A sticky bonus is a type of reward in online casinos where the prize funds are not withdrawable until meeting special conditions. Unlike a traditional cashable bonus on any platform, such as Casino PlayUZU, where you can pay the earnings from the balance as soon as you meet the wagering requirements. The rewarded amount will be “stuck” to your account until it is entirely lost.
Why Do Online Casinos Offer Sticky Bonuses?
For the casino, sticky bonuses have some advantages. By keeping bonus credits in player accounts longer, sticky bonuses:
- Increase the chances that players will continue wagering the bonus until they lose it
- Discourage bonus abuse from players looking to quickly cash out after meeting requirements
- Reduce the likelihood of bonus hunters immediately withdrawing winnings after minimal play
Essentially, sticky bonuses allow casinos to incentivize players to deposit and play more, while minimizing the actual cash they have to pay out. Players have a chance to win real money, but the casino gets extended play and has a greater chance of recouping some of the sticky bonus credits.
Downsides of Sticky Bonuses for Players
While having extra, “free” money to play with might sound great, there are some definite disadvantages sticky casino bonuses pose:
#1 Tough playthrough requirements
Because the casino is taking on less actual risk, sticky bonus terms often come with very difficult playthrough rules. You may need to wager the total sticky bonus amount 10, 20, or even 30 times before cashing out profits. With high playthroughs, there’s an increased chance you’ll lose not just the bonus but also your own deposited cash trying to clear requirements.
#2 Restrictions on games
Sticky bonuses frequently exclude slots and table games with high return-to-player (RTP) percentages. Blackjack and video poker may be completely prohibited. You may also find maximum bet rules that limit how much you can wager per spin or hand. This makes it much harder to try to play through your bonus efficiently.
#3 Short expiration windows
Many sticky bonuses only allow you a few weeks to try to clear playthrough rules before the offer expires. With limitations on what you can play and high wagering requirements, actually making those rules in a short time frame can be near impossible.
#4 Higher contributions for different games
Another common sticky bonus catch is that different game types contribute different amounts towards playthrough. For example, slots may count 100% towards requirements but roulette only 20%. This further restricts viable game choices when trying to play off the bonus.
Other Casino Bonuses to Consider Instead
Rather than chasing sticky bonuses, you’re often better served claiming alternative promotion types, such as:
No Deposit Bonuses
No deposit bonuses award you free credits or spins without having to make an initial deposit. These bonuses generally have more reasonable playthrough rules and allow you to preview casino games without risk.
Matched Deposit Bonuses
Matched deposit bonuses give you a percentage based on how much you deposit. A 100% match would double your bankroll. These bonuses usually have lower playthrough requirements compared to equivalently sized sticky offers.
Free Spins Bonuses
Free spins let you play real-money slots without wagering your own cash. Winnings are often subject to lower playthrough requirements compared to sticky bonuses. Just be aware of which slots you can use the spins on.
Cashback Bonuses
Cashback offers return a percentage of your net losses for a period. This protects some of your bankroll as you play. While sticky bonuses disappear if you lose, cashback bonuses refund you even after losing.
By taking advantage of these alternative bonus types, you can stretch your gambling budget while avoiding the pitfalls of restrictive sticky bonus offers. Just be sure to carefully check all playthrough rules and time limits before accepting any casino promotion.
Avoid Sticky Bonuses When Possible
While sticky casino bonuses may seem like free money to play with, the strict terms make them difficult to clear without risking your own cash. Unless you fully understand the playthrough rules and restrictions, avoid accepting sticky bonuses when possible. Opt instead for more transparent cashable bonuses with reasonable wagering requirements. Doing so will make it much simpler to lock in real winnings you can withdraw.
