This guide is general information about how the UK online casino industry works and is provided for educational purposes only. It is not advice, and it may not reflect the specific offers, promotions or terms available at Fortune Games. Promotional terms vary between operators and change over time, so always read the current terms and conditions on site before taking part. 18+.
Bonus Balance vs Cash Balance
Most online casino accounts keep two figures separate: your cash balance and your bonus balance. Knowing the difference matters, because the two are treated very differently when it comes to playing and, crucially, to withdrawing.
What each balance means
Your cash balance is real money – deposits you have made and winnings that have already cleared any conditions. Your bonus balance is promotional funds credited by an offer. Bonus funds can be played with, but they are not yet yours to withdraw; they are locked behind the offer’s wagering requirement until it is met.
Which balance is used first
This varies by operator and is set out in the terms. Many sites stake the bonus balance first while an offer is active, so wagering progresses, while others use cash first. The order affects how quickly you work through a requirement and how much of your own money is at stake along the way, so it is worth checking.
Withdrawing – what you can and cannot take
Generally you can withdraw from your cash balance at any time, subject to the site’s verification and payment checks. Bonus funds, and any winnings tied to them, cannot be withdrawn until the wagering requirement is satisfied. Attempting to withdraw early can, under some terms, forfeit the outstanding bonus and its winnings.
When a bonus becomes cash
Once wagering is complete, bonus funds and their winnings convert to withdrawable cash. With a cashable bonus the bonus amount itself can be withdrawn; with a sticky bonus only the winnings convert and the original bonus is removed. Since 19 January 2026 the wagering you must complete is capped at ten times the bonus amount in the UK.
Why it matters
Confusing the two balances is a common way players misjudge what they can take out. Before accepting an offer, check which balance is used first, whether the bonus is sticky or cashable, and what the wagering requirement is. That tells you what is genuinely yours and what is still conditional.
Frequently asked questions
Can I withdraw my bonus balance whenever I want?
No. Bonus funds are locked until you meet the wagering requirement. Only your cash balance can be withdrawn freely, subject to the site's verification and payment checks.
Which balance gets used when I play?
It depends on the operator. Some stake the bonus balance first while an offer is active; others use cash first. The terms set out the order, which affects how your own money is used.
When does a bonus turn into real cash?
Once the wagering requirement is met. With a cashable bonus the bonus amount converts too; with a sticky bonus only the winnings convert and the original bonus is removed.
Related guides: Sticky vs cashable bonuses · Wagering requirements explained · How to claim a casino bonus
18+. Please gamble responsibly. Gambling should be entertainment, not a way to make money, and you should only stake what you can afford to lose. For free, confidential support, contact the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 (run by GamCare, free and open 24/7) or visit BeGambleAware.org. If you want to take a break, GAMSTOP lets you self-exclude from UK-licensed online gambling sites free of charge (begambleaware.org · gamstop.co.uk). Fortune Games operates under UK Gambling Commission licence 39175.