What is a US Online Sweepstakes Casino and How do they work?

Understanding the online gambling laws in the United States can be difficult and confusing. With restrictions and regulations varying on a state-by-state basis, as well as those enforced on a federal level, it can be hard to get a solid answer. In response to this, sweepstakes casinos have become a popular choice for those wanting to stay on the right side of the law and avoid any unnecessary hassle.

In this article, we’ll explore why sweepstakes casinos have become much more popular in recent years, how these unique casinos work, and what makes them different from the traditional online casinos you’re likely more familiar with.

How do sweepstakes casinos work?

While most casinos work by requiring players to wager real money on a game or sporting outcome, sweepstakes casinos use a unique two-currency system that helps them stay on the right side of the law – we’ll explain this in greater detail in the following section.

Here’s how the two-currency system works in the vast majority of sweepstakes casinos in the United States:

Gold Coins: Free play credits are commonly known as Gold Coins and allow players to play without needing to spend any money. These coins cannot be directly redeemed for money but can unlock real prizes.

Sweeps Coins: Special Sweeps Coins can be purchased as part of a package and are used in sweepstakes games and competitions. By accumulating these coins, players can exchange them for cash prizes.

However, it’s worth noting that these definitions can vary from one casino to the next, so it’s always worth reading the terms and conditions of both the casino and any game you choose to play, especially when your money is on the line or you’re aiming for a big jackpot.

How are sweepstakes casinos legal?

What sets sweepstakes casinos apart is that they use a model different from those found in traditional casinos. Instead of using cash as a way to play games, users are instead required to wager a virtual coin, which can then unlock real prizes, including real-world money.

These casinos make money by selling virtual coins that are only useable in certain games. Most games are free to play, but to have the best chance of winning the biggest prizes and unlocking the most enticing promotions, players have to pay.

By giving the players the opportunity to earn these premium coins for free (such as winning them as a prize), the casino is compliant with the laws regarding sweepstakes in the United States.

How to play sweepstakes casino games

While the signup process can vary from one sweepstakes casino to another, it generally follows a set pattern. If you’ve used an online casino previously, this might look familiar, although you’ll notice that players instead have the opportunity to unlock or purchase premium Gold Coins, which can make it easier for those wanting to win cash prizes.

Step 1 – Create your online sweepstakes casino account

Like with any online casino, a sweepstakes casino will typically require you to verify your identity and provide a payment method when creating an account. If you’ve found any promotional codes, be sure to enter them when prompted during the signup process.

Step 2 – Check whether you qualify for any free coins

When you create an account, you may automatically unlock free Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins, so be sure to keep an eye out for this, as it’s easy to miss out. Similarly, if you’ve entered a promotional code, check whether you need to manually request your coins.

Step 3 – Decide whether you want to purchase any coins

Many sweepstakes casinos allow players to buy additional coins, which makes it easier for them to start playing and competing for prizes. The prices for these coins can vary, and some games will require more in order to play, so look for the requirements beforehand.

Step 4 – Search for an exciting game and join the action

Once you’re all set up and you have your coins ready to use, it’s time to start looking for a game. Sweepstakes casinos are home to a wide variety of games so it might take a while to find the perfect one, but we’re sure it’ll be worth the wait. Then, just select your coins and get started.

Step 5 – Redeem your coins for real-world prizes

Once you’ve played enough, you can redeem any Sweeps Coins you’ve accumulated for real-world prizes. These redeemable prizes commonly include gift cards and cash, although some casinos are now offering players the chance to choose from a variety of cryptocurrency coins.

As you can see, sweepstakes casinos work in a similar way to traditional casinos but with a few key differences. The prize system is similar to that of a traditional arcade, where players are rewarded with paper tickets that can be redeemed for prizes that increase in value and desirability.

What games are available at sweepstakes casinos?

Finding the best online sweepstakes casinos in the US can be challenging because there are so many options to choose from. Sweepstakes casinos are not only home to great prizes but also a huge variety of casino games, similar to those found in traditional casinos. They include:

Slots: There are hundreds of unique, sweepstakes casino-compatible slot games available to choose from, with all the features you know and love.

Blackjack: Many online casinos include live dealer blackjack games where players can test their skills and play against a real dealer.

Roulette: No matter which version you prefer, roulette is a commonly available game.

Poker: If you love poker, you’ll be glad to hear that many online casinos offer both virtual and live dealer poker games and tournaments.

Final thoughts

For US casino lovers who want to experience a new way of playing casino games without worrying about the law, sweepstakes casinos are a great choice. Not only are these casinos home to a refreshing variety of games, but they also offer a fun, accessible way to play casino games with the added opportunity of competing for real-world redeemable prizes, including cash and gift cards.