Sticky vs non-sticky bonus

The words describe what happens to bonus money when you withdraw, and which balance your bets come from first.

Ryan JessopBy Ryan Jessop. Last checked .

Key takeaways

  • Non-sticky: your cash is played first and stays withdrawable.
  • Sticky: the bonus can be played but never withdrawn itself.
  • UK rules protect your right to withdraw your deposit balance.
  • The terms page says which applies.

Short answer: With a non-sticky bonus you play your own money first and can walk away with it. A sticky bonus is only ever for playing with.

Side by side

FeatureNon-stickySticky
Money played firstYour cashOften cash and bonus together
Win with your cash, before touching the bonusWithdraw; bonus is droppedBonus terms may already apply
After wageringBonus becomes cashBonus is removed; winnings stay
Risk to your depositLowerHigher

The UK position

Licensed operators must let you withdraw your deposit balance at any time, though doing so can forfeit an active bonus and its winnings. They must also keep real and bonus funds distinct and explain how bets are taken from each.

Our five offers

The question only arises with bonus money. Coral, Ladbrokes and PlayOJO give spins whose winnings are cash, so there is nothing to stick. For Casumo and 10bet we could not confirm the order in which real and bonus funds are staked; read their terms before depositing.

Ad 18+ only. We may earn commission from these links. Advertiser disclosure

Casumo logo

Casumo 4.2 out of 5

50% bonus up to £100

10x wageringMatched deposit

Claim at Casumo (advert, opens in a new tab)18+. New customers. T&Cs apply.
Wagering
10x bonus
Minimum
£20
Time limit
7 days to complete wagering
Worked value
Deposit £200, get £100 bonus

Significant terms: 18+. New customers only. Opt-in required. 50% deposit bonus up to £100 on first deposit. Minimum deposit £20. 10x wagering on the bonus amount. Maximum bet or spin £5. Bonus valid for 7 days. Game, play and payment method restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org

Read the Casumo review Licence: Recro Limited, UKGC account 61549. Offer checked 5 October 2026.

10bet Casino logo

10bet Casino 3.8 out of 5

100% bonus up to £25

10x wageringMatched deposit

Claim at 10bet (advert, opens in a new tab)18+. New customers. T&Cs apply.
Wagering
10x bonus
Minimum
£10 (check at sign-up)
Time limit
3 days to complete wagering
Worked value
Deposit £25, play with £50

Significant terms: 18+. New UK customers only. Select the casino welcome bonus at sign-up and make your first deposit within 7 days. 100% bonus up to £25. Wager the bonus 10x on slots within 3 days. Maximum bonus winnings £1,000. Bonus is not redeemable. Full T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org

Read the 10bet review Licence: Blue Star Planet Limited, UKGC account 43173. Offer checked 5 October 2026.

How to tell

  • Look for 'real money is used first' or 'bonus funds are used first'.
  • Look for what happens to the bonus on withdrawal.
  • Ask support, and keep the answer.

More bonus guides: Can you withdraw a casino bonus?, Is a casino bonus worth it? and Game weighting explained.

Offer terms dated 5 October 2026, from each casino's published conditions. How we check and rate. 18+. Free help: National Gambling Helpline 0808 8020 133 or safer gambling.

Frequently asked questions

What is a sticky bonus?

One you can play with but never withdraw.

What is a non-sticky bonus?

One where your cash is played first.

Can I withdraw my deposit?

Yes, though an active bonus may be forfeited.

Are free spins sticky?

Wager-free spins have nothing to stick.

Can you withdraw a casino bonus?Can you withdraw a casino bonus in the UK? When bonus money and winnings become cash, what forfeits them and how wager-free offers differ.Bonus terms explainedCasino bonus terms and conditions explained.First deposit bonus UKBest first deposit bonuses at UK casinos.

18+ only. Please gamble responsibly.

Gambling can be addictive. Free, confidential help is available 24 hours a day from the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133. Visit BeGambleAware.org and GamCare, or block yourself from all UK-licensed gambling sites with GAMSTOP.

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