In the last few years, social casinos have been increasing in numbers – but none more so than sweepstakes casinos. The appeal of free play with the chance to win real money prizes is a strong one indeed.
If you’re wondering how a sweepstakes casino model works, don’t worry - we explain everything you need to know on this page. Plus we pick out the best sweepstakes casinos in the US today, as well as offering some alternative sites that follow similar models but offer classic casino games like slots and table games as well as sports betting. What are the best sweepstakes casino sites? Here are our recommended sweepstakes casinos and apps for 2023:
free online casino bonusWant to know more about sweepstakes casinos and how they work? We’ll answer all your questions below. Scroll down for more information on:
- What is a Sweepstakes Casino?
- Are Sweepstakes Casinos Legal in the US?
- How Do You Play A Sweepstakes Casino?
- Pros and Cons of playing at Sweepstakes Casinos.
Now you can go and check out our recommended , or read on for more information on how sweepstakes casinos work.
What is a Sweepstakes Casino?
A ‘sweeps' casino is a social casino which operates on free-play and where players can earn prizes – including real money and gift cards. Players purchase gold coins (GC) which are used to play games. All new players at a sweepstakes casino receive some starting GC as a welcome bonus – they do not necessarily have to make a purchase to get these. Additional gold coins can then be purchased either individually or as part of a package deal. Players can also earn GC through friend referrals and other promotions.
new usa online casinoAs well as GC, players will also receive FREE Sweeps Coins (SC). These are the key to being able to redeem winnings as cash prizes. More on that next.
In truth there isn't really such a thing as a 'pure sweepstakes casino'. Most social / free-play casino sites also offer hybrid packages which contain both Gold Coins AND Sweeps Coins. We've included sites below which offer mainly GC games but also SC games within their lobby.
Are Sweepstakes Casinos legal in the US?
Yes. Federal Law allows for sweepstakes promotions as long as no purchase if necessary or risk involved. With social casinos there are no purchases required nor is there any risk since the gold coins used to play cannot be redeemed for prizes. They are simply used as an incentive to play and are effectively demo credits. Purchases are entirely optional.
However, it’s the FREE Sweep Coins which enable players to withdraw winnings as cash prizes or gift vouchers. Since it is unlikely that players will win more FREE Sweeps Coins than they started with, the promotion can be considered a sweepstake and therefore legal in most US states. As the player does not have the ability to buy Sweeps Coins, and there is no risk involved as prizes can always be claimed without purchase, sweepstakes casinos are considered legal under US federal law.
Best Free Slot Games (Online) - Play Demo Slots for FreeDifference between Social Casinos and Sweepstakes Casinos
The main difference is that social casinos offer play for fun only while sweepstakes casinos allow players to win real prizes. However the two terms are often used interchangeably since many social casinos offer elements of a sweepstakes.
Many social casinos now offer packages that include both Gold Coins and FREE Sweeps Coins. Players can use their Gold Coins to play demo versions of online casino games while they use their FREE Sweeps Coins to compete for real money prizes. When choosing a site always double check whether there is the opportunity to play for real prizes in addition to the free to play games.
Advantages of the Sweepstakes Model
- Free to play - Gold Coins can be acquired for free and never expire. You don’t need to purchase coins to play unless you want extra.
- Real money prizes - Although FREE Sweeps Coins are harder to come by than Gold Coins, they can be accumulated through various means and offer the chance to win real cash prizes and gift cards.
- Good gaming variety - Games range from slots and scratch cards to roulette and blackjack meaning there’s something for everyone.
- Simple interface - Social casinos are designed to look and feel like simple, easy to navigate Facebook applications. There’s no downloading of software and navigation is self explanatory.
Disadvantages of the Sweepstakes Model
- Low RTPs - To make a profit from gold coin sales, some social casinos artificially lower Return to Player percentages on their games. Many games have an RTP of around 70%-75%. This means that strategy applies here even more than when playing real money casino games.
- Limits on redemption - Although you can withdraw real money prizes, there are limits on how much you can claim and it can take several weeks to process a withdrawal.
- Only play money value - While you can win real money prizes, you can only play with play money (Gold Coins). For every win, you will earn Gold Coins but also Free Sweeps Coins, which are the coins that can be exchanged for real cash prizes. It can be quite difficult to rack up enough free Sweeps Coins to exchange them for worthwhile amounts of real cash.
How do you play a Sweepstakes Casino?
- Go to one of our recommended sweepstakes casinos and click ‘Play Now’. No registration is needed at this stage and you don’t need to make a deposit.
- You will be awarded some free Gold Coins to start you off. You can choose to purchase additional Gold Coins to start playing right away.
- Games can be played on instant play platform or via a mobile browser. There are apps available but these do require a download.
- Gold Coins cannot be exchanged for real money prices. To have a chance of winning real money you must accumulate FREE Sweeps Coins through purchases, bonuses, social features and snail mail.
- Redeeming prizes – once you have at least 100 FREE Sweeps Coins you can request a prize. This will take around 10 days to process. You can check your balance and request prizes via account page.
Best Sites Like Sweepstakes Casinos: Real Money Casinos with Sweepstakes Elements
While the sites above are technically ‘social casinos’, we prefer real money casinos which offer elements of a sweepstakes. That way you can choose to play traditional casino games for real money wins as well as earning FREE Sweeps Coins to withdraw as actual cash. Here are three great sites like sweepstakes casinos with both real money and social casino elements.
Wild Casino
Wild Casino has a great hybrid model. As well as a regular casino with hundreds of slots and table games, it offers a sweepstakes element with gold and sweepstakes coins. There’s a huge welcome bonus of up to $5,000 + 25 free sweepstakes coins (1st deposit 250%, 2nd deposit 100%) and tons of ongoing promos including weekly reload bonuses, monthly prize giveaways and slot tournaments.
New players can try out their selection of slots, blackjack, baccarat, super 6, teen patti, androulette with gold coins – and level up to win even more free sweepstakes coins. You can even swap your FC for gift cards or Bitcoin, or save up and redeem prizes worth minimum $20 and up to $1,000, paid via the Cashier.
Wild Casino is licensed by Panama authorities and certified by technical security firm Gaming Labs. Their 24/7 live chat customer support is based in the US and their deposits and withdrawals are processed locally too – with a massive choice of banking methods including crypto, debit cards and person-to-person transfers.
Best Sites to Play Free No Download Poker Online | PokerlistingsTrustDice
TrustDice is another solid option. Besides having thousands of casino games to play for real money, from leading software providers, TrustDice also gives players the chance to grab free gold coins and sweepstakes coins upon signup. You can use those coins to play more games, and have the chance to redeem rewards afterwards.
There is a HUGE welcome package of up to 3 BTC / 90,000 FREE sweepstakes coins (or 400% deposit match) plus over 40 cryptocurrencies accepted for banking and plenty of bonuses including weekly cashback, Monday top ups, Saturday reloads and VIP benefits. TrustDice is one of the most reputable and trusted casinos online, fully licensed and audited, with 24/7 live chat support – read our full review using the bottom, or head straight there to grab that welcome bonus now.
DuckyLuck Casino
DuckyLuck Casino welcomes players to its whimsical site with a massive 500% deposit bonus (up to $7,500) and 150 FREE sweepstakes coins. Deposit and payment fast and easy with visas, mastercards, Neosurf, Bitcoins and more.
You can enjoy 200+ slots, blackjack, roulette and more from renowned software providers BetSoft and Rival. And if you run low, you can refill your account balance with more visas, mastercards, Neosurf, Bitcoins and more.
Like Wild Casino and TrustDice, DuckyLuck Casino is licensed in the Caribbean Nation of Curacao and accredited by online gaming audit company Gaming Labs. Customer service is local too, with live chat and email monitored by actual people in the United States.
More advice for playing at the best sweepstakes casinos online...
- Check the small print before you buy any Coins – each casino sets its own terms regarding how Gold and Sweeps Coins are awarded and redeemed. Some may limit the number of FREE Sweeps Coins you can acquire each day or week, while others may place restrictions on redemptions depending on where you live. Read the FAQs and T&Cs carefully.
- Look for social casinos that offer both Gold and FREE Sweeps Coins – while many sites offer gold coin purchases and games, only a handful also offer FREE Sweeps Coins and the chance to withdraw real cash prizes.
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