Sticky bonuses: why a bonus you can never withdraw is worth far less
Bonus value
The same 100 bonus on a 100 deposit at 35x, cleared with bets of 5 on red at European roulette, leaves the average player 16.17 ahead if the bonus can be withdrawn, but 44.98 behind if it is sticky and taken off the balance at withdrawal.
- 16.17average gain, cashable bonus
- 44.98average loss, sticky bonus
- 49.0%withdraw something, sticky
How Sticky Bonuses Work
A sticky bonus allows you to play with extra funds, but the bonus amount itself is never yours to keep. When you request a withdrawal, the site deducts the bonus value from your total balance. You receive only the surplus above that initial amount. This structure differs significantly from cashable bonuses, where the bonus money remains part of your final payout. The table below illustrates how this deduction impacts the final result for an average player. It shows that while the wagering effort remains identical, the final cash outcome changes drastically based on whether the bonus is retained or removed.
| Average over many players | Cashable bonus | Sticky bonus |
|---|---|---|
| Players who finish the wagering | 67.4% | 67.4% |
| Players who withdraw something | 67.4% | 49.0% |
| Average amount withdrawn | 116.17 | 55.02 |
| Average result against the deposit | 16.17 | -44.98 |
Comparing Cashable and Sticky Outcomes
The key figures show a clear distinction between the two bonus types. With a cashable bonus, the average player ends up ahead of their initial deposit after meeting wagering requirements. In contrast, a sticky bonus results in an average loss relative to the deposit. This happens because the bonus amount is subtracted from the winnings at the end. The house edge applies to every bet placed during the clearing process. Since the sticky bonus is removed from the final tally, the net gain from successful bets must first cover this deduction before any profit remains for the player.
The Impact of Wagering Requirements
Wagering requirements dictate how much money must be bet before a withdrawal is allowed. These costs are identical for both cashable and sticky bonuses. However, the sticky nature amplifies the effect of these costs on the final balance. Because the bonus is deducted at the end, the player must win enough to cover both the house edge losses and the bonus deduction. The table above confirms that the average shortfall is larger than the average surplus seen with cashable options. This gap represents the cost of the bonus structure itself, independent of game strategy.
Understanding Average Results
These figures represent averages across many players and sessions. Individual results vary widely depending on luck and specific game outcomes. Some players may withdraw more than the average, while others lose everything. The probability of finishing wagering requirements differs from the probability of withdrawing any funds at all. Many players complete the wagering but finish with a balance equal to or less than the bonus amount, resulting in no payout. If gambling stops being fun, free help is available via support resources.
Questions
Why is a sticky bonus worth less than a cashable one?
A sticky bonus is deducted from your balance when you withdraw. You only keep the amount exceeding the bonus value. This deduction reduces the final payout compared to a cashable bonus, where the bonus money remains part of your total.
Do sticky bonuses have different wagering requirements?
No, the wagering requirements are typically the same for both types. The difference lies in how the final balance is calculated. The sticky bonus is removed from the total, while a cashable bonus is included in the withdrawable amount.
Can I withdraw the full amount with a sticky bonus?
You withdraw only the amount above the bonus value. If your final balance equals the bonus amount, you receive nothing. The bonus itself is not part of the withdrawable cash. This makes the effective value lower than the face value.
How do averages apply to individual results?
Averages reflect outcomes across many players. Individual sessions can vary significantly. One player might lose everything, while another wins more than the average. The figures provide a general expectation, not a guarantee for any single session.
Every figure on this page is computed by code from an exact calculation over every possible balance after every bet, checked by simulation. See the methodology.