There has been a heightened surge in the launch of new sweepstakes casino sites in the US since 2019. For their growing interest in the US, this guide seeks to answer the big question – what is a sweepstakes casino?
A sweepstakes casino is a free-to-play gaming site offering a perfect alternative to a regular real-money online casino. You can play casino-style games for free and win cash or gift cards while operating within the US legal boundaries. Read on to understand what sweepstakes sites are, their operating model, and the legal nitty-gritty surrounding them.
Sweepstakes casinos offer a free-to-play alternative to traditional online casinos, allowing you to participate in casino-style games without using real money while still offering the chance to win cash or gift cards.
These casinos operate on a dual-currency system, using gold coins (GC) for fun and sweepstakes coins (SC) for redeemable prizes. This model allows them to legally operate in states where online gambling is restricted.
Sweepstakes casinos are legal in over 40 U.S. states, as they don’t require real money deposits to play, circumventing the need for state-by-state licensing required by traditional online casinos.
You can earn virtual currencies through various promotions and bonuses, allowing you to extend gameplay without spending money, and increasing their chances of winning real prizes.
Unlike real-money online casinos, sweepstakes casinos are accessible in more states, but they offer limited gaming and banking options, making them less suitable for high-stakes players.
Sweepstakes casinos are growing in popularity and are predicted to play a significant role in the future of the U.S. gambling industry, especially as they continue to expand and innovate.
Understanding Sweepstakes Casinos
Sweepstakes casinos operate on a distinct, unique model compared to traditional online casinos. Despite offering the same casino-style games, the unique model enables you to play sweepstakes in states restricted from online gambling. The model is such that players will use virtual currencies in sweepstakes casinos instead of real money.
These virtual currencies include gold coins (GC) and sweepstakes coins (SC). All legal sweepstakes sites will offer them free through sweepstakes casino no deposit bonus deals like daily login, refer-a-friend, mail-in, or social media contests.
- Gold Coins: These are available to play games for fun with no monetary value. They are freely available, but you can purchase more.
- Sweepstakes Coins: They are available to play games for cash prizes or gift cards. They are redeemable but non-purchasable.
Are Sweepstakes Casinos Legal?
The simple answer is yes, sweepstakes casinos are legal. But is sweepstakes gambling? Sweeps play is not considered gambling in the US since you are not required to pay to enter a competition or play games to win prizes. Sweepstakes sites operate on a dual-currency model that eliminates the use of real money. Players use the freely obtained GC and SC through gameplay and bonuses to play games and redeem prizes.
The model emphasizes the ‘no purchase necessary’ requirement, where players do not need to deposit funds to play and win prizes. Through that, sweepstakes casinos navigate the legal hurdles since they are not subject to state-by-state licensing like traditional online casinos.
Today, sweepstakes casinos are legal in 40+ states compared to six (6) states for regular online casinos.
The few states where sweepstakes gambling is illegal include:
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Kentucky
- Michigan
- Montana
- Nevada
- New York
- Washington
- Wyoming
How do Sweepstakes Casinos Work?
Sweepstakes casinos operate similarly to traditional online casinos but with some slight differences.
- No real money: The first major difference is that sweepstakes casinos will not use real money.
- Virtual currencies: You will use a dual-currency system allowing members to play with gold coins or sweepstakes coins.
- Availability: They are available in 40+ states instead of six (6), as with real-money online casinos.
There are certain similarities, such as:
- The registration process
- The bonuses for new and existing players
- The game types and games you’ll play
The registration process will involve providing accurate information and verifying your account to ensure hassle-free GC purchase and SC redemption.
New players can expect bonuses from the onset, with various no deposit bonuses to offer free GCs and SCs. Then comes the games that are similar to those in regular online casinos. While they might be fewer, players can expect sweepstakes slots, roulette, baccarat, blackjack, poker, instant, slingo, keno, and live dealer options.
Besides the free coins offered, there is an option to buy more GCs. Most sweepstakes sites allow you to purchase for as low as $4.99, with some packages attached with free SC as a bonus.
To redeem prizes, you must play with SC coins at least once (1x) and acquire the minimum SC limit for redemption. The exchange rate across most platforms is 1 SC for 1 USD. Adding to cash prizes are gift cards you can redeem.
Sweepstakes Casinos vs Real Money Online Casinos
The table below summarizes the differences between sweepstakes casinos and real-money online casinos:
| Sweepstakes Casinos | Real Money Online Casinos | |
|---|---|---|
| Currency | Use a dual-currency system of gold coins and sweeps coins | Use real-money currency |
| Legality | Legal in 40+ US states | Legal in 6 US states |
| Games Library | Fewer gaming options | More gaming options |
| Bonuses and Promotions | Low-value bonuses & promotions | High-value bonuses & promotions |
| Prizes | Cash and other prizes like gift cards | Only cash prizes |
Pros and Cons of Sweepstakes Casinos
The table below analyzes the benefits and drawbacks associated with sweepstakes casinos in the US:
Accessible in 40+ US states
Do not require state-by-state licensing
Offer a free-to-play model
Can win cash prizes and gift cards
Feature regular casino-style games
Perfect for social interaction
Limited gaming options
Limited banking options
Not suitable for high-stake bettors
Tips for Maximizing Your Gameplay at Sweepstakes Casinos
Looking to get started at the best online sweepstakes casino sites? There are various tips you can use to maximize your gameplay experience. They include:
- Claim no deposit bonuses and promotions: Ensure you claim the daily no deposit bonuses and promotions to maintain a positive bankroll. The more bonuses you claim, the more the virtual coins, and the longer the gameplay sessions.
- Use gold coins first: The golden rule of gaining a sweepstakes advantage is to use gold coins first before playing with sweeps coins. It allows you to demo games to gain insights and understand them to improve your winning chances.
- Connect with the gaming community: Join and connect with active social communities to share more tips and strategies and to stay updated with the latest contests, giveaways, tournaments, and trends.
- Choose high RTP games: High RTP games are synonymous with high payouts and increased chances of winning. Pick them to maximize your winning potential.
- Set a budget: Have a set budget and stick to it. A set budget helps you avoid overspending and promotes responsible gambling.
