If you gamble regularly, you’ll encounter all sorts of casino bonuses: welcome bonuses, free spins, cashback promotions, and much more. Bideford.com fresh guide to non-GamStop sites can help you understand which platforms offer the best bonus terms and how to avoid confusing ones like sticky bonuses. But there’s one bonus that causes a lot of confusion, especially among novice players: the sticky bonus. Our experts are happy to explain exactly what it is, how it works, and whether it’s beneficial or a potential pitfall.
Ideal Sticky Bonus Casinos Without Gamstop
Looking for non GamStop casinos with a sticky bonus? Below you’ll find a selection of the best casinos where you can benefit from generous bonuses and promotions.
- Blaze Spins
- Slots Paradise
- Mr. West
- Bet Maximus
- Gold Win
- Space Slots
- Spin Dog
- Europe Casino
- Will Bet
- Cas2Bet
What Exactly Is A Sticky Bonus?
A sticky bonus is a casino bonus that is added to your player balance but cannot be cashed out. This means you can use the bonus to play with, but as soon as you make a profit and decide to cash out, the bonus amount is deducted from your balance again.
The bonus essentially “sticks” to the casino and can never be transferred to your bank account. You can use it as play money, but not as real money.
Example
For example: you get a 100% non-withdrawable bonus up to €100 on your €100 deposit. You will then have €200 to play with.
- You play with this amount and ultimately make a profit of €300.
- If you decide to cash out, the casino will deduct the original €100 bonus.
- So you can pay out a maximum of €200.
The bonus amount itself never becomes your money, even if you used it to make your winnings.
Sticky Bonus Vs Non-Sticky Bonus
A common misunderstanding about casino bonuses arises when players aren’t sure exactly which type of bonus they’ve accepted. Therefore, it’s important to understand the difference between a sticky bonus and a non-sticky bonus.
With a sticky bonus, the bonus amount is added to your total playing balance, and you use that money while playing. This gives you more room to maneuver. The catch, however, is that you can never cash out this bonus, regardless of how much you win with it. As soon as you decide to withdraw any winnings, the original bonus amount is simply deducted from your balance. So you only get to keep any winnings that come on top of that bonus amount. 
With a non-sticky bonus, such as a welcome bonus, things work a little differently. With this bonus, you always play with your own deposit first. Only when you use it up is the bonus amount activated. This also means that if you make a profit with your own money, you can simply withdraw it without the bonus component affecting it. The bonus only becomes active when you start making a loss. This type of bonus is therefore also called a “parachute bonus”; it catches you when your deposit runs out.
To make the difference even clearer, you can see an overview below:
| Feature | Sticky Bonus | Non-Sticky Bonus |
|---|---|---|
| Credit available | Yes | Yes |
| Bonus withdrawable? | No | Yes, provided the conditions are met |
| When do you play with your bonus? | From the beginning | Only when your own money runs out |
| Risk of losing bonus when winning | Always: Bonus expires upon payout | Not if you make a profit with your own money |
| Who is it suitable for? | Experienced players who want to play a lot | Beginners and players who prefer to play it safe |
The sticky bonus is therefore attractive for those who want to play with a larger amount and are aware that the bonus portion serves purely as playing capital. The non-sticky bonus, on the other hand, offers more flexibility. You retain more control over your bet and payout.
Why Do Non Gamstop Casinos Offer This Bonus?
For non GamStop casinos, sticky bonuses are a way to keep players playing longer without taking on too much financial risk. They increase the player’s playing ability, but prevent the entire bonus amount from being withdrawn as “free money.”
These bonuses are also attractive to high rollers who want to play with large amounts, but understand that they don’t have to cash out the bonus. Sticky bonuses are mainly found at non GamStop casinos.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of A Sticky Bonus
A sticky bonus gives you more playing credit. This is beneficial if you want to play longer or place higher bets. For experienced players who like to play strategically, this can also be a smart move. They use the bonus money to build up winnings and then only withdraw those winnings.
The biggest drawback is that you can never withdraw the bonus, even if you make a large profit. As soon as you make a withdrawal, the bonus amount is deducted from your balance. Furthermore, there are often high wagering requirements, meaning you have to play a lot before you can withdraw anything. This can be frustrating for novice players, especially if the terms and conditions aren’t clearly stated.
Advantages
- More playing credits, so longer playing time or higher stakes
- Can help build profits through strategic play
- Suitable for experienced players who understand the bonus mechanism
Disadvantages
- Bonus amount is non-withdrawable
- Often high wagering requirements
- Conditions are not always clear
This Is What You Should Pay Attention To With A Sticky Bonus
If you are considering using a non-withdrawable bonus, please note the following:
- Read the bonus terms and conditions carefully. Check specifically whether the bonus amount itself can be withdrawn or not.
- Check the wagering requirements. Do you have to wager 20x, 30x, or even 50x the bonus amount before you can withdraw anything?
- Check the maximum payout. Some sticky bonuses limit the maximum amount you can cash out.
- Be aware of game restrictions. Sometimes you may not be able to play all games with bonus money, or you may only be able to play with a limited bet.
Is A Sticky Bonus Worth It?
That depends on your playing style and experience. For novice players, this bonus can be confusing if they think they can just withdraw all that money. For experienced players who understand the terms and conditions, it can be appealing because of the increased playing power.
So you shouldn’t see a sticky bonus as “free money”, but as extra room to play with, with a price tag.