Quick facts about sweepstakes casinos
- Sweepstakes casinos are identical to regular online gaming sites, but they offer free services because of their unique model.
- These platforms are legal in most parts of the United States.
- Though they offer the opportunity to play for free, you can still get cash prizes by making redemptions of Sweepstakes Coins winnings.
- Every sweepstakes casino follows the same principle, but the exact offerings vary from one platform to another.
Answering the question — what are sweepstakes casinos?
Sweepstakes casinos are online sites that operate according to a unique model, which requires them to offer free gaming services. They run on the "no-purchase necessary" principle, allowing players to engage in gaming sessions without having to make any financial commitment. Instead of real funds, you play with two types of virtual currencies: Gold Coins (GCs) and Sweepstakes Coins (SCs).
Gold Coins are strictly for entertainment purposes. They have no monetary value, so you can’t use them for anything else besides playing games on the platform. There are options to purchase Gold Coins, but this is solely by choice; you can always get these virtual currencies through bonuses and promotions.
Sweepstakes Coins can also be used to play games, but they are different from GCs. Unlike GCs, which are only for gaming, you can exchange SCs for real prizes, such as cash and gift cards. You just have to meet the necessary terms and conditions before making a request. These SCs are also gotten through bonuses and promotions.
How do sweepstakes casinos work: legality and fairness
In my
sweepstakes casino guide, I explained what makes such brands reliable. Still, I will go over their legality to give you an idea of why they are popular in the United States. For starters, such platforms are governed by a different set of rules which separates them from traditional online casinos. Their standout model makes them acceptable in most states, unlike standard gaming sites that are prohibited or subject to stricter regulations.
Another thing to note when asking what sweepstakes casinos are is that they don’t require licenses. They just have to abide by the strict rule of not requiring any sort of payment or purchase for players to play. Despite this, they are safe, thanks to the implementation of high-end security features that protect all sensitive details.
In terms of fairness, you’ll have to consider the platform’s games. The best sweepstakes casinos source their titles from reputable third-party providers that create their software to have the best quality. Such games use verified random number generators, which ensures that every round is fair.
Some platforms also have games with provably fair technology, a system you can use to verify the authenticity of every game round. If there are live games, then the action plays out in real time, so you can confirm that no external factor influenced the results. All in all, the best sweepstakes casinos are legal and fair.
How sweepstakes casinos differ from regular online casinos
At first glance, sweepstakes casinos and regular gaming sites are similar. While this is not far-fetched, there are significant differences between both platforms. I’ve simplified these distinctions in the table below:
| Legal framework |
Sweepstakes casinos operate under sweepstakes law and do not require licenses; meanwhile, regular platforms must be regulated by trusted bodies. |
| Payment and currency |
There is no need to pay anything at sweepstakes casinos, as they operate on a dual virtual currency system and offer Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins through bonuses and promotions. Regular online casinos require you to deposit before you can play games where the winnings can be taken out. |
| Winnings |
It's impossible to get real funds from playing games at sweepstakes casinos. On the other hand, regular online casinos offer actual funds when you win, provided you play with real funds. |
| Game variety |
Regular online casinos usually have a more comprehensive and diverse game collection, though some sweepstakes platforms can match this variety. |
| Bonuses and promotions |
Top sweepstakes casinos offer free bonuses and promotions with little to no requirements. Meanwhile, regular online gaming platforms often require you to deposit to get bonuses. Their offers also have higher playthrough requirements and other conditions. |
Top-tier sweepstakes casinos for you to try
1.
Get up to 500K Gold Coins + 105 FREE SC + 1000 VIP points
2.
200% First Purchase Offer: Up to 4.5M Gold Coins + 300 SC FREE
3.
25 Stake Cash + 560K Gold Coins + 3.5% Rakeback
4.
Exclusive Offer: 10K Gold Coins + 5 SC FREE
5.
200% on First Purchase Up To 120,000 GC + 60 FREE SC
Games at sweepstakes casinos — Top sites with high RTPs
The best sweepstakes casinos have everything from the
highest RTP casino slot machines
to fish games from reliable names like Games Global, Evoplay, Bgaming, and Pragmatic Play. Slots are usually the most common options, with most platforms having classics, video slots and jackpot options. The best operators spice things up by including RNG-based and live table games such as blackjack, baccarat, and roulette. These titles are usually mobile compatible, making it possible to play on the go.
Keep in mind that these games have their own return-to-player percentages. While some sites feature titles with higher rates, others can have games with much lower percentages. Many provide a good mix of games with high and low RTPs, allowing you to choose titles you prefer. But, if you want sweepstakes casinos with high RTPs, check out my recommendations below:
| Sweepstakes casino |
RTP range |
| Stake.us |
90% to 99% |
| Real Prize |
89% to 98% |
| McLuck |
90% to 99% |
| MegaBonanaza |
92% to 98% |
| PlayFame |
91% to 99% |
Other things to expect from the best sweepstakes casinos
Multiple sweepstakes casinos have entered the industry. The benefit of this is that you have a decent number of platforms to choose from. However, you must remember that site offerings vary, with some having better offerings than their counterpart. So, in order to select the best from the bunch, look out for the following when picking sweepstakes casinos:
One of the ways to know if a gaming site is reliable is to check the terms and conditions, privacy policies, and sweepstakes rules page. Reading this text gives you a better idea of how the platform operates and what to expect after signing up. The T&Cs should be clear, concise, and contain the necessary details of how to get SCs, redeem SCs, and the like.
🎁 Generous Bonuses and Promotions
If you love freebies as much as I do, then you know why the bonuses on a platform are a big deal for me. Plus, one of the best ways to gather virtual currencies for free gaming sessions is to claim bonuses. So, yes, I always visit the promotions page to learn what is available. Welcome bonuses are essential, as this gives you the free GCs and sometimes SCs that you need to kickstart your gaming sessions on the platform. Daily login offers are other common promotions. You get them once every 24 hours, and most times, there are no caveats attached.
⏰ Around-the-Clock Customer Service
Most players don’t pay attention to customer service until they have a pending issue to resolve. You can avoid being in such a fix by checking out the customer support service beforehand. Top platforms provide multiple communication channels, such as live chat, email, and phone lines. It’s best if the service is available around the clock, as this means you can get assistance whenever necessary.
Playing on the go has become such a trend that most operators are optimizing their websites for mobile use. Still, you have to test how well the platform operates on smaller screens. Is the layout still simple? Are there any offerings absent from the mobile platform? You should also check if there is an app. If yes, confirm that the application offers an identical or even better experience than the desktop site.
Reliable payment methods at sweepstakes casinos
GC purchases are not compulsory, but if you decide to buy GCs, you need reliable payment methods. The same applies when attempting to redeem SCs. As a result, it’s essential to check if the sweepstakes casino supports payment methods you can easily use for transactions. Also, learn about the
sweepstakes casinos redemption time limits, as this determines how soon you receive your prizes after making an SC redemption request. On that note, here are some common payment methods that these platforms support:
- Visa:
This is a trusted service provider in the United States. You can use its cards to make fast and easy purchases.
- Mastercard:
Like Visa, Mastercard is also a big name in the US, though it's usually available for just GC purchases at sweepstakes casinos.
- PayPal:
This is a popular electronic wallet you can use to purchase GCs at sweepstakes casino. It is popular for its swift, secure, and easy transactions.
- Bank transfer:
This remains the go-to option for many players and can be used mostly for redemptions.
How to purchase Gold Coins at sweepstakes casinos
Again, I must mention that you’re not required to buy anything before playing at sweepstakes casinos. However, with purchases, you top-up your GC balance with more than what you receive from regular bonuses and promotions. If you opt for this, you can make the purchase by following steps similar to these:
- Log into your account and click the buy coins button. This is usually located on the homepage where you can easily find it.
- Pick one of the available packages. You’ll find multiple GC options, many of which will include Sweepstakes Coins as extra bonuses.
- Proceed to the checkout page and choose one of the available payment methods. The exact options you’ll find depend on the sweepstakes casino.
- Use the operator’s payment details to complete the transaction. You will get your Gold Coins and free Sweepstakes Coins soon after.
Redeeming your Sweepstakes Coins winnings, everything to note
Keep in mind that SCs are the only redeemable options. You can easily exchange them, similar to how quickly you can purchase GCs. However, ensure you keep the following in mind:
Playthrough requirements before making a request
These requirements can range from 1x to 3x. For instance, here are five of our top five brands and the
Sweepstakes Casino playthrough requirements
for each one:
| Brand
|
Playthrough condition |
| Real Prize |
1x |
| Stake.us |
3x |
| McLuck |
1x |
Minimum SC per sweepstakes casino
You also need to have at least a certain number of SCs before proceeding. The table below contains the minimum redemption limit for my top five recommended platforms.
| Brand
|
Minimum SC requirement |
| Stake.us |
50 SC for cash prizes |
| Real Prize |
100 SC for cash prizes and 45 SC for gift cards |
| McLuck |
75 SC for cash prizes and 10 SC for gift cards |
| MegaBonanaza |
75 SC for cash prizes and 10 SC for gift cards |
| WOW Vegas |
100 SC for cash prizes |
Expiration time of SC
Keep in mind that SCs often expire after 30 to 60 days, depending on the platform. Check out the SC expiration dates on some reputable sweepstakes casinos:
| Sweepstakes casino |
Expiration time of SC |
| Stake.us |
60 days |
| Real Prize |
60 days |
| McLuck |
60 days |
Once you’ve met the necessary terms and conditions, locate the redemptions page and follow the onscreen instructions to complete the request.
Pros and cons of using sweepstakes casinos
Playing at sweepstakes casinos is exciting, but you should also note that there are downsides. Below are the most significant pros and cons to remember:
Sweepstakes casinos: Pros and Cons
- Free bonuses and promotions
- Low playthrough requirements
- Easy redemption process
- High-quality games
- Not available in every US state
More Sweepstakes Casino Guides
Kickstart your experience at sweepstakes casinos
From this guide, you can tell that sweepstakes casinos operate on a very simple model, with rules that you can grasp easily. I also detailed how to get started on such platforms, make purchases if necessary, and redeem your SCs when you’ve met all terms and conditions. Now, you simply have to peruse our list of recommended brands, select one, and follow the simple instructions to register, get your welcome bonus, and play for free.
Don't miss out on these premium bonuses
1.
Get up to 500K Gold Coins + 105 FREE SC + 1000 VIP points
2.
200% First Purchase Offer: Up to 4.5M Gold Coins + 300 SC FREE
3.
25 Stake Cash + 560K Gold Coins + 3.5% Rakeback
Wagering (WR): 3x
4.
Exclusive Offer: 10K Gold Coins + 5 SC FREE
5.
200% on First Purchase Up To 120,000 GC + 60 FREE SC
FAQs
🎰 Which are the best sweepstakes casinos?
The best sweepstakes casinos are those that check all the right boxes. They are safe, reliable, and have excellent offerings to cater to varying player preferences.
📱 Can I play at sweepstakes casinos from a mobile device?
Yes, you can play at sweepstakes casinos from a mobile device. Most platforms work seamlessly on smaller screens, and you will find the same offerings as those available on the desktop counterpart.
🔍 How do sweepstakes casinos work?
Sweepstakes casinos work based on a dual-currency system where you get two types of virtual currencies to play games. You don’t have to pay anything to play on these sites.
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