Understanding Sticky Bonuses: How Do They Work?
Sticky bonuses are a special type of welcome bonus that online casinos offer to new customers as an incentive. Unlike regular bonuses, casinos like Casino Quatro keep part of the bonus amount until the customer has met certain wagering requirements.
Why do casinos offer sticky bonuses?
Sticky bonuses have two major advantages for casinos:
Customer loyalty: Since part of the bonus amount is only paid out after the wagering requirements have been met, customers stay active for longer.
Loss protection: The sticky mechanism protects casinos from bonus hunters who collect the bonus and then leave the casino without placing any bets.
How does the sticky mechanism work?
Let's assume you receive a 100% match bonus up to €100. You deposit €100 and receive an additional €100 as bonus credit. A portion of each bet is now deducted from the bonus balance. For example, 20%. The remainder, i.e. 80%, is deducted from the deposit amount. Winnings are credited to your deposit balance. The remaining bonus amount is only released for withdrawal when your total bets reach a multiple of your deposit amount (e.g. x40).
Sticky vs. non-sticky bonuses
Sticky bonuses | Standard bonuses | |
Withdrawal... | ...only after the wagering requirements have been met | ...possible at any time |
Use for wagering | Only the bonus amount is used for wagering | Both bonus and deposit can be used for wagering |
Winnings | Are credited to the deposit | Are both bonus and deposit credited |
Strategies: How to make the most of sticky bonuses
With the right strategies, you can also make a solid profit from sticky bonus offers. Here are some tips:
1. Check bonus terms
Before you accept a sticky bonus offer, study the casino's bonus terms carefully. Pay particular attention to:
Wagering requirements: How often does the bonus have to be wagered before it can be paid out? (e.g. 40x). The higher the wagering requirements, the harder it is to win.
Game restrictions: Which games does the bonus apply to? Not all games count 100% of the stakes towards the wagering requirements.
Validity period: By when must the bonus be wagered before it expires?
2. Maximize the bonus
Activate the maximum bonus amount if possible. The more bonus you have at your disposal, the more wagering options you have. But also consider the higher wagering requirements.
3. Prefer slot machines
Concentrate your bets on slot machines. These often have a 100% turnover share. The wagering requirements can be met most quickly by playing many rounds.
4. Play with small stakes
Better to bet on many rounds with small stakes than on risky, large individual bets. This way you can better cushion fluctuations and reduce the risk.
5. Take cooling-off periods
Take longer breaks from playing regularly to interrupt losing streaks and avoid getting into an endless losing spiral. A profitable strategy can only be maintained if your nerves are sufficiently rested.
If you follow these tips, you have a good chance of using sticky casino bonuses to your advantage and playing profitably in the long term. Good luck and win smart!
When should you avoid sticky bonuses?
Sticky bonuses are not ideal for every type of player. In certain cases, it may be more worthwhile to avoid sticky bonus offers:
Casual players
If you only play occasionally and with small stakes, it will be very difficult to meet the wagering requirements for the bonus before it expires. Therefore, the bonus may be worthless for you.
Inexperienced players
As a beginning, you still lack the experience to develop a long-term successful plan while meeting the bonus requirements. Losses are unavoidable here.
Bonus hunters
Do you just want to grab the bonus and then leave the casino again? Sticky bonuses usually do not allow this. Since part of it is withheld, the winnings are lower than with a normal bonus.
Overall, it is advisable to only accept bonus offers if you know that you can meet the conditions. Otherwise, it is wiser to play with real money without a bonus.