What are Sweepstakes Casinos?

Sweepstakes casinos and social casinos are increasingly in-demand because they're available in jurisdictions where other online gambling options may not be.

Historically, sweepstakes such as those organised by Publishers Clearing House saw large prizes awarded to winners who were picked at random. Modern online sweepstakes casinos work a little differently, using a vaguely comparable model to award players with bonus coins that can be played for a chance to win cash.

The key difference between sweepstakes casinos and social casinos? There’s no possibility of winning real money at social casinos – you’re playing entirely for fun. At sweepstakes casinos, although there are hoops to jump through, it is possible to win real money.

The Best US Online Sweepstakes Casinos

Why are Sweepstakes Casinos and Social Casinos popular?

A big draw of sweepstakes casinos is that they’re available where traditional online casinos are not. Sweeps casinos are fun and free online casinos, while offering players the opportunity to win real cash prizes. With social casinos, people from gambling-restricted locations can legally enjoy playing for fun with their friends.

These types of casinos are often available in states where real-money gambling is prohibited due to the wording of the relevant gaming legislation, with sweepstakes and social casinos not considered comparable to wagering.

How Safe are Sweepstakes Casinos?

Because sweepstakes and social casinos aren’t technically classed as gambling, they aren’t subject to the same regulations as traditional online casinos. Thankfully, many of them opt to display information about their random number generators and licensing bodies anyway. These certifications offer reassurance to any players concerned about the legitimacy of their chosen casino.

It’s important to ensure the site you’re using is safe because you’ll need to submit financial information in order to claim any prize.

What are Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins?

Sweepstakes avoid being classed as gambling by selling Gold Coins, an in-game currency which lets you play for fun but has no cash value. Gold Coins can be purchased outright but cannot be used to play for real money prizes.

Meanwhile, Sweeps Coins can’t be bought outright – only earned in games or via promotions – but you can use them to enter prize draws and promotions that offer tangible rewards. Casinos will also allow you to eventually redeem your Sweeps Coins for cash or gift vouchers.

Sweeps Coins are often awarded as casino bonuses when you purchase a Gold Coin package or given out as a welcome bonus for new players. However, you are never buying the Sweeps Coins.

Note that you’ll need to submit payment info to purchase Gold Coins as well as claim prizes.

Sweepstakes Casinos Pros and Cons

How to Win at Sweepstakes Casinos

Although the process of acquiring credit at a sweepstakes casino is different to traditional online casinos, actually playing games at one is very similar: look at volatility, check the RTP (Return To Player) percentages of individual games, and use your coin bonuses wisely to maximize your chances of winning a prize.

How to Get Started with Sweepstakes Casinos

The process of signing up to play with a sweepstakes casino is very simple, and the steps you’ll need to follow will usually look broadly like this:

1. Choose your sweepstakes casino. Select a reputable sweepstakes casino that you’d like to play with. If you’re not sure where to start, check out our recommended sweepstakes operators at the top of this page!

2. Create an account. Sign up by entering the information requested, making sure to claim your bonus of Gold Coins (and possibly Sweeps Coins).

3. Find a game. Pick out a game you like the look of, and use your Gold Coins to get started.

4. Top up your bankroll. If you run out of Gold Coins, or want to pad your bankroll, visit the casino’s cashier to purchase additional credit to play with.

5. Redeem Sweeps Coins. As and when you acquire Sweeps Coins, visit the cashier area to enter your financial information and redeem them for cash prizes.

Are Sweepstakes Casinos and Social Casinos Legal in the US?

Sweepstakes casinos are legal in most US states, with the exception of Washington. To quote the Washington State Gambling Commission, “‘Sweepstakes’ combine elements of two legal gambling activities, to create a third type of contest that is not authorized in Washington.”

Typically, sweepstakes are only available to those over the age of 18. Even though they’re not exactly classed as gambling in the same way as traditional online casinos, being a legal adult is a requirement for participating in sweepstakes legally.