What Is a Sweepstakes Casino?
A sweepstakes casino is an online platform that offers casino-style games, such as slots, blackjack, and poker, using a sweepstakes model instead of real-money gambling. Rather than depositing money directly to gamble, players purchase virtual currency (like Gold Coins), which may come with free Sweeps Coins that can be redeemed for real prizes, such as cash or gift cards.
You'll probably find that sweepstakes casinos are very similar to their non-sweepstakes counterparts. They offer comparable games and an overall experience that is much like traditional online casinos. However, due to legal restrictions, you may notice some small differences. Most notable is the use of Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins, mentioned above.
Are Sweepstakes Casinos Legal?
Yes—sweepstakes casinos are legal in most U.S. states and Canadian provinces, and that’s a big part of their appeal. They operate under sweepstakes laws rather than traditional gambling regulations. This legal distinction allows them to function in states where real-money online casinos are prohibited.
Here’s why they’re allowed:
- Players don’t have to purchase anything to play. You can often receive free coins via mail or login bonuses.
- The model qualifies as a sweepstakes promotion, not gambling, due to the "no purchase necessary" clause.
Sweepstakes casinos are not permitted in the following states:
- Idaho
- Michigan
- Washington
In Canada, sweepstakes casinos are permitted in every province but Queubec. However, not all casinos available in the U.S. may choose to operate in Canada, and the number of casinos may be more limited.
✅ Pro Tip: Always check if a sweepstakes casino allows players from your state before signing up.
How Do Sweepstakes Coins and Gold Coins Work?
There are typically two types of currency in a sweepstakes casino:
- Gold Coins (GC) – Used for entertainment-only gameplay. You can purchase these and use them to play games, but they cannot be redeemed for prizes. Gold Coins can sometimes be used to increase your VIP level.
- Sweeps Coins (SC) – These are given as free bonuses when you buy Gold Coins or through daily promotions. They can be used to enter sweepstakes games, and winnings in SC can usually be redeemed for real cash.
How to Start Playing at a Sweepstakes Casino
- Choose a trusted sweepstakes casino(s). If you need help finding some, head over to our Casino hub to get started.
- Create an account using your email or social media login.
- Login daily to claim your bonus, which may include free Sweeps Coins or Gold Coins.
- Play games with Gold Coins for fun or use Sweeps Coins for a chance to win redeemable prizes. We recommend only playing with Sweeps Coins to fulfill playthrough requirements.
- Verify your account in order to redeem your winnings. In order to verify your account, casinos may ask you for documents such as:
- A picture of a valid government ID, such as a driver's license.
- A recent bank statement for a bank account that belongs to you.
- A recent utility bill for your place of residence.
- Redeem your winnings via a supported method. This depends on the casino. Popular redemptions methods are:
- Bank transfer
- Gift card
- Cryptocurrency
What Are Playthrough Requirements?
Most sweepstakes casinos require that you "play through" your Sweeps Coins before redeeming them. This means that, in order to withdraw a given amount, you must first have wagered that amount in casino games.
For example, if you want to withdraw 50 Sweeps Coins from a casino, you could play 50 games of blackjack, wagering 1 SC each game. You could also play 1 game, wagering 50 SC (although this is not recommended). When fulfilling playthrough requirements, we like to keep risk as low as possible so that we can walk away with as much SC as we can.
Popular Sweepstakes Casino Games
You’ll find a wide variety of games, including:
- Online Slots
- Video Poker
- Blackjack
- Bingo
- Table Games
Most sweepstakes casinos update their libraries regularly with new, engaging titles.
Are Sweepstakes Casinos Safe?
Most reputable sweepstakes casinos are licensed, encrypted, and fair, but not all platforms are equal. Before signing up, look for:
- Transparent terms and conditions
- Secure payment options
- Good customer support
- Positive user reviews
Final Thoughts
Sweepstakes casinos offer a fun and legally accessible way to enjoy online casino-style games and even win real prizes in the U.S. Whether you’re new to online gaming or just looking for a way to play where traditional gambling isn’t allowed, sweepstakes casinos are worth exploring.
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