The latest trend in online gambling? It’s sweepstakes casinos. These have taken the US by storm. Their unique take on all of the favorite casino games has introduced a whole new generation of players to iGaming with a difference.
So, what are sweepstakes casinos? And why are they so popular? Let’s find out.
Sweepstakes Casinos – A Brief Introduction
Do you like the idea of trying out a casino but worry about the financial aspect of it? Are you a beginner? Or do you worry you won’t control your spending well? It’s time to meet the sweepstakes casino.
These platforms recreate the casino experience without the real gambling element. This means they’re also becoming popular in states where real-money gambling isn’t allowed.
Here’s how it works:
How Sweepstakes Casinos Work
Most sweepstakes casinos work in the same way. There are usually two types of on-site currency: sweeps coins and gold coins. When you sign up, you receive free gold coins. These can be used to play a range of games, such as:
- Slots.
- Table games like blackjack.
- Poker.
- Bingo-style games.
If you run out of gold coins (GC), you can normally log in again the next day or do some challenges to receive some more. Most platforms allow you to buy coins to help you continue playing. Most players don’t need to buy them, though, because there are many ways to get them for free.
Then there are sweeps coins, or SC. You can get these in a range of ways – through tournaments, promotions or as a bonus (when you buy gold coins). You can exchange sweeps coins for real money prizes or gift cards. You can’t do this with gold coins. So, effectively, you can win a real reward without a direct, real-money wager.
So, What’s the Appeal?
Several aspects of sweeps casinos make them appealing:
- They’re accessible. Almost anyone in the US can use a sweepstakes casino. You can have fun if you are in a state that doesn’t allow online casinos.
- They’re low risk. Compared to real-money online casinos, sweepstakes casinos are a risk-free way to enjoy games without worrying about a significant financial loss.
- They offer variety. There is everything from classic slots to live dealer games. Every player is catered for.
- You can win real rewards. Although players don’t directly gamble with real money, you can still win a cash prize or a gift card. This adds more excitement to your experience.
The chances of winning go by the same principles as traditional online casinos. Random number generators mean gameplay is fair. But since no real money is wagered, the focus is entertainment. The idea of winning sweeps coins makes it more exciting. Being able to convert these coins into real-world, tangible prizes distinguishes sweepstakes casinos from traditional ones.
What About the Legal Side of Things?
One of the biggest reasons for the popularity of sweepstakes casinos? They’re legal in many places where gambling isn’t. In the US, online gambling laws are decided by each state. Sweepstakes casinos have their own rules. They’re considered similar to contests at a restaurant or a store.
The legal distinction of these means that sweepstakes casinos can exist in most states. The only exceptions (at the time of writing) are Washington, Michigan and Montana. In Idaho, they’re allowed but players can’t win cash prizes.
Reputable sweepstakes casinos are still bound by strict regulations. They are required to be transparent in their operations and must protect players in the same way a real-money casino has to.
But is Their Legality in Doubt?
Only seven states allow real-money gambling at online casinos in the US, so many love being able to use sweepstakes casinos. They certainly fill a void here.
Although some did originate offshore, many native platforms now also exist. It’s a nascent industry. And it’s one that’s grown hugely, with around $11.4 billion coming in from player purchases.
There has also been a handful of lawsuits against casino-style sweepstakes games (ones that use entries to join in and potentially win an amount equivalent to X dollars), with verdicts saying they were illegal gambling.
Their legality, for some, is dubious. But the sites continue to operate unimpeded. Unregulated sites are where the focus is. As it is with legal online casinos, too – those that encourage the use of a VPN to be able to access them, for example. So, a word of warning. If you want to use a sweepstakes casino, you should afford the same due care and attention when choosing where to play as you would a real-money platform.
What Should You Look for in a Sweepstakes Casino?
With so many sweepstakes casinos now live in the US, how do you pick a good one? Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Licensing and transparency. Reputable sweepstakes casinos will publish their T&Cs clearly. Look for ones that give you full details about how sweeps coins work, how to redeem prizes and what limits there are.
- User experience. Smooth navigation. Fast load times. Mobile compatibility. These are all green flags. The best platforms offer both desktop and app versions. Choose one that satisfies your needs.
- Game variety. Prefer slots? Make sure there’s a wide selection from reputable providers. Table games more your thing? Check that there’s enough to suit. If you like live dealers, you’ll need to look for those too.
- Free coin options. Some sites are more generous. They may give you daily free coins or have regular promotional giveaways. This can make a big difference to how long and how often you can play without spending a cent.
- Redemption policies. Always read the small print. While sweeps coins can often be redeemed for cash or gift cards, sites may have specific thresholds or identity checks before you can cash out.
- Community and support. The best sites offer player forums, regular promotions and accessible customer support. These help build trust and make the experience feel more social and engaging.
- Compare platforms before signing up. Even if you’ve found a platform you like, it’s a good idea to check how it fares against others. You can find a regularly updated list of options with welcome offers on WSN’s new sweepstakes casinos list.
Sweepstakes Casinos Final Thoughts
Take them for what they’re meant to be: a way of having fun playing online casino games. They’re not designed to win you the big bucks, even if they do offer cash prizes. But you should also know that many casino game developers let you try out their games anyway in demo mode. So there’s always that option too!
