’re playing with. When they award sticky bonuses, casinos are often very generous, sometimes matching your initial deposit by up to 400 percent.
Say you’re playing online gambling slots. A big sticky bonus will provide you with a substantial start-up balance before the first spin, which can potentially increase your chances of winning. Playing through your wagering requirements is also a great opportunity to practice your gaming skills. One thing you have to realize, though, is that you can’t withdraw the sticky bonus itself at any point. The money is for wagering purposes only.
Sticky and Non-Sticky Bonuses in Practice
To understand better how sticky and non-sticky bonuses work, let’s take a look at a practical example. Two friends, Marvin and Earl, are interested in playing casino table games at an online casino. Marvin deposits $100 and claims a non-sticky bonus worth 100% of his deposit. Marvin’s balance will now read $100 + $100. He can withdraw any winnings he collects while playing with his first $100 without worrying about any wagering requirements, with the understanding that he’ll forfeit his $100 bonus balance if he does so. But if Marvin loses his first $100 and carries on playing, the bonus terms and conditions kick in.
Meanwhile, Earl has claimed a 100% sticky bonus. His $100 deposit is mixed with the $100 bonus, so his starting balance reads $200, and the bonus terms come into effect straight away. Earl is fortunate enough to do very well at the gaming tables, fulfills his wagering requirements, and wins $300. This takes his balance to $500, so he decides to withdraw. The $100 bonus is deducted from his balance, so he gets to withdraw $400.
Pros and Cons of Sticky and Non-Sticky Bonuses
As you can see, both types of bonuses have their pros and cons. Many players prefer non-sticky bonuses because they are simpler to understand at face value. What’s more, they give you a chance to stop playing before the wagering requirements activate (hence the alternative name “parachute bonus.”) That’s not to say there’s anything wrong with sticky bonuses, provided that you understand the terms and conditions.
The primary error that rookies make when claiming sticky bonuses is they falsely assume that the bonus is “free cash.” It’s not. A sticky bonus is there so that you can play online casino games with a bigger balance for potentially bigger wins over the long term. A word to the wise: Play with a solid bankroll if you plan to claim a sticky bonus and only wager money you can afford to lose because there’s never any guarantee of how lucky your session will be.
Claim Your Welcome Bonus at Betmgm
Looking for a way to boost your online casino balance? Why not claim our optional welcome bonus when you sign up at BetMGM? What you’ll get as a verified player is $25 on the house and a bonus that matches your initial deposit up to a value of $1,000. It’s a great way to get started with online casino games! Wagering requirements apply.
