Sweepstakes casinos – sometimes referred to as social casinos, or simply sweeps casinos – offer slots and table games, but without real money wagering. That means games are completely free-to-play, with no purchase or deposit required. However, if you want to, there’s a second gameplay mode that makes it possible to win cash prizes or gift cards.
Confused? Let’s learn more about how sweepstakes casinos work.
How sweeps and social casinos work
Every sweepstakes casino features two virtual currencies. These tokens have no value outside of that particular site’s ecosystem. They exist purely as a way to play slots and table games.
How “Gold Coins” work
The first of these tokens enables you to play for free. They’re usually called Gold Coins, though some sites use a different name. At WOW Vegas, for instance, they’re known as WOW Coins. All new registrants receive a number of tokens as a welcome bonus, with no need to make a purchase.
You’ll use them to play games and, if you win, you’ll acquire more of these coins. By playing in this mode, there is literally no risk involved.
How “Sweeps Coins” work
The twist with a sweepstakes casino lies in its second virtual currency, which is often called Sweeps Coins. Again, some sites name them a little differently – like Fortune Coins, for instance – but the idea is always the same.
If you switch to this mode, you’re still playing with a fictional token that you haven’t paid to obtain. However, if you’re able to win enough Sweeps Coins, you can redeem them for cash prizes.
Pros and Cons of playing at a sweeps casino
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| ✔️ Wide variety of slots. All good sweepstakes casinos offer hundreds of slots, including progressive jackpots. | ❌ Fewer games. Sweepstakes sites are usually smaller than their traditional counterparts. Live casino games are rare. |
| ✔️ A more sociable experience. The emphasis of a sweepstake site is on fun and community, rather than money. | ❌ Not real gambling. The lack of risk is the whole point of sweepstakes casinos. But for some players, that means less of a thrill. |
| ✔️ Totally risk-free. Although the option exists to purchase new coins, there’s never any obligation to spend. You can play for free. | ❌ Limited payment options. Coin redemption options are usually limited to gift cards, plus Visa and Mastercard. |
| ✔️ Frequent promotions. Expect free coin top-ups daily, plus all kinds of social media promotions and purchase discounts. | ❌ Bad choice for high-rollers. Anyone seeking to place larger bets would be better off at a traditional casino. |
| ✔️ Allowed in most states. Washington and Michigan don’t allow sweepstakes casinos, but almost every other US state does. | ❌ Unclear legal situation. In some US states, gambling legislation is still unclear regarding sweepstakes sites. |
Key features of sweeps or social casino
- Games like any other casino. All sweepstakes sites offer slots, just like a regular casino. Many also feature table games, scratch cards and even live casino games.
- Two virtual currencies. There are two different gameplay modes. One is purely for fun, while the other offers a chance to redeem coins for prizes.
- Play without purchase. The beauty of sweepstakes casinos is the ability to experience a real casino, with none of the financial risk.
- Daily login rewards. These sites offer lots of opportunities to earn free coins and keep the fun going. Daily login bonuses are extremely common.
- Mobile-friendly gaming. Although not every sweepstakes casino has an app, all of them boast websites that are designed with mobiles and tablets in mind.
- More socially focused. They’re often called “social casinos” for a reason. Expect lots of competitions, interactive events and busy social media communities.
Popular sweepstakes casino sites
Now that we understand more about sweepstakes casinos, it’s time to look at some of the leading sweepstake casino sites.
- WOW Vegas – With over 1,200 slots and millions of users, WOW Vegas is among the biggest sweepstakes casinos. It’s also one of the best around for bonuses, especially the signup offer.
- Stake.US – This cryptocurrency-focused sweepstakes site is related to Stake.com, the hugely successful international casino. Here, you’ll redeem your Stake Coins for crypto tokens like Bitcoin, Ethereum and Tether.
- Hello Millions – More than 700 games from some of the industry’s leading providers, including Pragmatic Play and Novomatic. Just 10 SC are required to cash in, one of the lowest redemption limits around.
- Chanced – With around 600 games to try, Chanced is one of the few social casinos with live dealer games. There’s also a rewarding loyalty program and 24/7 live chat support.
- Ding Ding Ding – Impressive library of more than 1,300 titles. Most are slots, but you can play table games, including blackjack, plus other forms of entertainment like bingo.
How to get started in under two minutes
Ready to dive in and play your first sweepstakes casino games? Here’s how to get started.
- Choose your casino: First, you’ll need to pick a sweepstakes site. We’ve recommended a number of the best examples to help you out. After reading our reviews, choose your casino and load up the homepage.
- Create an account: Next, you’ll need an account. Find the relevant button to open the registration form. This will usually be marked “Sign Up”, “Join” or similar, found near the top of the page. The best sweepstakes casinos make the process nice and easy. You’ll just need to add a few personal details, and you can often register instantly using a social media account.
- Claim your bonus: Almost all sweepstakes casinos immediately apply a welcome bonus. Read the terms and conditions though, as you may need to insert a special promo code. In addition, there’s usually a daily login reward that can also be redeemed right away.
- Make a purchase (optional): There’s never any obligation to spend money at a sweepstakes gaming site. However, if you want to, you may top up your welcome bonus with a purchase for more GC and SCs. The sweepstakes casinos offer a heavy discount when buying your first-ever coin package.
- Play a game: That’s all there is to it. Now that you have a new account full of coins, you’re free to play. Visit the lobby, browse the game library and have fun.
Safety and responsible gaming
Playing responsibly at a sweepstakes casino is just as important as any real money gambling site. Here are some tips to help you remain fully in control:
- Set time limits. Decide how long you want to play for, set an alarm and quit when your time is up.
- Budget properly. Never buy coins with money that’s earmarked for day-to-day spending. Keep a separate bankroll for your sweepstakes casino play.
- Consider spending limits. Most sweepstakes casinos allow you to configure a personalized daily, weekly or monthly purchase limit.
- Speak to support for help.
- Self-exclusion. If you’re losing control, take a temporary timeout of up to 30 days.
- Still having trouble? Contact support about a permanent self-exclusion.
- Contact the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) on 800-GAMBLER for free help and advice.
Legality of sweepstakes casinos
Is it legal? Most laws require real money gambling to involve three core elements:
- Chance: The outcome of the game is determined purely by luck.
- Prize: Winners receive money, or goods with a monetary value.
- Consideration: Some kind of paid entry fee or purchase.
In the vast majority of states, sweepstakes casino games aren’t considered gambling, as there’s no consideration involved. It’s possible, therefore, to play at these sites in places where traditional online casino games are outlawed.
Where are sweepstakes casinos banned?
Washington was the first state to make its position on sweepstakes casinos very clear. In July 2024, a judge ruled that High 5 Games was illegal, which led to all other sweepstakes casinos shutting down their WA operations.
In October 2024, Michigan followed Washington’s lead after completing a two-year investigation. Idaho, Montana and Connecticut are three more states where sweepstakes gaming is coming under intense legal scrutiny.
Editor’s note: Although sweepstakes gaming is legal in most US states, it’s important to consider that this is a relatively new phenomenon. As such, lawmakers are responding, continually assessing and amending the existing legal frameworks. With things changing so quickly, you must check the current laws where you live, before playing.
FAQ
What is the difference between a sweepstakes casino and a traditional online casino?
The key difference is real money gambling. Sweepstakes sites offer the same entertaining slots and table games as traditional online casinos, but you don’t need to risk anything. It’s possible to play for free using a fictional on-site currency. Save enough and you can redeem your tokens for gift cards and cash rewards.
Are sweepstakes casinos legal in my state?
Probably, but it depends. Because sweepstakes casinos are still new, many states are reassessing their gambling legislation to see where they fit in. For instance, Michigan has recently joined Washington in declaring these sites illegal. More than 40 states allow sweepstakes casinos, but it’s advisable to check your local laws before playing.
How do I win prizes at a sweepstakes casino?
In order to win prizes, make sure you’re playing in the right mode. All sites let you play for free, but those tokens can’t be exchanged for prizes. By playing in sweepstakes mode, the coins you win can be cashed out for gift cards, or even US dollars, if you collect enough.
Can I play sweepstakes casino games for free?
Absolutely. All sweepstakes casinos offer a free-to-play gameplay mode. Use your tokens – usually called Gold Coins – to enjoy casino games without risking a single cent of your own money. You’ll receive a number of these coins when registering, along with daily login bonuses and other rewards.
What types of games can I find at sweepstakes casinos?
All sweepstakes casinos offer hundreds of slots, some of which are progressive jackpots. The best sites also provide a number of classic table games, including blackjack and roulette, as well as scratch cards, bingo and other games. Live casino games can also be found, but they’re much less common.
How can I ensure responsible gaming while playing at a sweepstakes casino?
The best way to play responsibly is to avoid sweepstakes mode. By sticking to free-to-play games, there’s never any need to spend or lose real money. If you wish to play in sweepstakes mode, set time limits on the length of your session. If you’re concerned, seek assistance from the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG).
Conclusion and final thoughts
Sweepstakes casinos are “sweeping” the nation and disrupting the traditional online gambling space. Because of the unique two-tier model, they’re not considered illegal in the vast majority of US states. That means it’s usually possible to play even if gambling is against the law.
They’re primarily focused on having fun and building a like-minded community – but you can still win real prizes. Although they won’t appeal to all casino gamblers, the popularity of sweepstakes casinos just continues to grow.
Sounds interesting? Learn more about the best sweepstakes casinos today.