They are shaking up how American players interact with online casino games. And the best part: you don't have to put up one red cent to start playing.
This guide to popular sweepstakes casinos dispels all the mystery about—how they work, why they are legal, how to win actual rewards, and which ones are best for beginners.
What Is a Sweepstakes Casino?
A sweepstakes casino is an online location where players can enjoy games of a casino nature for entertainment purposes and legally redeem some in-game winnings as real-world prizes—cash, gift cards, or products.
They have a legal sweepstakes model rather than apply traditional gambling legislation, so they're available in nearly every U.S. state. You never need to invest real money to participate.
How Sweepstakes Casinos Work
The charm of sweepstakes casinos lies in their two-currency model. These virtual coins simulate casino game activity but are governed by a separate legal regime from money-based gambling.
- Gold Coins (GC)
- For amusement purposes only.
- No monetary value and cannot be exchanged.
- Optional to buy more, though most websites give them for free on a daily basis.
- Sweeps Coins (SC)
- Can be traded for actual rewards under some conditions.
- Cannot be bought outright—must be obtained by legitimate means.
- Used to enter sweepstakes drawings that qualify winners for actual prizes.
Such an arrangement keeps you in compliance with U.S. sweepstakes laws and enables you to conduct business in nearly all states.
Acquiring Sweeps Coins
Well, if you can't buy SC outright, how do you get them then?
There are four common practices:
- Bonus Bundles – Purchase a bundle of gold coins and get bonus SC as a bonus.
- Daily Rewards – Most websites offer repeat login rewards that use SC.
- Mail-In Entry (100% Free) – Mail in a request (usually to a P.O. box) and receive SC without paying for it.
- Promotions – Websites often offer SC through welcome bonuses, tournaments, and rewards schemes.
Redeeming Sweeps Coins for Prizes
After you have accumulated enough Sweeps Coins, you can redeem them for real prizes. Most websites permit you to exchange SC for:
- Cash (via PayPal or bank transfer)
- Gift cards
- Branded merchandise
Redemption usually entails meeting a minimum SC balance threshold (typically 50–100 SC), a "Redeem" click in your account, selecting a payment option, and waiting 24–72 hours for them to be accepted.
Are Sweepstakes Casinos Legal?
Yes—mostly.
Sweepstakes casinos comply with federal and state sweepstakes legislation, which is why they are licensed in 47 states of the U.S. The only exceptions are Nevada, Idaho, and Washington.
In all the other states, there are sweepstakes casinos available because they do not require players to wager real cash. However, we always recommend that you go through the terms and conditions of each site to make sure that they accept players from your state.
If you play from Kansas, you'll be happy to hear that sweepstakes casinos are entirely legal in the state. To learn more about the highest-rated choices open to you, look at Sporting Post's review of the top Kansas online casinos with secure, vetted sweepstakes sites.
Curious if sweepstakes casinos offer "real" games? They do—and more. Here's what you can expect:
Slots: Several hundred video slots, old-school 3-reel slots, and even progressive jackpots.
Table Games: Blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker—all on some sites.
Live Dealer Games: Some sweepstakes casinos (like Stake.us and McLuck) offer free live casino games, where you can chat with live dealers from home.
Specialty Games: Crash games, fishing games, keno, and other specialty titles are also seen on most sites.
Why Try a Sweepstakes Casino?
Sweepstakes casinos fill a niche role for U.S. players. Here are some reasons why they are so well-liked:
- No deposit to start playing
- Legal access even in states where real-money gambling is illegal
- Real money prizes, such as cash and gift cards
- Low risk, high entertainment
They're especially useful for anyone who wants to get a feel for the casino but can't cover the expense of live-money wagering.
Are Sweepstakes Casinos Safe?
Yes, assuming you play on legit sites.
Top sweepstakes casinos:
- Use SSL encryption to protect user dataHave transparent rules for gameplay and redemptions
- Display Return-to-Player (RTP) rates above 90%, as averages
Just make sure you read through the T&Cs and see what their redemption policy is before you play.
Final Word: Are Sweepstakes Casinos Worth Trying?
Absolutely—especially if you’re looking for a risk-free way to enjoy casino-style games.
Whether you’re killing time on your lunch break or chasing a leaderboard prize, sweepstakes casinos offer fun, legally-compliant gaming without needing to deposit a cent.
