The difference decides whether you can walk away with your deposit if things go well early. Non-sticky bonuses are far more player-friendly; here's how to tell them apart.
Parachute
is better for you
Cash 1st
how non-sticky works
Terms
to tell which is which
18+
play responsibly
And why the order of play matters
With a non-sticky (parachute) bonus, you play with your deposit first. If you win and withdraw before touching the bonus, the bonus simply disappears and you keep everything. With a sticky bonus, deposit and bonus are mixed, and wagering applies to both from the first spin.
Deposit €100, get €100 bonus. You play with your own €100. Win €300? Withdraw it, forfeit the untouched bonus, no wagering. Lose the €100? Now the bonus kicks in with its wagering. You only ever face wagering when you need the bonus.
Deposit €100, get €100 bonus, balance €200. Wagering of, say, 35x the bonus applies immediately. You can't withdraw anything until you've bet €3,500, even if you win early. Some sticky bonuses also can't be withdrawn themselves, only winnings from them.
Look for "real money is used first" or "parachute" (non-sticky), versus "bonus and deposit funds are combined" or "wagering applies to deposit and bonus" (sticky). If unsure, ask live chat before depositing.
Non-sticky bonuses are common at Nordic-facing casinos such as Rizk, Wildz and Videoslots. Always confirm for your market.
Top picks
1. Rizk
2. Wildz
3. Videoslots
On this page
All guides
How to choose a casino
Wagering explained
RTP explained
Bonus terms explained
4 questions
Which is better, sticky or non-sticky?
Non-sticky, almost always. You keep full control of your deposit.
Can I withdraw a sticky bonus?
Usually only winnings from it, after wagering. The bonus amount itself is often removed on withdrawal.
Do all casinos offer non-sticky bonuses?
No. It's common at certain brands and rare at others.
What's a parachute bonus?
Another name for non-sticky: the bonus only opens if your deposit is lost.
Gambling should be entertainment, never a way to make money or win back losses. Set limits before you play, and take a break if it stops being fun. Free, confidential help is available 24/7.