🤔 What is a sweepstakes casino?
In the ever-evolving iGaming industry, a notable innovation is the rise of sweepstakes casinos, also known as social casinos. These platforms blend the excitement of playing casino-style games with the potential to win prizes – hence the ‘sweepstakes’ element. However, it’s key to understand how these casinos differ from traditional
online casinos.
While both types of casinos offer a variety of games like slots, table games, and sometimes even live dealer games, the major difference lies in how you play. At sweepstakes casinos, you don’t wager or win real money directly, and no purchase is necessary to play.
Sweepstakes casinos have surged in popularity as an exciting alternative to traditional online gambling platforms. These sweep coin casinos offer players the chance to enjoy casino-style games without directly wagering real money. Instead, users purchase virtual currency called sweep coins, which can be used to play various sweepstakes casino games.
Many online sweepstakes casino real money USA sites provide opportunities for players to win real cash prizes that can be redeemed or withdrawn. Sweep coins casinos operate in a legal grey area, allowing them to serve customers in regions where conventional online gambling might be restricted. As the industry grows, more players are discovering the unique entertainment value offered by sweep coins casino platforms.
Some USA sweepstakes casino sites even allow users to play sweepstakes casino games for free, giving newcomers a chance to experience the thrill before committing. With the rise of online sweepstakes casinos, players now have more options than ever to enjoy casino-style gaming from the comfort of their homes.
⚙️ Joining a sweepstakes casino
Becoming a member of your preferred sweepstakes casino is a very simple task. As a matter of fact, you’ll find that this step-by-step guide is
almost
universal and can be followed as soon as you’ve found your perfect match.
- Work your way through the banners on this page to find an ideal place to play online
- Make note of whether you need to enter our exclusive promo code ‘JAXON’ before clicking on the links within our reviews
- Choose to ‘register’ or ‘sign up’ on the desktop site or download the mobile app
- Select whether you wish to join by sharing a few personal details or by linking one of your social media accounts
- Read through the terms and conditions before creating your new player account
- Head on over to your email account to verify your details
- Return to your chosen sweepstakes casino and log back into your account
- Find your new customer offer ready and waiting for you
👀 Our break down of the best Social Casinos have to offer in 2024
| ⭐ Best Sweepstakes Casino |
Stake.us |
| 🎲 Best New Sweeps Casino |
McLuck |
| 💰 Best Sweeps Casino Bonus |
WOW Vegas |
| 🎰 Top Sweepstakes Casino Game |
Stake Crash |
| 📱 Best Sweepstakes Casino App |
Fliff |
✍🏻 History of sweepstakes casinos
To understand the history of sweepstakes casinos, we must first explore the broader history of sweepstakes, particularly in the United States. While some forms of sweepstakes date back to the early 20th century, their popularity surged in the 1950s when major US brands launched campaigns that enticed people to purchase products with the chance of winning prizes.
These marketing campaigns featured valuable rewards, and participants simply had to buy a product, send proof of purchase and application forms by mail, and they could potentially win a prize such as a car, an exotic vacation, or cash.
With the advent of computers and the Internet, sweepstakes transitioned online, allowing companies to reach a wider audience. Participating in these online sweepstakes became much easier, paving the way for online sweepstakes casinos to emerge as a legal alternative to real-money casinos.
👌🏼 How to register at sweepstakes casinos
Registering at sweepstakes social casinos is similar to other casinos, with the key difference being that you don’t make real money deposits. Instead, you claim a welcome bonus in Gold Coins or purchase them in predetermined packages. Here are the steps to register and play at a sweepstakes casino:
- Select a Sweepstakes Casino: Choose from the sweepstakes casinos listed on this page. If you prefer real money casinos, visit our Casinos section.
- Register: Follow the registration steps on the casino website.
- Claim a Welcome Bonus: Most casinos offer Gold Coins as a welcome bonus.
- Buy Gold Coins: Purchase Gold Coins through packages, which may include free Sweeps Coins as a bonus. Gold Coins are used to play games and are not redeemable.
- Select a Game: Choose a game to play at the sweepstakes casino.
- Win Sweeps Coins: You can win Sweeps Coins by playing games or participating in social tournaments. Sweeps Coins cannot be purchased but can be redeemed for real cash prizes.
🤔 How does a sweepstakes casino work?
Sweepstakes casinos operate without real cash bets. Instead, players receive a welcome bonus containing Gold Coins (and sometimes Sweeps Coins) when they create an account. These coins are used to play games at the casino.
Players typically receive a daily bonus of Gold Coins when they log in. If more Gold Coins are needed, they can be purchased, often with bonus Sweeps Coins included. All bets at a sweepstakes casino are made in Gold Coins, and prizes can be won in Sweeps Coins, which are redeemable for real cash according to casino rules. The games themselves are similar to those found in regular casinos, but they are played with virtual currency rather than real money.
💡 Understanding the virtual currencies at sweepstakes casinos online
At sweepstakes casinos, instead of using real money, you play with virtual currencies typically named Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins. The primary difference between them is that Gold Coins are used just for fun and can’t be redeemed, while Sweepstakes Coins can be redeemed for real life prizes like gift cards, merchandise, and cash.
Sweepstakes Coins aren’t available for direct purchase. The way you obtain these virtual currencies also differs. Sometimes there are
sweepstakes casinos promo codes
that give the player coins for completing certain tasks, or you acquire them through free bonuses, giveaways, or by winning them when playing games. Gold Coins, however, can be purchased in bundles. A great perk here is that when you purchase Gold Coins, you often receive Sweepstakes Coins as a free bonus.
🪙 Releasing free virtual tokens and making GC purchases
Almost all sweepstakes casinos will make use of two virtual currencies, allowing you to soon toggle between fun and promotional play.
Gold Coins are fun coins, holding no real-world value. Sweepstakes Coins are promotional coins, allowing you to win more through gameplay and later exchange these winnings for prizes. Gold Coins can be won by playing games, purchased from the store, and unlocked through free-to-release promotions. Sweepstakes Coins, on the other hand, can never directly be purchased, but you may find your chosen sweepstakes casino released free SC as part of a bonus for making a GC package purchase.
Legally, sweepstakes casinos are expected to present you with the chance to play Vegas-style games for free. So, you will receive a set number of Gold Coins and Sweepstakes Coins as soon as you register, alongside various other promotions throughout your time online. As touched upon, you can also purchase Gold Coins. This step-by-step guide should walk you through the process.
- Click on ‘Get Coins’ or ‘Buy’
- Filter through the available GC packages
- Select your GC package bundle
- Pass any additional verification checks
- Choose your preferred payment method
- Submit your payment
- Wait for your Gold Coins (and any free SC) to be added to your account
🤔 The prize redemption process
Understandably, one of the most popular aspects of playing at a sweepstakes casino is the prospect of leaving with prizes. That’s right – you can play at these types of gaming platforms for free and still leave with vouchers, merchandise, cash prizes, and more.
Of course, it isn’t just a case of loading up your favorite casino-style games, waiting for a win, and reaping the benefits. You’ll usually need to meet some minimum requirements, play through your winnings, and pass various checks. Although the specifics of these limits will vary from platform to platform, this step-by-step guide will show you how to redeem prizes at any credible sweepstakes platform.
- Switch to promotional play and load up your favorite games
- Play your preferred titles with Sweepstakes Coins
- Use your SC winnings to continue playing casino-style games
- Play through SC won through gameplay at least once
- Meet the prize minimum redemption limit
- Click ‘redeem’
- Select the number of eligible SC won through gameplay that you wish to exchange for prizes
- Choose your preferred prize and work through the KYC checks
- Submit your prize redemption request
⚖ Are sweepstakes casinos legal in the US?
Navigating the legality of online gambling in the US can be tricky due to various laws and regulations. While real money casinos are only legal in a handful of states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, they’re still illegal in many others, including Alabama, Alaska, California, Missouri, North Dakota, and South Carolina.
As
legal sweepstakes casinos
don’t involve wagering real money, they’re not classified as gambling sites in the eyes of the law.
That’s why online sweepstakes casinos are legal in 49 US states, with Washington being the only exception. Therefore, if you’re in a state where real money casinos are off-limits, sweepstakes casinos serve as a legal way for you to enjoy casino-style gaming and even redeem your virtual winnings for real prizes.
💵 Comparing real money casinos with sweepstakes casinos
I’ve put together a comparison table to help you better understand the difference between real money casinos and sweepstakes casinos. This table breaks down the key differences, focusing on aspects like the currencies they use, the variety of gaming options they offer, and the prizes you can win.
| Feature ❓ | Sweepstakes casinos 🎰 | Real money casinos 💰 |
| Currency used | Virtual currencies (e.g., Gold Coins, Sweepstakes Coins) | Real money |
| Wagering options | No real money wagering, and no purchase necessary | Deposit and wager with real money |
| Game types | Slots, table games, and sometimes live dealer games | Slots, table games, live dealer games, and more |
| Legality in the US | Legal in 49 US states (except Washington) | Legal only in certain states (e.g., Michigan, Pennsylvania, New Jersey) |
| Prizes | Redeem SC winnings for prizes like gift cards, merchandise, and cash | Win real money |
| Purpose | Entertainment with the chance to redeem virtual winnings for real prizes | Gambling with the chance to win real money |
🎰 Common features found at the best social casinos
Just like with real money casinos, not every social or sweepstakes casino is the same. Each one has its own unique features and functionalities. However, the top sweepstakes casinos do share some common traits, like a broad selection of games, a user-friendly interface, prize redemption options, engaging social features, and a strong commitment to safety and fairness. Below, I’ve gone into more detail about these features to explain how I find the best social casinos out there.
One of the main reasons to sign up at a sweepstakes casino is, of course, to play casino-style games. That’s why I always focus on sites that offer a diverse range of games from top developers.
This includes a selection of slots and jackpot games, classic table games like blackjack and roulette, and even the occasional live dealer games, which, while rare at most sites, can be found at the best social casinos such as Stake.us.
A lot of people join social casino sites simply to enjoy the games, but the option to redeem virtual currency for real life prizes can significantly enhance the overall experience. That’s why I always keep an eye out for social casinos that offer redeemable prizes. This could be anything from gift cards and cash rewards to other kinds of prizes like merchandise. The chance to win something tangible can really enhance the entire experience.
No one likes a poorly designed website. In fact, even if a site has all the best games, bonuses, and prize redemption options, a website that’s difficult to navigate, has sluggish loading speeds, and isn’t well optimized for mobile devices will negatively affect the user experience to the point where it won’t even be worth signing up. Because of this, I always test the sweeps casinos and
social gaming apps
I recommend thoroughly to ensure that they are fit for purpose.
Given that social casinos aren’t bound by the same licensing requirements as traditional
online gambling sites, they face fewer regulations, which can sometimes lead to some shortcuts. To counter this, I make it a priority to recommend only those social casinos that have strong security measures in place. This includes the use of SSL encryption and firewall software, ensuring that your personal and financial information remains secure and protected.
All of the best social casinos will provide a fair gaming experience. They achieve this through the use of random number generators, which guarantee fair game results. Additionally, many of the top sweepstakes casinos I recommend feature ‘provably fair’ games. This means you can verify the games’ fairness before you play.
🦅 All legit US sweepstakes casinos (with bonus codes)
| Sweepstakes Casino Site |
Welcome Bonus Amount |
Get Bonus |
| Stake.us |
$55 Stake Cash + 260K Gold Coins + 5% Rakeback |
JAXONSOCIAL |
| McLuck |
Up to 27.5 Free Sweepstakes Coins + 57.500 Gold Coins |
None Needed |
| High 5 Casino |
5 Sweeps Coins + 250 Game Coins + 600 Diamonds |
None Needed |
| WOW Vegas |
1.75 million WOW Coins + 35 Free Sweepstakes Coins |
None Needed |
| Pulsz.com |
367,000 Gold Coins + FREE 32.3 Sweepstakes Coins |
None Needed |
| Sweeptastic |
Get 55,000 Lucky Coins and 34 Sweeps Coins with first purchase |
None Needed |
| Pulsz Bingo |
5,000 Gold Coins + 2.3 Free Sweepstakes Coins |
None Needed |
| Vegas Gems |
1000 Gems + 50% Extra gems On Your First Shards Purchase |
JAXONGG |
| BetRivers.Net |
Daily Wheel free to win up to 1,000 VC$ |
None Needed |
| Golden Hearts Games |
250,000 Gold Coins + 500 FREE Sweeps Coins + 100% Sweeps Coins |
None Needed |
| Fortune Coins |
Claim Your Free 650,000 Gold Coins & 1,400 Sweeps Coins |
None Needed |
| LuckyBird |
FREE 0.98 SCS + 5000 GC + 3 Treasure Chest and 100% Purchase Bonus |
None Needed |
| Funrize |
FREE 3750 SC + 900K Coins and 125K No Deposit Bonus |
None Needed |
| Skillz Games |
$3 SWEEPSTAKES COUPONS + 3,000 COINS FOR FREE |
JAXONSCS |
| NoLimitCoins |
FREE 1.25M GC and 6000 SC + 325K GC and 500 SC No Deposit bonus |
None Needed |
| Hello Millions |
3.7 SC for Free + 16.5k GC |
None Needed |
🪙 Virtual currencies: Test strategies, play for fun, and reap the rewards
As touched upon, social casinos will make use of one play-for-fun virtual currency, while sweepstakes casinos utilize two. Although these virtual tokens offer a fairly similar experience across the board, it is important to understand the clear differences between them. Not only is it worth understanding how your Gold Coins and Sweepstakes Coins work, but it is also important to note that the way you use Gold Coins will differ depending on whether you play at a social or sweepstakes casino.
💳 Available payment methods
As you should already know by now, you don’t need to make a purchase to play at a sweepstakes casino. That said, you may find a number of impressive Gold Coin packages up for grabs, including first-time purchase promotions. If you wish to take advantage of this, you’ll want to consider the available payment methods.
Nowadays, it isn’t uncommon to find a number of payment options beyond traditional debit and credit cards. These could include popular payment providers like PayPal and Neteller or even cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum.
While selecting your next place to play, I would suggest taking all of this into account. As with real-money gambling platforms, you may find that fees or specific limits apply. Plus, it is important to consider whether certain methods are accepted as potential prizes. As your details are already stored, this could make the whole process of redeeming your Sweepstakes Coins won through gameplay all the more streamlined.
🥇
The best sweepstakes casinos online
I’ve personally tried and tested a wide range of well-established and
new sweeps casinos
and I’ve concluded that Stake.us, Wow Vegas, and High 5 Games are currently the best sweepstakes casinos to play at.
These sites stand out with their diverse game selections, redeemable prizes, user-friendly interfaces, and high levels of security and fairness. To help you find the one that best suits your gaming preferences, I’ve put together reviews of each of these online sweepstakes casinos for you.
1. Stake.us
Pros & Cons
- Exclusive Stake Originals
- Loyalty program
- Provably fair games
- Legal in most US states
I’ve found that
Stake.us
is one of the best social casinos to play at. There’s a lot to like about this site: its intuitive interface, provably fair games, and the chance to redeem prizes. But it’s not just these features that set Stake.us apart in a crowded market.
One of the highlights is the game library. Not only does it boast hundreds of slots and table games from renowned developers like Pragmatic Play and Hacksaw, but it also offers live dealer games – a rarity in the social casino scene.
Additionally, Stake.us presents its own in-house developed games, known as Stake Originals. These are modern twists on casino classics like Dice, Hilo, and Plinko, with some games offering RTPs as high as 99%. If you haven’t signed up yet, there’s an exclusive offer up for grabs too: a 5% rakeback, $1 SC, and 10,000 Gold Coins.
$55 Stake Cash + 260K Gold Coins + 5% Rakeback
Stake.us Highlights
- Hundreds of top-quality slots
- Stake Originals, including Crash
- Live dealer games
2. WOW Vegas
Pros & Cons
- Industry-leading software
- Redeem real cash prizes
- Diverse slot selection
- Free coins for signing up
- Unavailable in WA, NV, and ID
WOW Vegas
ranks as one of my top picks for sweepstakes casinos online, and I highly recommend it for all types of players. But don’t just take my word for it. The casino has amassed hundreds of thousands of members and numerous positive reviews, making it stand out as a community favorite.
WOW Vegas has an impressive portfolio of games featuring over 700 casino-style games from top software providers like Betsoft and Pragmatic Play. Standout titles include popular slots like Sugar Rush, Big Bass Bonanza, and Wilds of Fortune, but new titles are added weekly to keep things fresh and exciting.
Beyond its rich game selection, the site is designed with the user in mind: sleek, intuitive, and backed by 24/7 customer support. This user-centric approach is a big reason for its popularity. If you’re thinking of joining, WOW Vegas welcomes you with 5,000 free coins to start your gaming journey.
35 SC FREE and 1.75M WOW Coins
Wow Vegas Highlights
- New player welcome bonus
- 800+ slot games
- Major game studios
3. High 5 Casino
Pros & Cons
- Award-winning casino
- App for iOS and Android
- World-famous slots
- Daily login bonuses
- The design could be improved
High 5 Casino
has solidified its spot as one of the most popular and well-known
sweepstakes casino apps, boasting an impressive player base of over 30 million. Its reputation is further solidified by numerous awards, including the prestigious EGR Top Social Casino 2023 award, underscoring its legitimacy and status in the industry.
High 5 Casino has become popular for its ‘no purchase necessary’ model and the opportunity to redeem real cash prizes. But its extensive game library truly sets it apart, featuring world-famous slots from industry leaders like IGT and High 5 Games.
Among my personal favorites are Arctic Sky, with its 1024 ways to win, Hollywood Queen, known for its stacked and expanding wilds, and Nordic Kings, which is popular for its unique split symbols feature.
5 SC FREE + 250 Game Coins and 600 Diamonds
High5Casino Highlights
- 1200+ Games, Slots & Live Dealer Games!
- FREE Daily Rewards
- Authentic brand, made in the USA
- Claim free coins
⚔️ Sweepstakes casinos vs. Social casinos
Although often used interchangeably, you will find a few clear differences between sweepstakes and social casinos. Both fall under the sweepstakes legal header, allowing you to play casino-style games for free across most parts of the US. This table will uncover what else you can expect along the way.
| Sweepstakes Casinos |
Social Casinos
|
| Often uses two virtual currencies, allowing you to play for fun or in promotional mode |
Makes use of one play-for-fun currency, often called Gold Coins |
| Legal in most US states; however, state-specific laws must be followed |
Legal in all US states, excluding Washington |
| Gold Coins can only be used for fun. Sweepstakes Coins won through gameplay can later be redeemed for prizes. |
All Vegas-style titles are deemed to be skill-based games |
| The biggest appeal is the prospect of leaving with real prizes |
The biggest appeal is the prospect of playing the latest games without using money |
💵Comparing real money casinos with sweepstakes casinos
Next, I’ve taken the time to put together a quick comparison table to help you better understand the differences between real money casinos, sweepstakes casinos, and social casino sites. This table breaks down the key differences, focusing on aspects like the currencies they use, the variety of gaming options they offer, and the prizes you can (or can’t) win.
| Feature ❓ |
Sweepstakes casinos 🎰 |
Social casinos 💰 |
Real money casinos 💰 |
| Currency used |
Virtual currencies (e.g., Gold Coins, Sweepstakes Coins) |
Gold Coins only |
Real money |
| Wagering options |
No real money wagering, and no purchase necessary |
No real money wagering, and no purchase necessary |
Deposit and wager with real money |
| Game types |
Slots, table games, and sometimes live dealer games |
Slots, table games, live dealer games, and more |
Slots, table games, live dealer games, and more |
| Legality in the US |
Legal in most US states (except Washington, Idaho, Nevada, and Michigan) |
Legal in 49 US states (except Washington) |
Legal only in certain states (e.g., Michigan, Pennsylvania, New Jersey) |
| Prizes |
Redeem SC winnings for prizes like gift cards, merchandise, and cash |
None. Play for fun only |
Win real money |
| Purpose |
Entertainment with the chance to redeem virtual winnings for real prizes |
Entertainment purposes |
Gambling with the chance to win real money |
🎲 The best sweepstakes casinos are revolutionizing the iGaming industry
Sweepstakes casinos like Stake.us, Wow Vegas, and High 5 Casino are at the forefront of innovation in iGaming. With no purchase required to get in on the action, they offer a legal alternative to real money online casinos, especially in areas where online gambling is off-limits.
While you can still enjoy a wide range of games, including slots, table games, and even live dealer games, these platforms differentiate themselves with their use of virtual currencies like Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins. The best part is that Sweepstakes Coins can be redeemed for tangible prizes like cash and gift cards.
🏆 Our favorite sweepstake casino bonuses for 2024
1.
5 SC FREE + 250 Game Coins and 600 Diamonds
Players from United States of America accepted
Requirements (WR): 1x Bonus
2.
25 SC FREE and 57.5K Gold Coins
Players from United States of America accepted
3.
27.5 SC FREE and 57.5K Gold Coins
Players from United States of America accepted
Requirements (WR): 1x Bonus
4.
$55 Stake Cash + 260K Gold Coins + 5% Rakeback
Players from United States of America accepted
Requirements (WR): 3x
5.
Purchase Offer: 20 SC FREE and 100K Gold Coins
Players from United States of America accepted
Min. Deposit: 20
❓ Best sweepstakes casinos FAQ
🏆 How do I find the best sweepstakes casino to play at?
Consider factors like game variety, prize redemption options, user interface, safety, and fairness to find a sweepstakes casino worth playing at. There are even some
sports betting sites
that operate under the sweepstakes model too, if that takes your fancy. Based on these factors, sites like Stake.us, WOW Vegas, and High 5 Casino stand out in a competitive market.
🥇 What are the best sweepstake casinos?
I’ve rated sweepstakes casinos like Stake.us, WOW Vegas, and High 5 Casino as the best sites to play at. This is because they provide diverse game selections, offer redeemable prizes, have user-friendly interfaces, and a strong commitment to security and fairness.
🎰 What are sweepstakes casinos?
Sweepstakes casinos are iGaming platforms where you can play casino-style games using virtual currencies, with opportunities to redeem your virtual winnings for real life prizes.
⚖️ Are sweepstakes casinos legal in the US?
Yes, sweepstakes casinos are legal in 49 US states, with Washington being the only exception. This is because no real money is wagered or won directly at these platforms.
❓ How do virtual currencies work at sweepstakes casinos?
Instead of playing with real money, sweepstakes casinos use virtual currencies like Gold Coins and Sweepstakes Coins. While Gold Coins are used for entertainment purposes only, Sweepstakes Coins can be redeemed for real cash prizes.
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