Sweepstakes Casinos

Legality of sweepstakes casinos & social gaming

As of right now, just seven US states offer licensed online casinos. However, only one US state does not offer sweepstakes casinos. By avoiding gambling legislation and falling under the sweepstakes laws in each state, these social casinos can operate in every state outside of Washington. In Idaho, social casinos are legal, but customers can only use the form of in-app currency that cannot be redeemed for real money prizes.

Sweepstakes casinos' quick rise to popularity has been due to their ability to operate in states where gambling is illegal and offer free-to-play options. Of course, even though these products do not abide by in-state gambling regulations, they still need to follow the rules, which is why most require customers to be at least 18 years old. Some states and products, including a popular product in the market, Stake.us, may require bettors to be 21+.

Just because these products operate in a gray area in the gaming industry does not mean states are fully aware of their growing popularity. Recently, New Jersey became the first state to draft a bill that would regulate sweepstakes casinos in the state, as they are looking to tax these products and ensure there are mandated customer protections.

If this legislation is passed, more states could quickly join the party in regulating social casinos. While it may sound like states are trying to change these products, the Social and Promotional Games Association has made it clear they support similar bills, as they want to improve the products for the nearly 55 million Americans who use them (ABC News).

Sweepstakes’ legal situation in each US state - Full breakdown

Latest news from the US sweepstakes and social casino scenes

• April 10, 2025: Nevada's Senate passes SB 256, a bill aimed at cracking down on illegal online gambling, including sweepstakes casinos, by imposing harsher penalties and forcing offenders to forfeit all profits. The measure now heads to the House with strong support expected.

• April 8, 2025: Delaware reaffirms its ban on VGW Luckyland, citing its unlicensed online gambling activities disguised as sweepstakes. Despite a prior cease-and-desist, VGW continued operating, prompting the state to join five others in blocking the Australia-based company from operating within its borders.

• April 7, 2025: Louisiana's SB 181 aims to outlaw sweepstakes gambling entirely, targeting not just operators but also tech providers, promoters, and affiliates. The bill defines internet-based games with dual-currency systems as illegal gambling and bans all casino-style, lottery, and sports betting sweeps.

• April 3, 2025: Real Prize sweepstakes casino shuts down a day earlier than announced in New York. The company blamed system changes for the early closure and confirmed no exceptions would be made to its minimum cashout rules.

• April 1, 2025: Arkansas' effort to legalize online casinos and ban sweepstakes gambling stalls, with the House Judiciary Committee skipping discussion and a similar Senate bill already withdrawn. With the April 11 deadline looming, chances for progress in 2025 look slim.

• April 1, 2025: Efforts to ban sweepstakes casinos in Mississippi stall after lawmakers fail to agree on changes to Senate Bill 2510 before the deadline. The bill, once unanimously passed, was derailed when the House added online sports betting language, forcing both issues to be pushed to 2026.

What is a sweepstakes casino and how does it work?

With gambling laws differing in each state, there is an untapped market of states that still lack access to mobile sportsbook apps or online casinos. This opened the door for sweepstakes casinos, which are not regulated by gambling commissions but by state sweepstakes laws.

Sweepstakes casinos are not licensed online casinos, and they use two forms of in-app currency instead of real money wagering. Thus, they can be offered in every state except Washington.

Just because they are not licensed online casinos with real-money wagering does not mean that customers can’t find a wide range of games. In fact, some sweepstakes casinos offer over 600 slots, table games such as blackjack & baccarat, and a mix of slower-paced games such as bingo.

Outside of Idaho, all of the aforementioned games can be played with either gold coins, which cannot be redeemed for real prizes, or sweep coins, which can be redeemed. These coins can be acquired in several ways, whether through new customer promos, existing customer promos, or in-app purchases that vary in price depending on the product.

Comparing sweepstakes casinos to real-money gambling sites

While the number of games offered on sweepstakes casinos rivals the amount offered on real-money gambling sites, there are still a few key differences between the products. The currency, methods of obtaining the currency, regulations, and withdrawals make sweeps casino as well as social sportsbook platforms a different ballgame from the regulated iGaming market.

• Currency

  • Sweepstakes casinos: All wagers on sweepstakes casinos are made using two forms of virtual in-app currency, predominantly called “Gold Coins” and “Sweeps Coins.” Customers looking to utilize the free-to-play option can use gold coins, while those looking to win real money can use sweeps coins, which can be redeemed for prizes.

  • Real-money online casinos: Using an online casino requires customers to follow the same protocol they would at a retail casino, which means all wagers are made through real money and not virtual currency. All currency on online casinos must be deposited straight from either debit cards, online banking, or eWallets.

• Funding Accounts

  • Sweepstakes casinos: Virtual currency can be obtained in several ways. Most social casinos offer new customers a hearty sign-up bonus that includes both forms of in-app currency. Users can also purchase a coin package to increase their bankroll of in-app currency.

  • Real-money online casinos: While online casinos offer new customer bonuses, they typically do not offer no-deposit offers. This means that new and existing customers must fund their accounts with real money deposits. 

• Legality in the US

  • Sweepstakes casinos: Due to the lack of regulations on social casinos, sweepstakes casinos are offered in every US state except Washington. Currently, Idaho is the only state that allows these products, but only gold coins can be used.

  • Real-money online casinos: iCasino legislation has moved much slower than sports betting legislation. While multiple states are in the process of passing an iCasino bill, only seven states currently offer real-money online casinos. 

• Regulations

  • Sweepstakes casinos: As of right now, sweepstakes casinos are not regulated, but moving forward, it seems as if states are trying to change that.

  • Real-money online casinos: All real-money online casinos need to be licensed by the state they are operating in and follow all regulations that each state’s gambling governing body sets forth. 

• Social elements & features

  • Sweepstakes casinos: One of the most defining features of social casinos is the ability to interact with other users and compete alongside them in tournaments or contests. Users can also see where other bettors are placed on leaderboards and may have the possibility to speak with them through chat rooms.

  • Real-money online casinos: When using a licensed online casino, bettors primarily use the site to make money. While minor social elements may factor into a live dealer game, they do not play a significant role in the product.

• Promotions

  • Sweepstakes casinos: With the in-app currency being used, sweepstakes casinos tend to offer very generous promos to new and existing customers, including a wide range of gold coins and some sweeps coins upon sign-up, along with daily log-in bonuses.

  • Real-money online casinos: Bettors using iCasinos will find a wide range of offers and promotions, but they typically require some sort of action, such as a first deposit or first wager. Some online casinos will offer free spins on slots, but all possible winnings will have a rollover requirement.

Sweeps coins, gold coins, free to play - what’s the deal?

There are two forms of in-app currency on sweepstakes casinos, both with different purposes. Each sweepstakes casino has gold coins, which can be easily acquired through new customer offers, daily log-in bonuses, or purchases on the app. However, gold coins cannot be redeemed for gift cards or real-money prizes and are strictly used for free play.

On the other hand, sweeps coins, or whatever a product calls its premium currency, can be redeemed for real money prizes or gift cards after the wagering requirements are met. Sweep coins can be acquired during a new customer offer or through an in-app purchase through a coin bundle, but they can never be purchased individually due to the laws sweepstakes casinos must follow.

Users of sweepstakes casinos do not have to use sweeps coins if they do not want to; they can play entirely for free by using gold coins.

Redeeming sweeps coins for real money - step-by-step guide

When it comes time to redeem sweeps coins and convert them into real money or gift cards, the process is quite simple. However, it is essential to note that the number of withdrawal methods available at each sweepstakes casino will vary and likely will not be as extensive as the list of payment methods when making an in-app purchase.

Customers should also always ensure they adhere to any wager or rollover requirements for their sweep coins. These requirements prevent customers from receiving sweep coins through a coin bundle and immediately redeeming them. Most sweep coins must be used at least once to become eligible for redemption, but that number will vary by product.

1. Log in to the preferred sweepstakes casino app.

2. Find and select the “Redeem” tab. (Name may vary by app)

3. Enter how much you are looking to redeem.

4. Find a payment method that works best and complete the transaction.

   • Some sites may require ID verification to finish the transaction. 

5. Customers could also select gift cards instead of cash options if available.

Purchasing gold coins - this is how you do it

To purchase more gold coins at sweepstakes casinos, customers must access the in-app marketplace (the marketplace name will vary). Once in the marketplace, customers can browse the different bundles and packages available. Some coin packages may include free sweep coins, while others are strictly gold coins. The minimum and maximum number of coins in each deal and the price of those packages will change depending on the product.

For example, a package of 50,000 gold coins and five sweep coins could cost $5.99 on one app and $7.99 on another.

1. Open the preferred sweepstakes casino app. 

2. Enter the marketplace and browse the different offers & packages.

3. If looking for sweep coins as well, then make sure to select a package that includes free sweep coins. 

4. Once an ideal package is found, click on it.

5. Browse the payment methods and select the one you want to complete the transaction.

Typically available payment methods

To purchase more in-app currency, customers using a sweepstakes casino can typically use the same payment methods they would for a real-money online casino. These methods include credit/debit cards, eWallets such as Skrill, mobile wallets like Apple Pay, and Trustly for online banking.

Customers can choose the method that best suits their needs. An e-wallet may be the best option for extra security and quick transactions. Using a credit or debit card is never a bad option, either, but there are always the potential fees associated with this method. Just like it would at the grocery store, using a method like Apple Pay could make the process of completing a transaction go a bit faster.

Sweepstakes & social casino promotions - Free sweeps coins

Building and maintaining a bankroll is a significant aspect of gambling, and that does not change just because a bettor is using a sweepstakes casino. Through promotions and bonuses, customers can get a nice head start on building their bankroll, as most new customer offers will include a varying amount of gold and sweep coins upon sign-up.

The number of gold and sweep coins a new customer receives will depend entirely on the sweepstakes casino they use. Once a customer does create an account, though, their ability to receive free in-app currency through promos doesn’t stop. Existing customers can build their bankroll by taking advantage of daily log-in bonuses, participating in tournaments & contests, or simply referring a friend to the app.

Some bonuses for existing customers may only be available if a customer is looking to buy coin packages. On a wide range of products, customers can utilize bonuses that give them double the amount of gold and sweep coins they paid for. All in all, the ability to build a bankroll on sweepstakes casino is entirely possible with promotions, but like in most cases, some products are much more generous with bonus offers than others.

Welcome & signup bonuses

Like most online gambling platforms, sweepstakes casinos rely on new customer promotions. In a crowded and competitive market, a substantial welcome bonus can help a product stand out. Most sweepstakes casino new customer bonuses are straightforward: Upon sign-up, customers typically receive a mix of gold and sweep coins.

Some products offer more gold coins for new customers, while others offer a few more sweep coins. Some sweepstakes casinos also offer a first-purchase match as part of their welcome offer, which allows customers to get double the gold and sweep coins they paid for. Users value each new customer offer differently depending on what they are looking for. For example, a new user who just wants to play for free may look to find the bonus offer with the most gold coins upon sign-up.

Daily login bonuses

One of the best ways to keep customers returning is to offer them free coins whenever they sign into the app. With daily login bonuses, customers typically receive a varying amount of in-app currency when they open the product for the first time each day.

These bonuses allow customers to always have some sort of bankroll to play with, and they also can incentivize customers to keep coming back. Many products will even increase the daily log-in bonus based on the number of days in a row the customer has logged into the app.

Gold & sweeps coin bundles

Customers on sweepstake casinos do not need to rely on daily log-in bonuses or promotions to acquire more in-app currency. The ability to purchase packages of in-app currency is fully available. Within the marketplace, customers can find various coin packages for each product, including either gold coins or gold & sweep coins.

Sweep coins cannot be bought individually, so they must always be purchased in a bundle with gold coins. Most of the time, the more gold coins in a bundle will lead to more sweep coins being rewarded for the purchase. For example, on The Money Factory, a package of 32.000 gold coins costs $7.99 and includes 32 free sweep coins upon purchase.

Mail-in sweepstakes offers

Looking for an alternative way to obtain sweep coins without purchasing a coin bundle? Well, on a wide range of sweepstakes casinos, users can take advantage of mail-in offers, which provide customers with free sweep coins or other prizes. To obtain the free coins, customers will need to follow the specific instructions set by the sweepstakes casino.

For example, on Stake.us, customers can send in an unfolded white piece of paper with a specific phrase written on it, and they will receive five sweep coins. If the instructions are not followed identically, then the customer will not receive their credits and will need to try again, which is why reading through all terms and conditions is very important.

Tournaments, leaderboards & contests

Tournaments and contests on sweepstake casinos allow customers to win even more free prizes, such as gold & sweep coins, and more. How these events are run will depend on which product a customer is using, but for the most part, sweepstake casinos will offer a range of daily, weekly, and specialty tournaments/contests that customers can choose from.

There are typically three categories of tournaments: slot tournaments, multiplier tournaments, and prize drops. In slot tournaments, customers play slots within a given time frame in an attempt to rack up points and climb leaderboards. The higher up on the leaderboard a player is after the tournament closes, the higher their prize of gold or sweep coins may be. It is important to always check the details before entering a tournament to ensure that a customer is playing the right games and using the correct currency.

Raffles & giveaways

Participating in select games on certain sweepstake casinos can result in customers being entered into raffles for giveaways. While not all sweepstake casinos will offer this option, the ones that do give away a nice selection of prizes for the customers who are in the raffles. These prizes could include in-app currency packages, free sweep coins, and physical prizes such as gift cards and more.

Refer a friend promos

If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to increase your bankroll on a sweepstake casino, then a refer-a-friend promo is a good place to start. These offers allow existing customers to invite friends to sign up for the app using a specific link or promo code. When the new customer uses that link to create an account, the existing customer will be awarded a range of prizes, including free spins or gold coins of varying amounts.

All sweepstakes casino games listed - What can I actually play?

Sweepstakes casinos may have a few key differences from licensed online casinos, but the number of games offered is not one of them. Users of sweepstakes casinos will be able to find a wide range of slots, along with table games such as blackjack, roulette, baccarat, craps, and more.

Most of those aforementioned table games can also be found in live dealer format as well. Aside from the games that most people think of when they hear casino, a wide range of sweepstakes casinos also offer scratchcards, crash games, fish games, Slingo, bingo, and even games such as game show style games like live-dealer wheel of fortune or dice games.

Each of the games available on sweepstakes casinos varies in RTP or return to player, which is the percentage of how much a bettor will get back when playing a game. The RTP for games will change based on the casino, so bettors should also keep that in mind before playing. Additionally, just because a casino brands a game with a high RTP does not mean the customer will have success every time they play it.

Slots

The use of sweepstake casinos does not change the structure or premise of slot games. The only key difference between slots on licensed online casinos and sweepstake casinos is that sweepstake casinos offer the option to play for fun through gold coins, while licensed online casinos require real money wagering.

Most sweepstakes casinos offer slots developed by companies such as Pragmatic Play, NetEnt, and Chetu. The number of slots available from these developers and others will vary depending on the product. For example, Mega Bonanza has over 1,200 games available on the app, most of which are slots. While that is slightly above average, we would consider 600+ slot games to be a quality amount.

Top 5 sweepstakes casinos with the best slots selection

1. HelloMillions

2. PlayFame

3. Mega Bonanza

4. High 5 Casino

5. DingDingDing

Live dealer games

If bringing the casino into the living room is what a customer is looking for, then finding a sweepstake casino with live dealer games is a good place to start. Live dealer games are classic casino games run by a live dealer from a studio, giving customers the chance to interact with the dealer or other players in the room via chat. Of course, a reliable and stable internet connection is required to participate in these types of games.

The number of live casino games that a sweepstakes casino offers will vary, but customers will generally be able to find blackjack, baccarat, roulette, and additional wheel or dice games. Within each casino, bettors will likely find multiple rooms for each game, which are broken up by betting minimums & maximums or the style of the game.

Social casinos with most live dealer games

1. Stake.us

2. HelloMillions

3. McLuck

4. PlayFame

5. High 5 Casino

Table games

Table games are exceptionally popular at online casinos, which remains the case at sweepstakes casinos. These include card games such as blackjack and baccarat, as well as games like roulette or craps.

The way these games are played remains the same, except the currency being wagered is limited to the two forms of in-app currency. Much like slots on sweepstake casinos, playing these games with gold coins can result in winning more gold coins, but none of the winnings can be exchanged for real prizes. If table games are played with sweep coins, then the customers set themselves up for the potential of exchanging their winnings for real prizes.

Sweeps casinos with table games - top options

1. Stake.us

2. RealPrize

3. Pulsz

Jackpots

When you think of a casino, the word jackpot typically comes to mind, as people sitting at slot machines have one goal, and that is hitting the jackpot. Well, customers using sweepstake casinos can do the same by playing jackpot games.

Every time a jackpot slot is played, more gold and sweep coins are added to the jackpot. Customers can either win the maximum jackpot on these slots or win mini jackpots if that slot offers them. The size of the jackpot maximum multiplier and the number of jackpot slots on each sweepstake casino will vary. Still, some of the most popular jackpot games on the market include 777 Jackpot Diamond, Hot & Spicy Jackpot, Tiki Hut Megaways Jackpot, and Valkyrie Queen.

Megaways

Casino slots have been around for decades, but it wasn't until 2015 that they were revolutionized with the creation of Megaways slots. Traditional slots use fixed paylines, but with Megaway slots, the possibilities are endless, as they use a mechanism that changes the number of symbols on each reel on every spin. Instead of a set number of symbols on each spin, Megaways slots can offer between two to seven on each spin.

The variability of these slots allows customers to win in thousands of ways. Using dynamic and cascading reels, they offer a change of pace from traditional slots while also offering the potential for higher payouts. Some of the more popular Megways slots include Money Stacks, God of Olympus Megaways, and 5 Lions Megaways.

Enjoying sweepstakes casinos responsibly

The fact that sweepstakes casinos allow customers to play casino games without risking real money does not mean customers should ignore responsible gaming measures. Additionally, social sweepstakes are responsible for providing customers with resources to address any gambling addiction-related problems they may be having.

These resources or features may include the ability to set time and wager limits and the option to set up cool-off periods or session timeouts. If these options are not enough, customers can always check out additional resources, such as Gamblers Anonymous, the National Council on Problem Gambling, or any gambling problem-related site run by individual states.

Additional tips to stay in control of gambling include:

• Not risking anything you cannot afford to lose

• Setting a budget for purchasing coin packages 

• Utilize in-app tools for limiting time and deposit size

• Don’t be afraid to take time off from gambling