Two offers can both say “100% match up to NZ$100” and still pay out differently. In a sticky bonus the bonus amount is removed from whatever you withdraw; in a cashable one it stays in your balance once the wagering is done. The difference is worth up to the size of the bonus.
Same balance, different withdrawal
The two types
Sticky bonus. The bonus is a stake you can play with but not withdraw. When you cash out, the casino deducts the bonus amount from your balance. Industry shorthand: “non-cashable” or “sticky”.
Cashable bonus. The bonus is part of your balance. Once the wagering is complete, everything in the account is withdrawable. A common variant is the “parachute” or “non-sticky” bonus: the casino spends your deposit first, and the bonus is only touched if the deposit is lost.
One example, three outcomes
| Situation (NZ$100 deposit + NZ$100 bonus) | Sticky bonus | Cashable bonus |
|---|---|---|
| Wagering done, balance NZ$250 | Withdraw NZ$150 (NZ$250 − NZ$100 bonus) | Withdraw NZ$250 |
| Wagering done, balance NZ$120 | Withdraw NZ$20 | Withdraw NZ$120 |
| Parachute: win to NZ$250 on your deposit before touching the bonus | Not applicable: bonus is in play from the first spin | Withdraw NZ$250; the bonus is forfeited, often with no wagering |
These are worked examples under the definitions above. Operators word these rules differently, so treat the table as a checklist of questions, not a description of any one casino.
Why the label matters more than the percentage
A 200% sticky bonus can leave you with less than a 100% cashable one: with sticky terms you pay for the bonus in two ways, the wagering and the amount deducted at the end. The headline percentage describes neither.
Where the wording hides
- “Bonus funds are not withdrawable” or “the bonus amount will be deducted”: sticky.
- “Real money is used first”: the casino is describing the order of spending, usually the cashable pattern.
- “You may cancel the bonus before wagering”: ask what happens to a balance that already contains winnings.
See also: how much wagering costs and the max-bet rule.
Questions readers ask
Is sticky always worse?
Not always: a sticky bonus with low wagering can beat a cashable one with high wagering. Compare the NZ$ you would withdraw in a few realistic scenarios, as in the table.
How do I know which type an offer is?
Search the terms for “sticky”, “non-withdrawable”, “deducted” or “real money first”. If you cannot tell, ask live chat and keep the reply.