Sticky Bonus

A sticky bonus is a casino bonus where the bonus funds cannot be withdrawn; only winnings generated from playing with the bonus can be cashed out. Once wagering requirements are met, the original bonus amount is removed from your balance.

With sticky bonuses, the optimal strategy changes. Since you cannot keep the bonus funds, aggressive play (higher variance) can be more profitable. You want to maximize your chance of generating a large win, even if it means greater risk, because the bonus amount itself has no withdrawal value.

Non-sticky bonuses (where you play with real money first and the bonus is only used after your deposit is exhausted) are more player-friendly. They let you withdraw at any time during wagering, keeping whatever remains. When comparing bonuses, non-sticky terms are significantly more valuable.