Common Bonus Terms Glossary: From Sticky to No-Deposit

You grab a tiny no-deposit deal. Spins go hot. Balance shows $140. Joy. Then the email lands: “Max cashout $50.” Most of us learn this the tough way. This page cuts the fog. Clear words. Real math. A table you can scan. Short cases that show how one line in the rules can flip your result.

Before the jargon: how bonus math hits real play

A bonus is not free cash. It is a rule set tied to your balance. The key parts are wagering (also called rollover), game weighting, max bet, and cashout caps. These four shape the true value of a deal.

Here is a tiny model. You deposit $50. The site gives 100% match, so +$50 bonus. Wagering is 30x bonus only. That means you must place $1,500 in bets (30 x $50) before you can cash out bonus wins. If slots count 100% and blackjack counts 10%, then $10 on blackjack moves only $1 toward the $1,500 target. A “good” bonus for a slots fan may be “bad” for a table fan. Clarity matters. Consumer rules ask for clear, fair terms, and many regulators publish plain advice on that. You can read the UKGC guidance on fairness and your rights here: UKGC guidance on fair terms.

What to scan first, by bonus type

Promos look cute on a banner, but the fine print is where value lives. The CMA in the UK even ran cases on unclear online offers, which pushed sites to use fair words and show caps. That is one big reason we call out common traps in the table below: CMA action on online gambling promotions.

No-deposit	“Up to $50 cashout”, “KYC before withdrawal”, “Max bet $2”	40–60x bonus or FS wins	Often yes (low)	Tables often 0–10%; some slots excluded	Test the site with no spend	4	Hidden doc checks before payout
Sticky (non-cashable)	“Bonus not withdrawable”, “Removed at cashout”	30–40x bonus	Sometimes	Tables low; live dealer often 0%	Long, steady slot grind	3	Void if you try to withdraw mid-wager
Non-sticky (hybrid)	“Cash first, bonus second”	25–35x bonus	Rare	High-vol slots swing more with cash-first play	Bonus-savvy players	2	Max bet $5 while bonus is active
Reload / Match	“40% up to $200”, “Code: RELOAD”	30–40x bonus or D+B	Uncommon	Not all providers allowed	Regulars topping up	3	Deposit methods that void bonus
Free Spins (FS)	“Winnings credited as bonus”, “$0.10 per spin”	20–40x FS winnings	Often capped	FS may be on a lower RTP version	Slot-only fans	3	FS wins converted to bonus with WR
Cashback (real money)	“Lossback paid cash, no WR”	None on cash	May cap % or amount	“Net losses” exclude bonus wins	Budget-minded play	2	Time window to claim is short
Cashback (bonus)	“Cashback credited as bonus”	10–20x cashback	Caps common	Some games 0% while on cashback	Small buffer vs. losses	3	Cashback void if balance positive
High-roller / VIP	“50% up to $1,000”, “Invite only”	25–35x bonus or D+B	Often none	Max bet rules still apply	Large bankrolls	3	Hidden “irregular play” rules
Refer-a-friend	“Friend must wager X”, “KYC needed”	Often none for referrer	May cap reward	Friend’s bonus has usual limits	Social players	2	Region blocks for your friend
Mystery / Loot-box promo	“Random reward”, “Prize tiers”	Varies by prize type	Often yes	Low-value prizes high freq	People who like surprises	4	Unclear odds of each tier

How to use this table: scan the flags first, then check WR style (bonus vs. deposit+bonus), then the cap and max bet. If one line looks off, pause and read the full terms. Keep your game plan in mind; a strong slot deal can be awful for live tables.

Mini case file: three tiny stories, big swings

1) Sticky vs. Non-sticky. You deposit $100 with a non-sticky 100% match, 30x bonus WR. You spin a high-vol slot with your cash and hit $400. You can cash out now and skip the bonus. If the bonus were sticky, you could not cash out yet; you must finish WR, and the bonus part vanishes at withdrawal. That one word, “non-sticky,” can save your win.

2) Max bet while wagering. The rule says “max $5 per spin during WR.” You forget and do $10 spins. Many sites will void the bonus wins for that. Ads that skip that line have been called out by ad bodies. See typical rulings here: ASA rulings on bonus ads.

3) Game weighting. You enjoy blackjack at 10% contribution. WR is 30x bonus on a $200 bonus. Needed: $6,000 in counted bets. On blackjack, $6,000 / 0.10 = $60,000 actual bets. That turns a “nice” deal into a long grind. For blackjack fans, a no-bonus session or a low-WR cashback can be wiser.

Glossary (short, clear, with watch-outs)

Sticky (Non-cashable) Bonus

A bonus that boosts your balance but cannot be withdrawn. When you cash out, the bonus amount is removed. It can help survive swings, but do not treat it like cash in your pocket.

Watch-out: some sites void wins if you try to withdraw before WR is done.

Non-sticky (Hybrid) Bonus

Your cash plays first. If you win and withdraw before you touch the bonus, you keep it. If your cash busts, the bonus starts, and WR rules kick in. Great for high-vol slots with “hit and run” plans.

Watch-out: the switch to bonus mode often turns on max-bet rules.

No-deposit Bonus

A small bonus or free spins with no deposit. It is a test drive, not a payday. It often has high WR and a low max cashout. Good to learn the lobby and support speed.

Watch-out: KYC may be needed before cashout, and wins can be capped hard.

Wagering Requirements (Rollover)

The total bets you must place before a withdrawal of bonus-linked wins. “30x bonus” means 30 times the bonus. “40x D+B” means 40 times deposit plus bonus. Good sites state this in plain words and numbers. For general consumer norms, see industry bodies’ notes on player rules, like the EGBA standards on consumer protection.

Watch-out: WR on D+B is much heavier than WR on bonus only.

Contribution / Game Weighting

How much each game type counts to WR. Slots often 100%; tables can be 5–20%; some games 0%. Read the list. If your main game is low weight, the deal may waste time.

Watch-out: some slots are excluded or cap stakes while on WR.

Max Cashout (Withdrawal Cap)

A limit on how much you can take from a bonus. Often found on no-deposit and free spins. Fair matches usually have no cap, but you must check.

Watch-out: caps can apply to total payout or only to bonus wins; the difference matters.

Max Bet While Wagering

A limit per spin/hand while the bonus is active. Common caps are $5 or $2 on no-deposit. Break it and wins can be void. Keep bet size locked until WR is done.

Watch-out: side bets can break the cap even if main bet is fine.

Bonus Abuse / Irregular Play

Patterns the site blocks, like betting low to trigger a feature, then betting high to release it, or covering too many outcomes. The rules should be clear and not vague. If you face a dispute, third-party help exists. See eCOGRA dispute resolution for one well-known route.

Watch-out: “irregular” must be defined; if it is too broad, take care.

Eligible Games / Excluded Games

The list of games you can play with the bonus. Many jackpots and some high-RTP titles are out. Read the exact titles, not just providers.

Watch-out: new games may be auto-excluded until they add them to the list.

Bonus Code vs. Automatic Opt-in

Some offers need a code at deposit. Others auto-apply. Auto-opt deals can surprise you with WR you did not plan for. Know how to opt out if you want a clean cash session.

Watch-out: turn off auto-bonuses in your account if you prefer cash-only play.

Time Limits / Expiry / Wagering Windows

How long you have to use the bonus and clear WR. Common windows: 7–30 days. Free spins often expire in 24–72 hours. Plan your play time.

Watch-out: balance can vanish when the timer ends, even if WR is almost done.

KYC / Verification Holds

Identity checks before you can cash out. It is normal and part of law in many places. Have ID, proof of address, and payment screenshots ready to speed it up.

Watch-out: name on deposit method must match your account name.

Payment Method Exclusions

Some deposits do not qualify for a bonus (e.g., certain e-wallets). This can be in fine print near the banking list. If in doubt, ask support before you pay.

Watch-out: switching methods mid-bonus can trigger a review.

Country / Geo Restrictions

Not all offers are legal in all places. T&Cs often block some regions or set other terms by country. For a sense of what player rules look like, see the MGA player protection hub.

Watch-out: a VPN can cause account locks and voided wins.

Free Spins (FS) Details

Value per spin (like $0.10), eligible game, and how wins are paid (cash or bonus). Often FS wins become bonus funds with WR. Check caps on FS wins.

Watch-out: FS on “promo versions” may use lower RTP than the standard game.

Cashback (Real vs. Bonus Money)

Cashback can be paid as real cash (best) or as bonus with WR. Read the line that says which. Also check if the % is on “net losses” and how they define that.

Watch-out: some cashback needs a claim within 24 hours.

Locked Bonus / Bonus Balance

Shows that part of your funds is bonus-bound until you meet rules. Think of it as a separate bucket. When you withdraw, the site may remove the bucket.

Watch-out: moving funds between wallets (sports/casino/live) can lock them further.

RTP Variation / Dual RTP

Some games ship with more than one RTP setting. Promo play can use a lower RTP. Check the game info. If the site allows ratings per provider, compare.

Watch-out: if RTP is not shown in the game window, look it up on the studio site.

Progressive Jackpots Under Wagering

Jackpots are often excluded from WR. You may be able to play but wins may not count, or the game is blocked. Read the line on jackpots before you try.

Watch-out: even a small side bet on a jackpot feature can break rules.

Responsible Marketing and Limits

Good brands avoid pushing risky play. Many follow codes on fair, clear ads and age-safe messaging. One example is the AGA Responsible Marketing Code.

Watch-out: if a banner looks too good to be true, it may hide strict terms.

Myth vs. reality (quick hits)

“No-deposit = free money.” No. It is a test, with high WR and low caps. Good to learn, not to profit.
“If I win fair, they must pay.” Yes in most cases, but if you break a clear term like max bet, wins can be void.
“All games count the same.” No. Slots often 100%. Tables can be 10% or less. Some titles are 0%.
“Cashback is always cash.” Not always. It may be bonus with WR. Read the line that says which one.

Sanity-check a bonus in 90 seconds

You do not need an hour. Run this fast list:

What is the WR style? Bonus only, or deposit+bonus?
What is the exact max cashout, if any?
What is the max bet during wagering? Does it include side bets?
Which games count 100%? Which are 0%? Any excluded titles?
How long do I have before the bonus expires?
Any payment methods excluded from the offer?
Any geo limits for my country or province/state?
Do I need KYC before the first withdrawal?
Where is the rule on “irregular play” and is it clear?

If you want the ad rules that sites must follow on clear promo wording, check the CAP Code for promotional offers: CAP Code Section 8.

Where independent reviews actually help

You have a life. You will not read 30 pages of T&Cs for each promo. Independent reviews save time when they show WR style, caps, max-bet rules, and game weights in one view. They also flag rule changes and note if support gives clear answers. That is where a focused page on offers can help you compare in two minutes. A neutral starting point is a broad Casino Bonus overview that lists common terms, caps, and how WR works by deal type. Use it as a snapshot, then click through to the source T&Cs and confirm details on the day you play.

Responsible play and your exit plan

A bonus is a tool, not a must-use. If the rules do not fit your style, skip it. Set a spend limit, set a time limit, and decide a stop point for wins and for losses. If you feel pressure or play stops being fun, take a break. Help is one click away at the National Council on Problem Gambling: NCPG help and resources. Keep it safe: 18+ or 21+ by your local law, and only where online play is legal.

Short FAQ

Are sticky bonuses always bad?

No. Sticky can be fine for a long, low-stake slot grind. Just know the bonus is not withdrawable and will be removed at cashout.

What is a fair wagering requirement?

For deposit matches, 25–35x bonus-only is common. Above 40x D+B is heavy. Fair depends on your game choice and time.

Why do casinos cap max bet during wagering?

To stop high-risk spikes that flip variance in short play. It protects the promo budget and keeps terms stable for all users.

Can I withdraw no-deposit winnings?

Often yes, but with a low cap and after KYC. Many offers cap at $50–$100 and limit bets to $2 while on WR.

Sources, notes, and updates

This guide is for education. It is not legal or financial advice. We do not tell you to gamble. Check if online gambling is legal in your area. If we use affiliate links, we follow clear disclosure rules; for general policy guidance, see the FTC endorsement guidelines.

Peer-reviewed by a compliance editor with experience in bonus T&Cs and player protection. Last updated: July 2026.