We first determine whether sweeps casinos comply with sweepstakes laws. They must provide players with an Alternative Method of Entry (AMOE) and allow those who wish to play for entertainment only to freely participate for as long as they want.
Best Sweepstakes Casinos in 2025
An alternative to conventional gambling sites, sweepstakes casinos allow players to gamble with virtual coins and redeem cash prizes under the right conditions. There is no inherent financial risk to playing at sweepstakes platforms, as players use free gold and sweeps. However, virtual winnings can be exchanged for real cash prizes, gift cards or vouchers. As a former casino operator, we can identify top sweepstakes casinos and detail the perks and pitfalls of playing with gold and sweeps coins. Read our comprehensive guide to learn more.
Table Of ContentsReading time:12 minutes
What Are Sweepstakes Casinos?
Sweepstakes casinos are an alternative to real-money online gambling sites, where players use virtual currencies like sweeps and gold coins to play casino games. Since players don’t make real-money deposits and stake real funds, sweepstakes casinos are not subject to the same gambling regulations as traditional online casinos.
What makes the sweepstakes casino concept appealing to players is that sweeps coins can often be exchanged for cash prizes, vouchers, and real-world incentives. However, that can only happen after certain conditions have been met, such as to have a sufficient sweeps coins balance and meet wagering requirements, usually wager sweeps coins at least once.
Key Takeaways on Sweepstakes Casinos
To unlock the full potential of sweepstakes casinos, one must first understand what sets these platforms apart. Use these quick insights to learn how sweepstakes casinos function:
- You don’t gamble with real money, but you can win real cash.
- Sweeps coins are required for cash redemption.
- Sweepstakes casinos operate within legal frameworks in select regions.
- The No Purchase Rule allows sweepstakes casinos to operate under sweepstakes laws.
- Gold coins can only be used to play table games and slots, including jackpot slots, but are not redeemable.
- Players usually must be at least 18 or 21 to play at sweepstakes casinos.
- Sweepstakes casinos are most popular in the United States and Canada.
Differences Between Sweepstakes Casinos and Traditional Online Casinos
Online casino enthusiasts can enjoy a wide range of games at both sweepstakes and traditional real-money casinos. However, the gambling experience is markedly different. We compare the two casino models to highlight the key differences and similarities.
Sweepstakes Casinos
Operate under laws covering sweepstakes
Players use virtual gold and sweeps coins
Redeemable prizes instead of traditional withdrawals of winnings
To redeem sweeps coins, players must meet specific conditions
Sweeps casinos are mainly designed to entertain
Real-Money Casinos
Must obtain online gambling licences in respective jurisdictions
Gamblers risk real money to play casino games
All casino winnings are paid in real money
Players can withdraw winnings at any time by requesting a payout
The objective is to play and win real cash
How Sweepstakes Casinos Operate
Sweepstakes casinos use a dual-currency system of gold coins and sweeps coins instead of allowing players to gamble with real funds. Gold coins have no cash value and are for fun play only. In contrast, sweeps coins can be redeemed for gifts or cash prizes, but only after players meet predetermined requirements, such as collecting enough sweeps coins and wagering them once or several times over.
Sweepstakes Casino Regulations
Sweepstakes casinos operate under sweepstakes laws which stipulate that players must be allowed to play and participate in prize-based contests or games without having to purchase anything. Additionally, any prizes redeemed must be connected to that free entry and not to real-money gambling. That way, sweepstakes casinos ensure compliance with sweepstakes laws.
Player Protections & Fair Play Measures
Fair play is a top priority for sweepstakes casinos. Therefore, they adhere to responsible gaming policies, allowing players to self-exclude if needed, as well as feature games that are RNG-certified and tested for fairness. Additionally, because sweepstakes casinos operate complying with sweepstakes laws, they must ensure players participate for free via an Alternative Method of Entry (AMOE), rendering the concept legal and fair.
Where Sweepstakes Casinos are Available
Sweepstakes casinos are widely available in the US and Canada, countries with a long history of sweepstakes contests. For instance, sweepstakes laws in the US stipulate that players can play legally as long as the prizes they can later redeem have been obtained directly or indirectly via their free entry. Since redeemable sweeps coins can often be obtained without a purchase, these platforms are operating in compliance with sweepstakes laws.
How Sweepstakes Casinos Differ from Social Casinos
Sweepstakes and social casinos share similar features, leading many to think they are the same. However, the sweepstakes and social casino concepts have unique traits that should be understood before players decide to play at one or the other. The key differences are:
- Redemption of Winnings: Sweepstakes casinos allow sweeps coins to be redeemed for cash prizes. However, no winnings can be withdrawn or virtual currencies redeemed at social casinos. They are for fun and entertainment only.
- Legal Restrictions: Sweepstakes casinos must offer free entry to players to operate in compliance with laws governing them. In contrast, social casinos face very few legal restrictions, as they enable free play with no real-world prizes.
- Currencies Used: Both sweepstakes and social casinos facilitate gameplay through virtual currencies. The difference is that sweeps coins can be redeemed for real prizes, while social casino coins cannot.
- Availability: Sweepstakes casinos are not as widely available as social casinos due to the regulatory requirements they are subject to.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Sweepstakes Casinos
Sweepstakes casinos allow players to enjoy online casino games in a slightly different environment from that of traditional gambling platforms. As such, they offer both advantages and disadvantages.
PROS
No obligation to spend money to play casino games
Sweeps coins can be converted into cash prizes
A diverse selection of casino-style games like online slots and table games
New players can learn how online casinos work at a lower risk of losing
Compatible with mobile devices
Ideal for casual players on small bankrolls
CONS
May not have as many games as traditional casinos
Sweeps coins can only be redeemed after wagering and other conditions are met
Free sweeps coins are harder to get than non-redeemable gold coins
Processing requests for redeeming sweeps coins may take time
May not work for high-rollers
Restricted in many countries
Sweepstakes Casino Currencies: Gold Coins & Sweeps Coins Explained
To make the most of your sweepstakes casino experience, you must understand how gold and sweeps coins work. Below, we explain the key characteristics of the two virtual currencies, as well as walk you through the process of acquiring and exchanging them for real money.
What Are Gold Coins?
Gold coins are one of the virtual currencies available at sweepstakes casinos. They can only be used to play games for fun and are not redeemable for real money. As a result, they are easier to obtain and casinos often include them in welcome bonus packages for players registering new accounts, as free daily bonuses, as part of social media giveaways, by participating in particular competitions, through referral programs, as loyalty rewards, etc.
What Are Sweeps Coins?
Sweeps coins are the more valuable of the two types of virtual currencies available at sweepstakes casinos. They can be redeemed for cash prizes but are not as easy to acquire as gold coins. For example, an online sweeps casino may offer 100,000 gold coins but only 2 free sweeps coins when players register a new account. Moreover, before exchanging sweeps coins for real-world prizes, players must meet specific conditions, such as the minimum amount required for redemption or wagering stipulations.
How to Buy Gold Coins at Sweepstakes Casinos
Gold coins can be obtained through promotional offers or giveaways. However, they can also be purchased via payment methods, such as credit/debit cards, prepaid vouchers, cryptocurrencies, and e-wallets. Here’s how:
- Register an account with a sweepstakes casino and complete the verification process.
- Go to the Purchase section in your account and select the gold coin package you would like to buy.
- Before purchasing, consider if you can also get sweeps coins included in the bundle.
- From the list of available payment methods, choose the one that you are planning to use.
- Provide your banking details and confirm the transaction.
- When the transaction is completed, you should see the gold coins (and sweeps coins) credited to your account.
How to Redeem Sweeps Coins into Real Money
Redeeming sweeps coins is a straightforward process as long as you are familiar with the casino’s terms. To redeem your sweeps coins for cash prizes, do the following:
- Complete the wagering requirements if the casino has any. Players are often asked to wager sweeps coins once to convert them to cash.
- Meet the minimum required amount for redemption before requesting to exchange your sweeps coins for real money. For example, a casino may only green-light your request if you have accumulated 30 sweeps coins or more.
- Go through the Know Your Customer (KYC) process if you haven’t done so already and verify your identity to be able to complete the redemption process.
- Choose the payout method through which the payout will be settled.
- Wait for the casino to process the request and claim your winnings.
Payment Methods for Purchasing Coins at Online Sweepstakes Casinos
Even though sweepstakes casinos don’t facilitate real-money gambling, they integrate a wide range of quick and safe casino payment methods you can use to purchase coins and play popular sweepstakes casino games. Most of these banking options can also be used when redeeming sweeps coins for cash prizes.
Debit & Credit Cards
Debit and credit cards are available at most real-money casinos, as they are convenient and easy to use. The same goes for sweeps casinos. After registering a sweepstakes casino account, players can use bank cards like Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Maestro to buy gold and sweeps coins packages, as well as request to redeem sweeps coins when redemption conditions are met.
Cryptocurrency Options
Crypto payment methods like Bitcoin, Solana, Monero, and Ethereum are also purchase options at sweepstakes casinos. They enable secure and anonymous purchases completed almost instantly. As an added perk, they also allow players to redeem and exchange sweeps coins via the same payment channel in minutes, provided the sweeps casino processes redemption requests immediately.
E-Wallets & Alternative Methods
E-wallets like PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Payz, and AstroPay are often used to boost the sweeps casino adventure when complimentary gold coins and free sweeps coins are not enough. E-wallet purchases are settled instantly, while exchanging sweeps coins for cash may take a couple of days. However, if the casino has an automated redemption process, payouts are completed within the same day. E-wallet alternatives, such as PaysafeCard and Neosurf prepaid cards are often available as well but only work for purchases and not payouts.
How We Rate & Compare Sweepstakes Casinos
As former casino operators that have been part of the iGaming industry since 2017, we understand how real-money casinos function but also possess extensive insights into the operations of sweepstakes platforms. Recognising the strong appeal of these entertainment providers, particularly to recreational players, we have created a rigorous evaluation process to find the best among them, leveraging our industry know-how.
Examine Sweepstakes Regulatory Compliance
Assess the Selection of Sweeps Casino Games
The sweepstakes games available will largely determine the quality of your gambling experience. So, we evaluate the diversity of game libraries and feature casinos with top-notch online slots, live dealer games, progressive jackpots, and bingo titles.
Inspect Bonuses and Their Terms
Like real-money gambling sites, sweepstakes casinos offer bonuses and promotions too. We claim and test each promo to ensure that it comes with player-friendly terms and provides sweeps enthusiasts with enough gold and sweeps coins for a uniquely engaging and fair experience.
Redeem Cash Prizes and Rate the Casino
The last thing we do before ranking and reviewing sweepstakes casinos is redeem our sweeps coins for the cash prizes the casino offers. We favour platforms with straightforward cash-for-sweeps exchanges rather than operators who offer vouchers, coupons, or other lower-value gifts.
Sweepstakes Casino Bonuses & Rewards
One of the perks of joining real-money casinos is the chance to claim generous casino bonuses. Even though sweepstakes casinos are not as attractive in this regard, they provide casual players with bonus incentives that often result in similar benefits to those at traditional gambling sites.
Welcome Bonus Offers for Sweepstakes Players
Designed for first-time players, casino welcome bonus packages provide new players who have just registered an account with a significant amount of gold coins and a smaller number of sweeps coins. For instance, an online casino may offer 7,500 gold coins and 0.5 sweeps coins upon sign-up. Alternatively, a sweeps platform may match the player’s first purchase with gold and sweeps bonus coins.
No-Purchase Bonuses for New Sweepstakes Players
Even though the more enticing bonuses usually require a purchase of some sort, sweeps casinos tend to offer quite a lot of no-purchase bonuses, commonly referred as no deposit online casino bonuses, too. As we mentioned, a new casino customer can get sweeps coins for registering but also as part of daily rewards, social media giveaways, and email promotions. Neither one of these requires a purchase.
Refer-a-Friend Bonus at the Top Sweepstakes Casino Sites
Many casinos entice players to invite friends by offering refer-a-friend bonuses. Both the invited player and the invitee get extra coins in most referral bonuses with many casinos allowing unlimited invitations. Bonus funds are often available instantly or after the new, referred player has made a qualifying purchase.
Loyalty & VIP Rewards for VIP Sweepstakes Casino Players
As is the case with real-money casinos, sweepstakes platforms often have multi-tier casino loyalty programs where players collect loyalty points through regular gameplay and the casino credits rewards depending on their loyalty level. For instance, VIP programs can offer free sweeps coins to VIPs but nonwithdrawlable casino bonus funds to lower-level customers.
How to Convert Sweeps Coins into Real Money
The benefits of sweeps casinos are two-fold: players can enjoy casino-style games for free but also exchange sweeps coins for real money under the right conditions. Here’s how to convert sweeps coins into real-money prizes at sweepstakes casinos.
Step 1
Go Through Identity Verification
It is best if you complete KYC verification as soon as you register with an online casino because you will eventually need to go through the process before requesting to redeem sweeps coins. To do that, follow the casino prompts and provide the required documents to verify your identity and address.
Step 2
Meet the Playthrough Requirements
Before redemption, most sweepstakes casinos stipulate that players must wager sweeps coins, usually once. So, check the list of eligible games and stake sweeps coins on slots and table games that count towards the wagering requirement.
Step 3
Choose a Payout Method
With your identity verified and redemption conditions met, you can now choose a cashout option. Go through the list of available withdrawal methods which include bank cards, e-wallets, and cryptocurrencies, and select the one you used for your purchases or an alternative payment system.
Step 4
Confirm the Redemption Request
After you choose a payout method, ensure you comply with the minimum and maximum limits for withdrawals and confirm the request. Wait for the sweeps coins casino to process your withdrawal. Once approved, you should get your windfall within a few days depending on the payout method used.
Best Sweepstakes Coins Games for Players
The best sweepstakes casinos boast diverse game libraries that feature a variety of games similar or identical to real-money casino titles. That way, they provide players with a chance to explore slots, blackjack, video poker, and bingo games with virtual currencies and minimal risk of losing but also to purchase and use sweeps coins for a more exciting wagering experience that may result in winnings that can be exchanged for cash prizes.
Online Sweepstakes Slot Games
Featuring engaging mechanics, enticing bonus rounds, and diverse themes, top-notch slot games are popular sweeps casino options even if the selection of jackpot slots can be more extensive. Similar to real-money casinos, they are powered by Random Number Generator (RNG) technology that is regularly tested for fairness, provided you join reputable platforms, of course.
Blackjack at Sweepstakes Casinos
Online casino players can test strategies and luck on a wide range of sweeps casino table games, with none being as popular as blackjack. Both RNG and live dealer blackjack versions are available, and players can place educated bets when to hit, stand, or double down by utilising blackjack strategies that even the playing field and reduce the house edge to nearly 0%.
Online Sweepstakes Roulette
Sweepstakes casinos offer a myriad of roulette games that include American Roulette variants with favourable betting limits, as well as European and French Roulette versions with super-low house edges that boost players’ chances of winning. With dozens of inside and outside bets to choose from, gamblers will never be short of numbers, colours, or sections to wager on when they play roulette online.
Sweepstakes Video Poker Games
Considered an alternative to slots and table games, video poker is both a skill and luck-based casino game. The aim is for players to form winning poker hands by keeping cards with more potential and discarding surplus ones. Facilitating strategic decisions, video poker casino games like Jacks or Better and Bonus Poker offer an authentic casino experience on sweepstakes platforms.
Can You Play Sweepstakes Games for Real Money?
Sweepstakes casino games cannot be played with real money. Instead, gold and sweeps virtual coins are used. However, players can redeem cash prizes by exchanging sweeps coins once they meet wagering requirements and collect enough sweeps coins to qualify for a withdrawal.
Conclusion
Sweepstakes casinos provide a free alternative to real-money gambling platforms, allowing casino enthusiasts, particularly casual gamblers, to play slots and table games with virtual coins, requiring no financial commitments from players.
What makes sweeps casinos an attractive option is that they operate under sweepstakes laws, meaning they are available in countries with strict gambling laws. The prospect of turning sweeps coins into real-money prizes appeals to many as well.
FAQ
Are Sweepstakes Casinos Legal?
Sweepstakes casinos are legal in many US states and parts of Canada, as they operate complying with sweepstakes laws. Sweepstakes laws require operators to provide players with a free entry method, something sweeps casinos do by offering free gold coins and a smaller number of free sweeps coins.
Do Sweepstakes Casinos Pay Real Money?
Sweeps casinos can pay real money but indirectly. They allow players to redeem sweeps coins for cash prizes after playthrough conditions are met.
How Can I Get Free Sweeps Coins?
There are many ways in which players can get free sweeps coins. They include welcome bonus offers, daily rewards, giveaways, and email promotions. Players can also purchase sweeps coins.
Can I Play Live Dealer Games at Sweepstakes Online Casinos?
It depends. Most sweeps casinos don’t offer live dealer casino games, but some do. Check the list of games before joining to know if you can wager on live casino titles.
Are Social and Sweepstakes Casinos the Same?
No, social and sweepstakes casinos are not the same. Social casinos don’t offer real-money prizes, while sweepstakes casinos often do.
What Sweepstakes Casino Has the Fastest Payouts?
The best sweepstakes casino sites offer payouts that are completed within the same day. They process automatically process requests for redeeming sweeps coins and integrate fast payout methods like e-wallets and cryptocurrencies that allow for withdrawals to be settled within hours.
