Sticky vs Non-Sticky Deposit Bonus
This is the most misunderstood part of any deposit bonus. The label decides whether you can touch your own deposit winnings early or whether everything stays locked until wagering is done. The difference comes down to order of play.
Sticky vs non-sticky
A sticky bonus, also called a phantom or non-cashable bonus, locks your deposit and the bonus together. Nothing is withdrawable until the full wagering is met, and the bonus amount itself is never paid out in cash; you only keep what you win above it. A non-sticky bonus, also called a parachute or cashable bonus, keeps your real deposit separate. You play your own cash first and can withdraw those winnings freely. The bonus and its wagering only kick in once your cash runs out.
Why order of play decides everything
Order of play is simply which funds get bet first: your cash or the bonus. With a non-sticky bonus, cash plays first, so early wins are your own withdrawable money before any wagering condition attaches. With a sticky bonus, the bonus is in play from the start, so every win is tied up until wagering completes. That single rule is why two bonuses of the same size can behave completely differently. If a bonus says sticky, do not assume you can withdraw your deposit, because you cannot until the wagering is cleared.
Frequently asked questions
Can I withdraw my own deposit from a sticky bonus?
Not until the full wagering is met. A sticky bonus locks your deposit and bonus together, so even your own money stays put until the turnover requirement is cleared.
How do I tell if a bonus is sticky or non-sticky?
The offer terms will say, sometimes using the words phantom, non-cashable, parachute or cashable. If your real deposit is kept separate and played first, it is non-sticky. If deposit and bonus are pooled, it is sticky. Check the promotions page if it is unclear.