WHAT IS A STICKY BONUS?
A sticky bonus is casino bonus money you can bet with but never withdraw. Only winnings generated above the bonus amount can be cashed out; the bonus itself is removed at withdrawal. A $100 sticky bonus turned into $250 pays you $150, not $250.
How a sticky bonus works
Sticky funds inflate your playable balance, not your withdrawable one. They come in two flavors: classic sticky, where the bonus is deducted from any cashout, and "phantom" bonuses, which evaporate entirely the moment you request a withdrawal. Both still usually carry a wagering requirement before winnings unlock.
Why it matters for crypto players
Crypto casinos lean on sticky structures because their headline matches are huge — 200-300% offers are almost always non-withdrawable. The economics differ from cashable bonuses: a sticky bonus is worth taking only if you want a bigger bankroll for high-volatility swings, since the bonus itself can never be banked. Compare the real cash value of sticky vs. cashable offers with our bonus calculator — and remember a max bet rule usually applies while you wager it.
Sticky bonuses at real crypto casinos
- Big-percentage crypto matches — 200%+ deposit offers are typically sticky or phantom; the terms say "non-withdrawable".
- Mainstream 100% matches — BitStarz-style bonuses are usually cashable after wagering, the friendlier structure.
- Stake-style platforms — skip sticky math entirely, paying rakeback as withdrawable balance instead.
Common misconceptions
- "Sticky bonuses are a scam." They are a disclosed structure — the problem is claiming one without reading the withdrawal clause.
- "My winnings are stuck too." Winnings above the bonus are withdrawable once wagering completes; only the bonus chunk is locked.
- "The casino stole my bonus at cashout." The deduction is the defining mechanic, not a confiscation — it was never withdrawable money.
Sticky bonus FAQ
Can I ever withdraw a sticky bonus?
No. The bonus amount itself is permanently non-withdrawable. Once you complete the wagering requirement, you withdraw your winnings and the sticky portion is deducted from the balance.
How do I know if a bonus is sticky?
Look for phrases like "non-withdrawable", "for wagering purposes only", or "bonus removed at withdrawal" in the terms. If the terms only describe a playthrough, the bonus is probably cashable.
Is a sticky bonus worth claiming?
It can be — it doubles the bankroll you can stake, which suits high-volatility play. But its cash value is lower than a cashable bonus of the same size, so judge it by your strategy.
What is a phantom bonus?
A sticky variant that vanishes the instant you request any withdrawal, rather than being deducted from it. With a $100 phantom bonus and a $250 balance, withdrawing leaves you $150 in cash.