Operating as alternatives to real-money gambling sites, sweepstakes casinos blend entertainment and opportunities for redeemable rewards. These free-to-play platforms combine the thrill of casino-style gambling with various promotional models where games are played with virtual currencies and there is a potential for redeeming real-world prizes once casino conditions are met. Read on to learn more about sweepstakes casinos and how they work.
A dual system of Gold and Sweepstakes Coins for a multi-faceted gaming experience
No purchase needed, making sweepstakes casinos suitable for casual and real-money players
A wide range of online slots, live casino games, and scratch cards from world-class software providers
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Instead, players use Gold and Sweepstakes Coins to play games.
Coins can be obtained by registering an account, activating bonuses, or playing games. Gold Coin packages are available for purchase too.
Sweepstake Coins (or Sweeps Coins) can be exchanged for real-world prizes, cash, or gift cards.
Instead, they allow players to participate for free, utilising an Alternative Method of Entry (AMOE), thus facilitating sweepstake-style competitions and complying with relevant laws.
Sweepstakes casinos are alternatives to traditional online gambling sites, as they operate under sweepstakes rules. So, they don’t have to be overseen by the standard gambling regulators. The key characteristic that differentiates sweepstakes casinos is that players don’t gamble using real money. Instead, online slot games and table game enthusiasts play games using virtual coins.
To understand how sweepstakes casinos operate legally and what makes them different from traditional gambling platforms, namely fiat casinos, you need to familiarise yourself with the nature of Gold and Sweeps Coins, as well as the legality and regulations concerning sweepstakes casinos. Below, we explain the sweepstakes casino essentials and help you understand their legality and method of operations.
Sweepstakes casinos operate under a unique legal framework that differentiates them from regular online gambling sites. And while sweepstakes laws are different in each jurisdiction, they have one thing in common: the No Purchase Needed rule. That rule is exploited by sweepstakes casinos, as they provide players with an Alternative Method of Entry (AMOE) and don’t require real-money deposits to play. By offering players a method of entry where no purchase is needed, sweepstakes casinos ensure they operate legally under sweepstakes rules.
Sweepstakes platforms are governed by specific rules and regulations. Many jurisdictions mandate that sweepstakes casinos provide players with clear disclosures regarding rules of service, odds, and prizes. Specifically, prizes must somehow stem from the free entry into the system. Additionally, players must typically be 18, 21 or older, depending on the jurisdiction, while consumer protection laws ensure that sweepstakes participants are not subject to manipulative promotions. Responsible gambling tools and options for self-exclusion must be offered by all legal platforms too.
Gold Coins are essential for the legal operations of the sweepstakes casino ecosystem. By rewarding players with Gold Coins that facilitate free play and are non-redeemable, sweepstakes casinos ensure they operate under sweepstakes rules. In other words, casinos will provide players with Gold Coins upon account creation, through promotions, giveaways, playing specific games, and for particular actions, such as entering social media competitions. Gold Coins can also be purchased. However, playing casino games with Gold Coins won’t result in redeemable prizes.
Unlike Gold Coins, Sweeps Coins can be redeemed for prizes. However, to be able to redeem cash prizes, players first need to obtain Sweeps Coins. They can do that by joining sweeps casinos, making their first purchase, or as daily login bonuses, but they will never be allowed to purchase Sweeps Coins directly. Moreover, the number of free Sweeps Coins players get is significantly smaller than the number of Gold Coins. For instance, a daily login bonus may provide players with 1,500 Gold Coins and only 0.20 Sweeps Coins. Lastly, to be able to redeem cash prizes or gift cards, gamblers must first build up Sweeps Coins and only once they obtain the minimum redemption amount, will they be able to redeem a prize.
Sweepstakes casinos are popular in countries where the regulation heavily restricts the operations of traditional, real-money, online casinos. Some of the countries with a strong sweepstakes casino presence include:
Despite offering similar games and classified as casinos, sweepstakes and real-money gambling sites are quite different. We compare the two casino types to help you decide which online casino platforms work better for you.
Operate adhering to sweepstakes rules
Operate by complying with regulatory standards
Virtual coins are used to gamble: Gold and Sweeps Coins
Real funds are used when gambling on casino games
No purchases and financial engagements required
Must deposit real money to gamble
Withdrawals of winnings are limited to redeemable prizes or gift cards
Players can withdraw their real-money winnings
Primarily created for entertainment with prizes serving as an added incentive
The goal is to gamble and win real money
To play at sweepstakes casinos, you must use Gold and Sweeps Coins. As already outlined, Sweeps Coins cannot be purchased directly. Instead, players need to obtain Gold Coins and get Sweeps Coins as add-ons. Gold Coins can be acquired in various ways, including purchasing them. Here’s how you can buy Gold Coins at sweeps casinos.
Start by creating an account with a sweepstakes casino platform. The casino will likely ask you for your personal and contact details. You will also need to complete verification before you are eligible to redeem prizes, so you might as well do it after you have created your account.
After you have created an account, it is time to acquire Gold Coins. Many sweepstakes casinos will provide Gold Coins upon registration, but you will likely need more. So, you will need to buy them. To do that, navigate to the Purchase/Buy section of your sweepstakes casino account.
You can now select one of the Gold Coin packages available. You might also notice that Sweeps Coins are included as a bonus to the Gold Coin purchases you make. So, evaluate all the available coin bundles and decide which works best for you. Please note that higher-value packages offer better bonuses and deals.
Now that you have initiated the process of buying Gold Coins, choose the payment method you will use to complete the purchase. Most sweeps casinos work with credit/debit cards, e-wallets, and prepaid vouchers. Select your preferred banking option, enter your banking details, and complete the transaction.
Once your payment goes through, the casino should credit the Gold Coins to your account instantly. You can check your account balance to ensure the Gold Coins have been credited. Next, select the games you want to play and start using your Gold Coins. Don’t forget that these coins have no monetary value, and winnings cannot be redeemed for cash prizes.
At Sweepstakes casino sites, only Sweep Coins can be redeemed. The process is relatively straightforward, as long as you meet the casino’s conditions for redeeming prizes. Here’s what you need to do.
Collect enough Sweeps Coins to be eligible to make a redemption request. You can do this by playing with your Sweeps Coins or by activating bonuses.
Often, sweepstakes casino sites will ask you to meet wagering requirements on your Sweeps Coins. At most casinos, you will only need to play your Sweeps Coins only once before you can redeem them.
Almost all sweepstakes casino operators have minimum redemption limits. Sometimes the minimum withdrawal threshold is 25 or 50 Sweeps Coins, while other times it might be 100 SC. Usually, lower limits are for gift card redemptions, while higher limits, like 100 SC, are for cash prizes.
As we already mentioned, you will need to go through a Know Your Customer (KYC) process before you can become eligible for a redemption request. To complete the verification procedure, you usually have to provide the casino with a copy of an identification document or bank statement.
To claim your prize, you need to submit a redemption request. If you are making a cash prize request, you must choose your preferred payment method and enter your banking details.
Casinos usually process redemption requests within one to two days but may sometimes take longer. Always check the terms and conditions to know the maximum processing times for each casino. Once your request is approved, you will get the prize you choose.
Multiple payment methods are supported for purchasing coins at sweepstakes casino sites. The process may vary from one sweepstakes casino to another, but the steps you need to take to acquire Gold Coins are quite similar. That ensures a convenient gambling experience and the whole process is completed within seconds. Below, we list the most popular payment methods sweepstakes casino platforms work with.
Visa
Widely accepted and easy to use, Visa is the payment method of choice for casual sweepstakes casino enthusiasts looking for convenient transactions without having to set up special casino payment methods.
Complying with stringent international laws, Mastercard credit and debit cards leverage one of the most reliable payment processors in the world for instant and encrypted purchases of Gold Coins at sweepstakes platforms.
Founded in 2001, Skrill is a secure e-wallet particularly compatible with online gambling platforms. Sweeps casinos integrate the payment method too, which is not surprising considering it is licensed by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and offers instant purchases that don’t require the sharing of sensitive banking information.
Established in 1998, PayPal is one of the most prominent payment services available at sweepstakes online casinos. Offering fast and reliable support and facilitating instant and secure transactions, it is a tried-and-tested method for sweeps casino purchases, particularly in the US.
Available mostly at sweeps casinos in Europe, Trustly is a financial service launched in 2008 in Stockholm, Sweden and licensed and overseen by the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority (Finansinspektionen). It is easy to use and allows players to buy Gold Coins directly from their bank accounts.
Enabling completely anonymous purchases, PaysafeCard vouchers allow players to buy Gold Coin packages by entering a unique 16-digit PIN code. That means they don’t share any banking information and acquire the coins privately.
Sweepstakes online casinos facilitate free Gold Coin gameplay on various games. In addition, they also provide players with an option to play those same games with Sweeps Coins and eventually exchange them for cash prizes or other rewards. Sweep casinos give casino enthusiasts ample gaming options from top-tier casino game providers, and here we look at the most popular ones.
Slot games are quite popular at sweepstakes online casinos. The best ones offer hundreds of titles from premiere providers, such as Hacksaw Gaming, Pragmatic Play, and BGaming. The great thing about slot games is that they can be accessed through desktop computers and work even better on Android and iOS mobile devices. Boasting themes ranging from Greek mythology to candy and fruit-dominated motifs and visuals, sweepstakes casino slot games are easy to play and come with varying Return to Player (RTP) and volatility levels. That means they are suitable for players with different gambling styles and preferences.
Table games running on Random Number Generator (RNG) technology are fair and allow gamblers to stake their Gold and Sweeps Coins at their leisure and convenience. Games like Vegas Strip Blackjack Elite by Microgaming, Golden Chip Roulette by Yggdrasil, Baccarat Deluxe by PG Soft, and Caribbean Poker by Betsoft allow players to enjoy the most popular table games 24/7 and play them at their own pace, as there are no dealers to indicate when rounds start and finish. The multitude of customisable options, auto-play features, and game statistics make RNG table games even more appealing and the top pick for many sweeps casino enthusiasts.
Frequently associated with sweepstakes casino competitions and gaming, scratch cards are a sweeps casino staple. They allow players to pass the time without risking funds when played with Gold Coins, while Sweep Coins can result in redeemable rewards down the line. The great thing about scratch cards like Gold Coins Scratch by NetEnt, Scratch Match by Pragmatic Play, and Hot Safari Scratch by iSoftBet is that they are easy to play and require no particular knowledge or adherence to complex gambling strategies. Moreover, many sweeps gambling sites feature scratch card games in bonuses and promotions, providing players with additional incentives to use their Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins on scratch cards.
Even though the selection of live dealer games is noticeably more limited compared to traditional online gambling sites, sweepstake online casinos do offer live casino games. It is not uncommon for popular Evolution titles such as Live Blackjack or Baccarat Squeeze to be available at these casino platforms, allowing players to feel the authentic environment of brick-and-mortar casino gambling from the comfort of their homes. However, as we noted, unlike traditional casinos, where players can choose from hundreds of live games, at sweeps casinos, the live casino game library is usually limited to about a dozen or so games.
Sweepstakes casino bonuses are a big part of the sweepstakes gaming experience. Like traditional online casinos, sweepstakes platforms offer a wide range of enticing promotions for new and existing users, providing players with extra Gold Coins and free Sweeps Coins. Let’s look at some popular sweepstakes casino bonuses.
Welcome bonuses or sign-up offers are available to new casino players who register with online sweepstakes casinos. To obtain these bonuses, new players need to register with the casino and complete and verify their accounts. As a reward, the casino will grant them Gold and Sweeps Coins to explore the platform and test new games.
Online casinos allow players, usually existing ones, to spin a daily wheel and win a particular number of Gold Coins or several free Sweeps Coins. Often, these wheel-of-fortune coins are complemented with additional wheel prizes, such as discounts on package purchases or other incentives.
Referring a friend to a sweepstakes casino can reward referral bonuses, as most top platforms provide both the player who sends the invitation and the invitee with Gold and Sweeps Coins. For instance, a casino might give you 7,500 Gold Coins and 2 Sweeps Coins when your friend, invited via a referral link or code, registers with the casino.
Online sweepstakes casinos incentivise players to display consistent engagement by providing them with daily log-in offers, wherein they reward active players with mostly Gold Coins but might include a small amount of free Sweeps Coins too. For example, a daily log-in bonus might consist of 500 Gold Coins and 0.1 Sweeps Coins.
Free Sweeps Coins are often included in Gold Coin package purchases. Of course, real-money purchases and deposits are not required to play at sweepstakes casino sites. However, by allowing players to acquire additional Gold Coins and including extra Sweeps Coins, casinos cater to players looking to play with larger virtual coin budgets.
In addition to bonuses and promotions, players can obtain Sweep Coins in several other ways. Since Sweeps Coins are the key to redeeming cash prizes at sweepstakes sites, taking advantage of several creative avenues to acquire them can boost your virtual coins bankroll and enhance your gaming experience. Consider participating in the following to get even more free Sweep Coins:
Social media contests: Following sweepstake casinos on social media platforms like Facebook or X will allow you to keep tabs on any contests or giveaways they organise and might benefit from complimentary Sweeps Coins.
Snail mail: Sweepstakes casino platforms sometimes send snail mail to registered users, allowing them to obtain free Sweeps Coins by completing specific tasks and following particular instructions. This can be something as easy as completing your profile with contact details.
Slot tournaments: Players are often given the chance to take part in slot tournaments or other similar competitions where the best ranking ones can get enticing prizes which usually include free Sweeps Coins too.
Evaluating and reviewing sweepstakes casinos requires an innovative approach to assess their true adherence to sweepstakes laws and utilisation of the Alternative Method of Entry (AMOE) rules, which are integral to the legal operations of these platforms. As a leading agency with extensive experience in the iGaming industry, we possess the expertise and know-how to locate authentic sweepstakes casinos and provide invaluable insights to help you choose the best ones.
Joining and playing at sweepstakes online casinos is a pretty straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you sign up at top sweeps cash casinos and enjoy popular casino-style games.
STEP 1
Start by signing up with a top sweepstakes casino site. Provide the casino operator with your personal and contact details and verify the account once you are done. As soon as you do, the casino will credit Gold and Sweep Coins to your account.
STEP 2
You can now start playing slot games or try your luck on blackjack, roulette, or other table games. At this stage, it might be best if you use your Gold Coins balance. Even though they have no monetary value, Gold Coins will help you learn the ins and outs of various casino games.
STEP 3
Once you feel you know how particular casino games work, you can start using Sweeps Coins too. As we mentioned, once you accumulate enough of these, you can redeem real-life cash prizes or gift cards. So, stake some Sweeps Coins and hope you get lucky and win.
STEP 4
Sweeps casino sites have minimum redemption thresholds. Therefore, before exchanging Sweeps Coins for cash prizes, you must collect enough to meet that minimum redemption amount. If you do, you can make the redemption request and wait for the casino to process it.
Providing players with a chance to enjoy casino-style games where gambling might be restricted, sweepstakes casino platforms offer unique benefits to casino enthusiasts. However, they also come with a few limitations you need to be aware of. Below, we look at the advantages and disadvantages associated with these gaming operators.
Pros
Casino-style games for players from restricted regions
Prospect of real-money prizes when conditions are met
Multiple ways to obtain virtual Gold and Sweeps Coins
Great for beginners to learn how online casino games work
Wide range of slots and table games to choose from
Multiple payment methods available for optional purchases 
Cons
The redemption process can be quite complicated
Sweep Coins are given more sparingly than non-redeemable Gold Coins
Direct real-money wagers are not possible
Features are not as advanced or enticing as in real-money online casinos Even though the terms sweepstakes casinos and social casinos are often used interchangeably, these two types of platforms are not the same. Here’s how they differ from each other:
At Revpanda, we adhere to the highest iGaming industry standards, and our efforts have been recognised at prestigious events, such as the iGB Affiliate Awards 2024 where Revpanda won the Best Digital Agency award. We translate the same dedication and commitment that won us the illustrious iGB Affiliate Awards into our sweepstakes casino assessment process. Here’s an overview of our evaluation procedure.
We begin our assessment by examining the terms and conditions of service. Sweepstakes sites with reasonable redemption requirements and player-friendly casino bonus terms are the ones that get our green light.
Next, we inspect game libraries and the gaming options available. We look for sweepstakes casinos that have diverse game options and feature, slots, table games, progressive jackpots, video poker, scratch cards, and bingo games from world-class game studios like Booming Games and Relax Gaming.
Knowing that players can obtain Gold and Sweeps Coins in multiple ways, we search for platforms that offer generous free sweepstakes coins, both Gold Coins for free play and redeemable Sweeps Coins. We determine which sweepstakes sites provide the most virtual coins and review them in more detail.
Lastly, to see if a sweepstakes casino is worth joining, we sign up with it. A generous casino offering 2 million Gold Coins and 5 Sweeps Coins on sign up is what we are looking for. Similarly, sweeps casinos with engaging slot games and multiple bonuses are always held in high regard by our experts.
Sweepstakes sites have been around for some time, but some common myths and misconceptions continue to surround them. This is not surprising, considering sweepstakes casinos combine free play with the potential of redeemable prizes, so players are often confused as to what is allowed and what isn’t when using these platforms. Below, we debunk some enduring myths:
Reputable sweepstakes casino sites rely on advanced SSL encryption technology to ensure all player-casino communication channels are encrypted. They also allow casino game enthusiasts to activate two-factor authentication to log in to their accounts safely.
Additionally, the top sweeps cash casinos require all users to verify their identity through Know Your Customer (KYC) processes, thus ensuring adherence to anti-money laundering stipulations and dissuading fraudulent parties from joining.
Optimised for mobile play or boasting native gaming apps, the best sweepstakes casinos are compatible with mobile devices and facilitate gaming on the go. You can access them via a mobile browser, or you might use their dedicated iOS and Android apps if they have them.
Mobile sweepstakes casino games are as engaging as their desktop counterparts, with the added benefit of being accessible anywhere, at any time, and with the same high-quality graphics, sounds, and features.
Overall, providing casino enthusiasts with a unique combination of entertainment and options for real money prizes when redemption conditions are met, sweepstakes casino sites are a viable alternative for players, particularly if they reside in regions where traditional gambling sites are restricted.
With Gold Coins facilitating free play, sweepstakes platforms aid in the learning process of many beginner casino players, while the redeemable nature of Sweeps Coins adds to the appeal of sweepstakes sites, as users can play and qualify for Sweeps Coins redemption and benefit from cash prizes or other gifts.
