What is a sticky bonus? It's casino bonus money that stays in your balance for play but can never be withdrawn itself: when you cash out, the bonus amount is subtracted and only the rest is paid. A non-sticky, or cashable, bonus works differently, and the difference can be worth the full bonus amount on a winning session.
A sticky bonus can be played but not withdrawn; the bonus amount is removed when you cash out.
With a $100 sticky bonus, a $450 balance after wagering pays $350; a cashable bonus would pay $450.
Non-sticky bonuses usually play your deposit first, so you can walk away with early winnings by giving up the bonus.
None of our partners labels its bonuses sticky or non-sticky in the terms; ask support before you claim.
Sticky status is separate from wagering and max cashout, so check all three.
Also called
Non-cashable or phantom bonus
Can you withdraw the bonus?
No, it's removed at cashout
Opposite
Non-sticky (cashable) bonus
Partner sticky status
Not stated in published terms
Age
21+ (18+ where allowed)
What is a sticky bonus? The plain definition
A sticky bonus is bonus credit that 'sticks' to your account. You can bet with it, and winnings made with it can become withdrawable once you meet the terms, but the bonus amount itself is never paid out. When you request a withdrawal, the casino deducts the original bonus from your balance first.
You'll also see sticky bonuses called non-cashable or phantom bonuses. The opposite is a non-sticky bonus, sometimes called cashable, where the whole balance can be withdrawn once wagering is complete, or where your real money is kept separate from the bonus.
Often yes, by giving up the bonus before it's used
Effect on a winning session
Payout is the balance minus the bonus
Payout is the full balance
Effect on a losing session
Little difference
Little difference
The gap shows up only when you win. If your balance ends at zero, it makes no difference whether the bonus was sticky. If you finish well ahead, a sticky bonus costs you exactly the bonus amount.
Sticky bonus examples in dollars
All three scenarios assume a $100 deposit with a 100% match, so $100 of bonus, and that any wagering has been completed where needed.
$100 deposit + $100 bonus: what you can withdraw
Scenario
Balance
Sticky bonus pays
Non-sticky bonus pays
Wagering complete, good session
$450
$350 ($100 removed)
$450
Wagering complete, small balance
$90
$0 (bonus removal takes it all)
$90
Big win on your deposit before the bonus is touched
$600 real money
Must finish wagering on the combined balance, then lose $100 at cashout
Can usually give up the bonus and withdraw $600
The third row is where non-sticky bonuses shine. Because your deposit is played first, an early win can be cashed out by forfeiting the unused bonus, with no wagering on the deposit win, depending on the terms. With a sticky bonus, everything is tied together from the first spin. Our expected value of a bonus guide shows how to price that difference.
Sticky bonus vs wagering vs max cashout
Three separate rules decide what you can withdraw from a bonus, and it's easy to mix them up.
Sticky status interacts with the wagering multiple, and the multiple usually matters more. Take a $100 deposit with a $100 bonus, wagering on deposit plus bonus, and an illustrative 3% house edge. Expected cost is total bets times the edge.
$200 sticky balance under three wagering multiples (illustrative 3% house edge)
Wagering
Total bets required
Expected cost
Average balance left
25x deposit + bonus
$5,000
$150
$50
30x deposit + bonus
$6,000
$180
$20
35x deposit + bonus
$7,000
$210
$0 (cost exceeds the $200 balance)
On these averages, the typical balance at the end of wagering is already below the $100 bonus, so a sticky rule would often leave nothing to withdraw. The deduction bites hardest in the sessions that run well above average, which are exactly the ones you'd want to cash out. SlotoCash's welcome terms use 25x on deposit plus bonus, and Decode codes are listed at 25x to 35x by third parties. Our guides to wagering requirements, the bonus value calculator method and the house edge show how to run these numbers on any offer.
How to tell if a bonus is sticky
Casinos rarely put the word 'sticky' in their terms. Look for the behavior instead.
Open the bonus's own terms and the casino's general bonus terms.
Search for phrases such as 'bonus amount will be deducted', 'non-cashable', 'for wagering purposes only' or 'bonus is removed upon withdrawal'.
Check whether the terms say real money or bonus money is played first.
Look for a rule on cashing out before using the bonus, which signals a non-sticky structure.
If nothing is clear, ask live chat in writing and save the transcript.
Sticky rules are most common where the bonus is large relative to the deposit, or where no deposit is needed at all. Free chips and other no deposit bonuses often combine a cashout cap with removal of the chip amount. Very large percentage matches, such as 300% or 400%, can also be sticky because the bonus dwarfs the deposit. Smaller matches and reloads are more often cashable, but there's no rule: only the terms tell you.
Are our partner casinos' bonuses sticky?
Their published terms don't say. None of the partner casinos labels its bonuses sticky or non-sticky, and none describes deducting the bonus amount at withdrawal in the terms available. Here's what they do publish:
Partner welcome terms and sticky status
Casino
Key welcome terms
Sticky status
Source type
SlotoCash
25x deposit + bonus, $20 minimum, no max cashout, $10 max bet
Not stated
Casino's own terms
Decode
Codes listed at 25x to 35x deposit + bonus, $25 minimum
Not stated
Third-party listings
Silver Oak
30x on offer page vs 40x in terms, 'no max withdrawal'
It can suit you if you were going to play the same slots anyway, you're comfortable with the wagering in dollars and you accept the bonus as extra playing time.
It's a poor fit if you like to stop after an early win, prefer table games, which are often excluded, or want the option to withdraw quickly.
Skipping the bonus keeps your deposit free of wagering. Our bonus vs no bonus guide weighs that choice.
Whatever you decide, set a gambling budget before you deposit. A bonus that encourages more play than you planned isn't a good deal at any size.
Sticky bonuses and US player protection
In the seven states that license online casinos, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, West Virginia, Delaware, Connecticut and Rhode Island, licensed operators answer to a state regulator. Offshore casinos, including the partners here, aren't licensed by any US state and interpret their own terms, so a dispute over whether a bonus was sticky has no state body to hear it. See player protections offshore vs licensed.
Sticky bonus questions on offers via our links
We list these partners for their welcome offers, but none states in its published terms whether its bonuses are sticky or cashable, so ask support before you claim. They are offshore casinos, not licensed or regulated by any US state, with no state-backed protection of balances; check your state's law first. New players only, 21+ (18+ where allowed), terms apply.
SlotoCash Casino: $6,000 Welcome Bonus + 60 Free Spins, via our link (new players, 21+ or 18+ where allowed, terms apply). The casino's terms say 25x (deposit plus bonus), $20 minimum per bonus, no max cashout and a $10 max bet; its site advertises a different $7,777 package. See the SlotoCash welcome bonus.
Decode Casino: $5,000 Welcome Bonus + 50 Free Spins, via our link (new players, 21+ or 18+ where allowed, terms apply). Third-party listings give codes such as DECODE111 (111% up to $1,111, 25x deposit plus bonus, $25 minimum); the casino's site shows no bonus terms. See the Decode welcome bonus.
Silver Oak Casino: $2,500 Welcome Bonus + 50 Free Spins, via our link (new players, 21+ or 18+ where allowed, terms apply). The casino's pages give 30x on the offer page but 40x in the terms, 60x for blackjack and video poker, deposits from $30 and no max withdrawal. See the Silver Oak welcome bonus.
Ad21+ (18+ where allowed). Ranked by us in a commercial order; we earn commission from these links. Advertiser disclosure
None of these partners states in its published terms whether its bonuses are sticky; ask support before claiming. Offshore casinos, not licensed by any US state. 21+ (18+ where allowed), terms apply.
SlotoCash Casino#1 on our listBiggest bonus on our list
Published terms (casino terms): SlotoCash advertises up to $7,777 + 300 spins over five deposits on its own site. Eligible games: Slots, keno and scratch cards (progressive jackpots excluded).
Who runs it: License not shown on its site; reported as a Deckmedia N.V. brand (Curaçao). Regulator notes: Named in a Michigan Gaming Control Board cease-and-desist release, October 8, 2026.
21+ (18+ where allowed). New players. Min deposit $20 per bonus. Wagering 25x deposit + bonus. Max cashout: None stated. Withdrawal cap $5,000 / week. Terms source: casino terms. Terms apply. Offer checked October 28, 2026.
Published terms (reported): Decode advertises a $111 free chip and crypto bonuses on its own site; deposit-bonus codes and terms vary. Eligible games: Mainly slots; check each code.
Who runs it: License not shown on its site; third parties report Curaçao. Regulator notes: Third parties report it refuses players in MD, NJ, NY and WA.
21+ (18+ where allowed). New players. Min deposit $25 (reported). Wagering Varies by code (25x–35x reported). Max cashout: Varies by code. Withdrawal cap $2,500 / week (reported). Terms source: reported. Terms apply. Offer checked October 28, 2026.
Silver Oak Casino#4 on our listBonus on 10 deposits
Published terms (casino terms): Silver Oak advertises a 100% match on each of its first ten deposits (up to $10,000 in total) with codes SILVEROAK1–10. Eligible games: Slots, keno, scratch cards (table games at 60x; many games excluded).
Who runs it: Primrose Media Limited, licensed in Anjouan (its terms). Regulator notes: Named in a Michigan Gaming Control Board cease-and-desist release, April 9, 2025.
21+ (18+ where allowed). New players. Min deposit $30. Wagering 30x on the offer page; 40x in the terms. Max cashout: None stated. Withdrawal cap From $2,500 / week. Terms source: casino terms. Terms apply. Offer checked October 28, 2026.
These casinos are offshore operators. They are not licensed or regulated by any US state, and state consumer protections do not apply. Check the law in your state before you play. Terms marked “reported” come from third-party reviews; the terms shown at sign-up apply.
21+ (18+ where allowed). Every casino game has a built-in house edge, so over time you should expect to lose what you stake. Set a budget before you play and stop when it’s gone: responsible gambling tools and free help. Gambling problem? Call or text 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738).
Frequently asked questions
Sticky vs non-sticky bonus: what's the difference in dollars?
A sticky bonus can be played but never withdrawn, so its amount is subtracted when you cash out. A non-sticky bonus can be withdrawn once wagering is done, and usually plays your deposit first, so you can take an early win by giving up the unused bonus. On a $450 balance from a $100 bonus, that's $350 versus $450. See our non-sticky bonus guide.
Can I withdraw a sticky bonus after meeting the wagering?
No. That's what makes it sticky: the bonus amount stays with the casino and is deducted when you withdraw. You can still withdraw winnings made with it once wagering and other terms are met. If your balance is below the bonus amount at cashout, the deduction can leave nothing to withdraw. Read can I withdraw a bonus for the wider rules.
Is a sticky bonus bad for slot players?
Not bad, but worth less than a cashable bonus of the same size. It costs you nothing on a losing session and exactly the bonus amount on a winning one. If you'd play the same games anyway and accept the wagering, it adds playing time. If you like stopping after an early win, a non-sticky bonus or no bonus suits better. See bonus vs no bonus.
Why is it called a phantom bonus?
Because the bonus shows in your balance while you play, then vanishes when you withdraw. It behaves like real money on the reels, but it was never yours to take out. 'Non-cashable bonus' means the same thing. Casinos rarely use any of these labels in their terms, so look for wording about the bonus being deducted. Our sticky bonus definition lists the other names.
Are no deposit free chips usually sticky bonuses?
Many behave that way, but it depends on the terms. A free chip often comes with wagering, a cashout cap of around $100 to $200 and, at some casinos, removal of the chip amount at withdrawal. The terms decide, so check whether the chip value is deducted before you play. See what is a free chip for how chip offers work.
Can I cancel a sticky bonus partway through wagering?
Often yes, but you usually lose the bonus and any winnings tied to it. With a sticky bonus, deposit and bonus are typically combined from the start, so canceling mid-way can also cost winnings made with your own money. Ask support how cancellation works before you accept the bonus, and save the answer. Our can I cancel a bonus page explains the common rules.
Do SlotoCash, Decode or Silver Oak use sticky bonuses?
Their published terms don't say. SlotoCash's terms cover wagering, minimum deposit, max bet and cashout limits but not bonus removal at withdrawal; Decode's terms weren't visible on its public site; and Silver Oak's pages don't mention it either. Ask live chat in writing before you claim. See the best sticky bonus casinos page for how we compare offers.
How much do I have to wager on a $100 sticky bonus?
It depends on the multiple and whether it applies to the bonus alone or deposit plus bonus. At SlotoCash's published welcome rate of 25x deposit plus bonus, a $100 deposit with a $100 match means $5,000 in bets before you can withdraw. If a casino applied the same 25x to the bonus only, you'd need $2,500. Sticky status doesn't change the wagering, but it does remove the $100 bonus when you finally cash out. Our wagering requirement explainer and the guide on how to clear a casino bonus show the full calculation.
Can I play blackjack with a sticky bonus?
Sometimes, but table games usually clear a sticky bonus slowly or not at all. Miami Club's bonus terms count blackjack at 5% and video poker at 10%, and bar roulette while a bonus is active. Silver Oak's terms set 60x for table games and video poker against 40x for slots, and SlotoCash excludes table games from bonus play by default. At 5% weighting, a $100 bet on blackjack counts as only $5 toward wagering. Read our guides to game weighting and the table games bonus before choosing a game.
Is a Miami Club deposit bonus sticky?
Miami Club's bonus terms don't say whether the bonus amount is deducted at cashout, so ask support before claiming. What the terms do publish: 20x deposit plus bonus for matches up to 100%, 30x above that, no expiry, no cap stated on deposit bonuses, and wagering cleared if your balance drops below $1. Its Terms of Use (v2.1, September 28, 2026, section 1.6) list the United States as a prohibited jurisdiction, while the site owner's affiliate program confirms US players are accepted, so confirm at sign-up. See the Miami Club welcome bonus and the Miami Club review.
What happens to a sticky bonus if my balance hits zero?
Nothing is lost beyond what you already spent, because a sticky bonus only costs you at cashout. If your balance hits zero, there's no withdrawal to deduct the bonus from, and the session ends the same way it would with a cashable bonus. Some casinos also clear the bonus once your balance falls very low: Miami Club's terms say a balance below $1 clears wagering. Losing a bonus balance is a natural stopping point, not a reason to redeposit. Our guides to chasing losses and bankroll management explain why.
What is the max bet allowed with a sticky bonus?
Casinos set a maximum bet while any bonus is active, sticky or not, and breaking it can void your winnings. SlotoCash's welcome terms cap bets at $10 per spin with a bonus running. Miami Club's terms set $2 per pay line on slots and a $10 maximum single wager, and they say buy-bonus features count. Third-party listings report similar caps elsewhere. Because a sticky bonus ties your deposit and bonus together, the cap applies from the first spin. Check the figure before you play, and see bonus abuse rules and the bet max glossary entry.
Do I pay tax on winnings from a sticky bonus?
Yes, winnings you withdraw are taxable federal income, whether a bonus helped produce them or not. For 2026 payments, the IRS instructions for Form W-2G set a $2,000 reporting threshold for slot winnings, though you owe tax even if no form arrives. The removed sticky amount was never paid to you, so it isn't a winning. From tax year 2026, the loss deduction is reported to be capped at 90% of losses and only against winnings; check IRS guidance. Our answers on tax on casino winnings and keeping gambling records explain what to track.
Is the SlotoCash free chip a sticky bonus?
SlotoCash's terms don't use the word sticky, but its free bonuses come with a firm cashout cap. The general bonus terms say winnings from a free bonus can be cashed out from a minimum of $25 up to a maximum of $200, and that claiming free bonuses back to back may void bonuses and winnings. Whether the chip amount itself is deducted at withdrawal isn't stated, so ask live chat and save the reply. A cap of $200 limits the upside either way. See SlotoCash's no deposit bonus and our free chip guide.
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