Sticky vs. Non-Sticky Casino Bonus: The Ultimate Guide to Parachute Offers

The fundamental difference is in fund segregation. A Sticky Bonus immediately locks your deposit and bonus together, making both subject to wagering requirements. A Non-Sticky Bonus (or Parachute) keeps your deposit cash separate, allowing you to play with your cash first and withdraw winnings immediately if you forfeit the bonus, effectively making the wagering irrelevant if you win early.

They are called Parachute or Lifeline offers because the bonus funds act as a safety net. You only "pull the cord" (activate the bonus and start wagering) if you lose your initial cash deposit. If you win with your cash, you can "bail out" by canceling the bonus and withdrawing your profits, avoiding the wagering requirements entirely.

You must check the Terms & Conditions (T&Cs). Look for phrases indicating the order of play. Non-Sticky offers will explicitly state, "Real money funds are used first," or "You may forfeit the bonus and withdraw cash winnings." If the terms say funds are "merged" or "locked" immediately, it is a Sticky bonus.

Only if you lose your cash deposit. With a Non-Sticky bonus, the wagering requirement is only applied to the bonus funds and any winnings generated after the bonus is officially activated. As long as you are playing with your initial cash deposit, the wagering requirement has not begun.

A Phantom Bonus is a strict type of Sticky Bonus where the bonus amount is non-cashable. This means that even after you successfully complete all wagering requirements, the original bonus amount will be automatically removed from your account when you make a withdrawal request. You can only withdraw the profit made using the bonus.

Once the Non-Sticky bonus is activated (after losing your cash), the strategy for clearing it is the same as any other standard bonus. You should prioritize games that offer the highest contribution percentage towards the wagering requirement, which are typically slot games. Always check the T&Cs for game weightings and restricted games.