Non-Sticky Casino Bonuses: What They Are & Where to Find Them
Non sticky bonuses are the casino world’s version of a safety net. Instead of locking both your deposit and bonus into wagering requirements, they let you play with your real money first.
If you win big before touching the bonus funds, you can cash out right away, no strings attached.
In this guide, I’ll break down exactly how non-sticky bonuses work, how they compare to sticky ones, and where to find the best offers right now. I’ll also share tips to spot them and get the most out of them.
Sticky vs. Non-Sticky: What’s the Difference?
At their core, sticky bonuses are like store credit you can only spend in one shop, you can play with them, but you can’t take them home.
Non-sticky bonuses, on the other hand, act like a two-stage bankroll: your real money is in the front seat, the bonus is riding shotgun. You only touch the bonus funds if your cash balance runs out. Here are two examples:
Non-Sticky Bonus Example
Imagine depositing $1,000 and receiving another $1,000 in bonus funds. You start wagering with your deposit first, so if you hit a $5,000 win before touching the bonus, you can withdraw immediately without worrying about rollover.
If your initial deposit runs out, the bonus activates, and from that point you’ll need to meet a 25× wagering requirement (on deposit + bonus) before you can cash out. With no max win limits, this type of bonus gives you the flexibility to lock in profits early while still having a backup bankroll if things don’t go your way.
Sticky Bonus Example
With a sticky bonus, the bonus funds are for play only and are forfeitable. That means the bonus amount itself can never be withdrawn. For example, you might deposit $100 and receive $500 in bonus funds.
Even after meeting the rollover, the $500 bonus isn’t yours to keep. When you cash out, the bonus amount is removed from your balance, leaving only your winnings. Many sticky bonuses also come with a max cashout limit, so even if you build your bankroll far beyond the cap, you can only withdraw up to the set amount. This structure keeps the bonus as an extended play tool, not a direct cash reward.
Pros & Cons of Sticky and Non-Sticky Offers
Non-Sticky Bonuses

Pros:
- Play with your real money first, early wins are cashable without rollover
- Gives more control over when you commit to bonus terms
- Often comes with lower rollover requirements
- Ideal for higher-volatility slots or hit-and-run strategies
Cons:
- Usually smaller bonus percentages than sticky offers
- Some still have win caps or game restrictions
- True non-sticky offers are rare
Sticky Bonuses

Pros:
- Bigger match percentages and higher potential bonus amounts
- Can extend playtime if you’re mainly looking for entertainment
- Sometimes easier to claim across multiple deposits
Cons:
- Bonus money is never cashable, only winnings are
- Often paired with win caps
- Forces you to meet rollover before any withdrawal, even if you win early
Best Non-Sticky Casino Bonuses You Can Claim Today
True non-sticky bonuses are rare at US casinos. Many online casino bonuses that sound non-sticky are actually capped sticky bonuses in disguise. Below, we’ve included an offer that is still flexible enough to be worth a look.

1. Bovada – Best Overall Non-Sticky Bonus
Bovada’s $3,000 welcome package (100% match up to $1,000 on first three deposits) is often described as non-sticky because the bonus funds can become withdrawable after meeting rollover, and there’s no max cashout.
However, the structure is different from a true “parachute” bonus. Bovada uses a Locked Funds system, which means both your deposit and bonus are tied together until you either meet the 25× wagering requirement (on deposit + bonus) or forfeit the bonus.
Sign up at Bovada nowYou can’t withdraw early wins from your deposit unless you give up the bonus and any winnings earned with it. Eligible games include most slots, keno, and table games (with varying contribution rates), while craps and live dealer are excluded. The lower rollover and no win cap still make it a strong choice for players who don’t mind finishing the wagering to unlock their funds.
How to Spot a True Non-Sticky Bonus
Bonus terms can be tricky to decode, and casinos don’t always make them obvious. To figure out if an offer is truly non-sticky, you’ll need to read the terms closely and watch for specific clues. Here’s what to look for:
- Real money used first – The terms explicitly say your deposited funds are wagered before any bonus funds.
Example: “Your deposited funds will be used prior to bonus funds.”
- Early withdrawal allowed – You can cash out your deposit winnings before touching the bonus.
Example: “Players may withdraw their deposited funds and any winnings prior to activating the bonus.”
- Bonus activates only when your cash runs out – The bonus is separate and only kicks in after your real money is gone.
Example: “Bonus funds will be added to your account once your cash balance reaches $0.”
- No rollover on deposit funds – Wagering applies only to the bonus balance.
Example: “Wagering requirements apply only to bonus funds, not to deposited funds.”
- Clear labeling – Some casinos use the wording “non-sticky” or “parachute bonus” in the promo description.
Terms That Mean It’s NOT Non-Sticky
- “For wagering purposes only” / “non-cashable” – The bonus money itself can’t be withdrawn, only the winnings from it.
Example: “The bonus is for wagering purposes only and will be removed from your balance upon withdrawal.”
- “Bonus removed on payout” – The bonus amount is deducted before your withdrawal is processed.
Example: “The bonus will be removed from your balance on cashout.”
- Deposit and bonus tied together – You must wager both your deposit and bonus before cashing out.
Example: “Attempting to cash out your deposit plus bonus without wagering the funds is not allowed.”
- Locked funds with no early cashout – Your deposit is locked until rollover is met or you forfeit the bonus.
Example: “Locked Funds will be released to your withdrawable balance as you meet the playthrough.”
Tips for Using Non-Sticky Bonuses Effectively

- Target high-volatility games first: Bigger payouts early can mean cashing out without touching the bonus.
- Read the terms before you deposit: Check for hidden win caps or restricted games.
- Plan your bankroll in two stages: Treat your deposit as your “cash-out chance” phase and the bonus as your “play longer” phase.
- Track your playthrough: Many casinos don’t display rollover progress clearly.
- Avoid switching between games with different contributions: You could slow down rollover progress without realizing it.
- Don’t chase the max bonus if you won’t clear it: Deposit an amount you can realistically wager.
Are Non-Sticky Bonuses Always Better?
A non-sticky bonus gives you a much better shot at walking away with your winnings, especially if you hit early. The flexibility to cash out without grinding through rollover is its main strength. The trade-off is that they’re not widely available, especially at US casinos, so your options will be limited.
Sticky bonuses, on the other hand, often have higher match percentages but come with more restrictions, including forfeitable bonus amounts that vanish once you cash out.
In the end, a non-sticky bonus is best for players who value control and want the option to lock in profits without being tied down by strict wagering rules.