Best Sweepstakes Casinos

Learn Everything You Need to Know About Sweepstakes Casinos

Sweepstakes casinos, also known as sweeps cash casinos or sweeps casinos, are a popular option for people based in the United States and Canada. The sites allow you to play real casino-style games like slots, video poker, roulette, and blackjack for free, with a chance to win real cash prizes.

I will go through everything you need to know about sweepstakes casinos, so you can learn more about how they work and where to play.

I will provide essential insight into this form of entertainment so you can easily begin playing exciting slots and other games.

The most important question that people ask, and we answer about sweepstakes casinos is this; can you really get your hands on cash prizes? The answer is yes, you can turn your winnings into real cash.

What Are Sweepstakes Casinos?

If you have ever played the famous McDonald’s Monopoly game or Publishers Clearing House games, then you have played a sweepstakes game. Today, gaming companies have expanded on the concept of sweepstakes to create online gaming destinations that suit every type of gamer and allow them to play endlessly online.

Sweepstakes casinos or sweeps cash casinos offer casino-style games which are games of chance where people can win coins that they later redeem for cash or prizes without paying anything to enter. Though sweepstakes rules vary by state in the U.S., all enforce ’no purchase necessary’ laws. This means that sweeps operators cannot require users to make a purchase or impose other forms of payment in order to enter a sweepstake drawing — so essentially, in the U.S., Sweepstakes are always free to enter.

So the good news for you is that unlike legitimate casinos in States like New Jersey, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, Sweepstakes casinos in the rest of the country allow you to play casino-style games & redeem winnings for cash prizes, all completely free.

Sweepstakes casinos differ from online casinos for real money in four ways;

1. Sweepstakes Casino sites have two game modes; Standard mode (pay to play), and Promotional mode (free to play + redeem winnings for cash)
2. You can always, and only, Sweepstakes casino games for FREE in Promotional mode.
3. Instead of playing with a cash balance, you play on these sites with digital coins/tokens
4. When you win, you win coins, which you can then redeem for cash, gift cards, or other prizes.

How Do Sweepstakes Casinos Work?

Sweeps casinos operate similarly to real-money gambling sites, except they have a sweepstakes model format. You receive virtual coins that are commonly called Gold Coins. Bonus tokens are offered, as well as known as Sweeps Coins.

The Gold Coins have no monetary value but they allow you to play the games endlessly. When you play and win with Sweeps Coins, they can be redeemed for gift cards or cash prizes once the sites’ terms and conditions are met. Easily play slot games, blackjack, video poker, fish games, and more based on the platform you join.

To summarize, sweepstakes casinos have two gameplay modes with one important difference - only one gameplay mode is free to play and allows you to redeem your winnings for cash prizes.

Standard Mode (Gold Coins/GC)

• Play with Gold Coins for endless gameplay, which can be purchased or given via promotion. These sites make money when people pay to play in Standard mode (unlimited gameplay)

  • Buy coins with VISA, Mastercard, Discover, Paypal, Skrill, etc.

• Winnings cannot be redeemed for cash or prizes

You’ll usually receive gold coins for free when you sign up for a new site, so you can sometimes play in standard mode for free. They may also be available as daily log-on bonuses that accumulate in your account each time you log in.

If you want to see how to get free gold coins at every Sweepstakes casino, continue reading below to the promo codes section.

Promotional Mode (Sweeps Coins/SC)

• Play with Sweepstakes Coins which can be redeemed for prizes, but cannot be purchased
  • They are awarded by mail request, promotion, or giveaways
• Winnings CAN be redeemed for cash or prizes

Sweeps Coins are usually an added bonus when you purchase Gold Coins. Win enough and you can redeem for real cash prizes. Some sweeps cash casinos can give Sweeps Coins through promotions such as daily logins.

Are Sweeps Cash Casinos Safe?

Sweepstakes cash casinos are indeed safe. This type of online gaming site operates based on sweepstake laws. The provider must offer a type of free coin for you to play with and adhere to local regulations involving sweepstakes gaming.

There are plenty of top-rated sites to pick from that operate in the United States and Canada.

Here are a few tips for choosing a safe and legitimate sweepstakes casino:

• Read the terms and conditions carefully. Make sure that you understand the rules of the game and the terms of any promotions before you start playing.
• Look for a site with a good reputation. Before playing on any social casino, it’s wise to research the site to learn how it stores and handles your information. This will enable you to play with the confidence that your personal information is secure and protected. To start, look for websites that use SSL technology to encrypt and protect your data from potential threats. Many online casinos & sweepstakes casinos also use two-factor authentication to further protect their users from scams and hackers.

By following these tips, you can help to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience when playing at sweepstakes casinos.

Where Can You Legally Play Sweeps Casinos Online?

You can legally play sweepstakes online in the United States and Canada. There are exceptions, so be sure to read the terms and conditions of a provider or speak to support to ensure you are eligible.

Commonly restricted US states include:

• Idaho

• Nevada

• Washington

• Wyoming

In Canada, the only restricted province is Quebec.

Sweepstakes Casinos vs. Real Money Casinos

Sweepstakes casinos and real money casinos aren’t actually all that different. But there are a few key differences you should be aware of.

Sweeps casinos require you to play with virtual coins instead of real money. That said, these sites do allow you to redeem your winnings for real cash prizes.

Also, you cannot deposit money into a sweeps cash casino. You must purchase Gold Coins in order to play the games, or play with Sweeps Coins which are awarded for free through a variety of methods. In many cases, when you’re redeeming Sweeps Coins, they are set at a rate of $1-to-1 USD-to-SC so it really feels like you are playing at a real money casino once you redeem prizes.

Sweepstakes Casinos

• Two gameplay modes

  • Promotional mode: always free to play + redeem winnings for cash prizes

  • Standard mode: pay-to-play

• Play in all of U.S. & Canada

• Except for Washington State, Idaho, and Quebec

• Cash prizes

Real Money Casinos

• Must pay to play

• Illegal to play outside of a few US States

• Only available in DE, CT, MI, NJ, NV, PA, WV as of 2023 (86% of Americans cannot play casino games online legally)

• Cash prizes

List of Sweepstakes Casinos

Here are all the sweeps casinos you can play at in the US and Canada, plus their welcome offers if you do decide to sign up to play:

Site	Signup Offer	Visit
High 5 Casino	Signup to claim 5 Free Sweeps Coins & 600 Free Diamonds	Play Now
McLuck Casino	Signup to claim 7,00 Gold Coins + 2.5 Free Sweeps Coins	Play Now
LuckyLand Slots	Signup to claim 7,777 Gold Coins + 10 Sweeps Coins	Play Now
Chumba Casino	Signup to claim 2,000,000 Gold Coins + 2 Sweeps Coins	Play Now
Fortune Coins	Signup to claim 140,000 Gold Coins + 500 Fortune Coins	Play Now
Pulsz Casino	Signup to claim 5,000 Gold Coins	Play Now
Wow Vegas	Signup to claim 5,000 Wow Coins + 1 Sweeps Coins	Play Now
BetRivers.net	Signup to claim up to 1,000 virtual credits every day	Play Now
Stake.us	Signup to claim $1 a day in free Stake Cash	Play Now
Funzpoints	New players get 250 premium Funzpoints	Play Now
Golden Hearts Games	Signup and spend $10 to get $10 in free play	Play Now

Best Sweepstakes Casinos

With so many sweepstakes casinos available, it can take time to know where to start. Below are my top picks for gaming with sweeps casinos.

These sites have a solid reputation and provide quality promotions and plenty of gaming options. Visit any of these brands to see for yourself what they offer.

High 5 Casino

Yet another site offers premium live dealer gaming, and the best in sweepstakes slots is High 5 Casino. This brand features two game modes so you can play for fun or for a chance to win real prizes.

The site makes it easy to play from mobile or desktop devices with a streamlined platform. Utilize Game and Sweepstakes Coins to explore the many titles on offer here.

If you are interested in signing up, I highly recommend checking out the High 5 Casino no deposit bonus they have on offer for new players before doing so.

Positives of High 5 Casino include:

• Daily Bonuses for Members

• Play with Game or Sweepstakes Coins.

• Access Live Dealer Titles

• Enjoy Mobile or Desktop Gaming.

Stake.us

For a comprehensive online sweepstakes experience, choose Stake.us. This site includes a wide range of content you won’t find anywhere else. Enjoy slots, original titles, table games, and live dealer games.

Stake also includes races and events so you can compete against other members. There is also a chat area where you can talk to other players as you enjoy any game within the platform.

The Stake.us no deposit bonus is an interesting one, as it goes on for a month’s time. Read more about it before signing up to this sweepstakes casino.

Positives of Stake.us include:

• Over 300 games are on offer.

• The social aspect with live chat.

• Quality live chat support.

• Promotions are offered continually.

Pulsz Casino

Pulsz Casino is a great option for players who are looking for more from a sweeps site. When it arrived on the scene, Pulsz really wanted to be an alternative to casinos like Chumba.

The brand includes slot machines, table games, and scratch cards, with something for everyone. Follow the casino on social media and participate in special contests to earn even more Gold and Sweeps Coins. Gold Coin packages are also affordable, making it easy for players to add coins as needed.

Positives of Pulsz Casino include:

• Earn real cash prizes from gaming.

• Link your Facebook account for easy access.

• Play from a wide variety of slot games.

• Explore scratch cards and table games.

WOW Vegas Casino

One of the more up-and-coming sweeps casinos, WOW Vegas offers over 300 slot games. I found the gameplay smooth and easy to get access to WOW and Gold Coins. It has a good mix of games for beginners as well as experienced players.

You can also get the quite interesting WOW Vegas no deposit bonus to get started.

Positives of WOW Vegas Casino include:

• Over 300 slots
• Top game providers like Betsoft
• Consistent promotions for players

How to Choose the Best Sweepstakes Casino

There are tons of new sweepstakes casinos arriving on the scene and with the list of sweepstakes casinos growing, it is a good idea to come up with some ways to choose the best one for you.

When selecting an online sweepstakes casino, there are certain criteria you can look for. After reviewing countless sweeps casinos, I have created a simple checklist that even beginners can follow.

Use the key points below to ensure you select a top-rated gaming site.

Game Selection

The amount and type of games are always important when selecting a sweeps gaming site. Check the operator’s portfolio to see what’s on offer. Some only include slots, while others include fishing games, table games, and even live dealer.

Welcome Bonus

What type of welcome bonus is offered? Will you earn Gold and Sweeps Coins? Are you required to purchase Gold Coins to earn Sweeps Coins?

Oftentimes, you can find a sweepstakes casino no deposit bonus (also known as no purchase bonuses), which will help get you started without any risk. Just sign up and collect the bonus offer.

Check out what the site offers new members and opt for providers that include both coin types at no cost.

Existing User Promotions

Continual promotions are also important. You want to be able to earn more coins for free. Look for sites that include a daily login bonus for freebies.

A good example of daily login bonuses would be the Fortune Coins no deposit bonus. This bonus is boosted by a daily login, so be sure to read about how you can maximize your welcome offer as much as possible before signing up.

Payment Options

Check that a sweeps casino allows you to redeem coins for prizes. You want a shot at earning cash prizes, and Sweeps Coins are generally the only payout option. If prizes are offered, how many SCs do you need, and what can you redeem them for?

Social Media Contests

Most Sweeps cash casinos also offer social media pages with special contests. Check Facebook and Instagram to see what an operator offers its players.

Should You Play at Sweepstakes Casinos?

Playing games at a sweeps casino is a great way to enjoy slots, table games, and other casino games. You can play for free, which means no investment or real money losses on your part. The games are fun and exciting, with unique themes and features.

You can also win money from sweepstakes games, which is an added bonus. It’s important to note that every site is different, and some may have stricter rules on payouts and how to use Sweeps Coins for prize redemption.

Keep that in mind, and always read the fine print before starting. We suggest players only sign up for accounts with reputable operators. You are assured that prizes are real and will be paid, so you can better enjoy the overall experience.

How to Sign Up to a Sweeps Casino

• Click our link to visit one of the recommended online sweepstakes sites.

• Click the Join Now or Signup button.

• You should be able to create an account with your email, Facebook, or Google.

• If prompted, enter a promo code if applicable, such as the Funzrize promo code ODDSS

• You are usually automatically logged in once your account is created and verified.

• You can play immediately if the site provides free Gold and Sweeps Coins.

How to Verify Your Account

There is a verification process at sweepstakes casinos. Though this may seem like a hassle, it ensures safety and security for the player and the sweeps casino.

Keep in mind, the process may vary slightly from operator to operator.

For example, Chumba Casino uses NetVerify to confirm these documents. Once your documents are verified, you'll be issued a PIN for all future prize redemptions from Chumba Casino. Other sweeps casinos might use different technology.

But here are the general steps to verify your account:

1. Photo ID: A government-issued photo ID is required to verify your identity. This helps prevent fraud, duplicate accounts, and identity theft.

   1. Acceptable forms of ID include a valid driver's license, passport, state-issued ID, or national ID.

2. Proof of Residential Address: You can provide documents such as utility bills and bank statements to meet the proof of address requirement.

3. Bank Statement: You must provide a valid bank statement with account details for the bank account you wish to use for redemptions.

   1. The bank statement must include a current address and be issued no more than three months before the date of verification.

Play Sweepstakes Online for Money

Once you are signed up and verified, and of course, receive your Sweeps Coins via a welcome bonus or special promotion, you can now start playing for real money. Just use the Sweeps Coins or its equivalent to start playing.

You will need to meet the terms and conditions of the site to redeem a gift card or cash prize. Generally, Sweeps Coins must be played once before they are eligible for withdrawal. Depending on the site, you may be required to play through the coins more than once.

Gift cards are generally redeemable after you have 50 Sweeps Coins in your account, though the amount may vary per site. The amount of Sweeps Coins required for a cash prize is typically 100 eligible coins.

Next, let’s go more into the banking options for purchases and when you are ready to redeem your Sweeps Coins for real cash.

Banking Methods At Sweeps Cash Casinos

Sweepstakes casinos do not require players to deposit funds to play slots or other games. Instead, Gold and Sweeps Coins are provided. If you run out of coins, you can use available banking methods to purchase GC, and SC is provided as a free bonus.

Banking methods will vary from brand to brand, but for the most part, the same type of methods are provided. When you are ready to purchase GC, use any of the available purchase methods below.

Prize redemption is allowed once you play through the SC you have. Redemption methods will vary per casino, so be sure to check what an individual operator offers before creating an account.

Purchase Methods

• Debit/Credit: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover are common debit and credit card options for coin purchases.

• Online Banking: Trustly or ACH is a common option for purchasing coins. Connect your account to begin a transaction.

• Skrill: Skrill operates as an electronic wallet, allowing users to deposit funds and use them for online purchases, as well as withdraw funds to a bank or prepaid card. There is usually a fee attached to Skrill transactions.

• Paysafecard: Paysafecard operates as a prepaid voucher system, which means users purchase a Paysafecard voucher with a specific value and then use that value to make online purchases.

• Cryptocurrency: Currently, only Stake.us allows for players to use crypto. But with there now being one, more may eventually enter this market.

Redemption Methods

• Gift Card: Some sweeps cash casinos offer gift card redemption for various retailers. You will receive the card via email.

• Online Banking: Trustly is a common option along with ACH banking. You must connect a checking or savings account to use this option.

• E-wallet: Skrill and Neteller are sometimes provided for redemption. You will need an account with either to redeem prizes.

How to Redeem Cash Prizes at Sweeps Cash Casinos

Follow these steps to redeem your winnings at a sweeps casino:

1. Meet Any Playthrough Requirements: Some casinos require that you play through the Sweeps Coins a specified number of times before redeeming. Ensure you have met these requirements, if they exist.

2. Reach the Redemption Restriction: All sweepstakes casinos require you to obtain a certain number of Sweeps Coins before redeeming. The amount depends on the operator, but generally speaking, it is usually 50 to 100 Sweeps Coins, but can be less for gift cards.

3. Visit the Cashier or Banking Section: Look for a section labeled "Cashier," "Banking," or something similar on the sweeps casino. It may also be under the Account icon.

4. Select the 'Redeem' Option: Once in the cashier section, there should be an option labeled "Redeem," "Cash Out," or something similar.

5. Enter the Amount to Redeem: Specify how much of your balance you wish to redeem. Some casinos might have a minimum redemption amount, so make sure your request meets or exceeds this threshold.

6. Choose a Redemption Method: Options might include a bank transfer. Select your preferred choice.

7. Provide Verification Details if Necessary: This was likely done before you made a purchase, but you may need to verify your identity when redeeming.

8. Submit Your Redemption Request: Review all details to ensure accuracy and click submit.

9. Receive Confirmation: Typically, you'll receive a confirmation email or notification acknowledging your redemption request.

10. Wait for Processing: Redemption can take anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on the sweeps casino and the redemption method chosen.

11. Receive Your Funds: Once processed, your funds will be sent to you via your chosen method.

If you encounter any issues or have questions at any stage of the process, don't hesitate to reach out to the sweepstakes casino's customer support.

And remember that in many jurisdictions, winnings from gambling, including sweepstakes casinos, may be taxable. You should keep records of your transactions and consult with a tax professional regarding any potential tax obligations.

Mobile vs. Desktop Experience

No matter your preference, sweeps sites are available on mobile and desktop devices. Most sweepstakes sites do not include a mobile app, but you can still play via a mobile web browser. All you have to do is visit a site from your PC, laptop, smartphone, or tablet browser.

Generally, mobile gaming and desktop options are similar. Sites tend to use a similar platform, so players can easily switch between the two. There will rarely be a huge difference in the visual aspects of the platform and controls.

Recently, there have been more sweepstakes casino apps popping for both Android and iPhone and we certainly expect that trend to continue. This means with a dedicated app, you won't have to use your mobile browser anymore.

Overall, you can play with either option and enjoy a quality experience. Some players prefer using a computer due to the screen size, while others want the convenience of a handheld device. Try both to see what works best for you.

Sweepstakes Casino Game Types

Most sweepstakes sites are centered around slot games, but you will find additional content depending on which operator you select. Some sprinkle in a few fishing arcade games, while others include table games and live dealer.

Before joining an online sweeps casino, be sure to review the available portfolio of games. Once you know what type of games the provider offers, you can decide if it's right for you. Below are a few example categories you can review to find out more about game types that sweepstakes casinos feature.

Slots

This will be the largest category of games you find online. Slots come in all shapes and sizes within sweepstakes sites. You can play jackpot games, progressives with multiple prizes, classic gem and fruit-themed games, and much more.

Sites tend to offer a vast collection of reeled games with something for everyone. Expect slots to feature common extras such as wild icons, multipliers, free spins, and bonus rounds.

Table Games

Table games are less prevalent but can still be found on sweepstakes casino sites. Look for blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and craps, among other titles.

Don’t expect a huge collection of table options, but you should be able to find the traditional favorites.

Video Poker

Video poker games are even less popular within online sweepstakes sites. You may find a title or two, usually Joker Poker or Bonus Poker. The games are not offered frequently, so try a few if you find options at an online sweep site.

Online Poker

If you are searching for online poker gaming, you will be limited to Global Poker. This sweepstakes site provides poker ring games and tournament action. You can also find casino games here. It’s a great way to compete against others without the need for real money deposits.

Bingo

Bingo games are gaining in popularity, so you will find some sweepstakes casino sites offering the option of specialty categories or exclusive games. Bingo can be played in varying formats, including 75-ball and 90-ball. Players usually can choose one or multiple bingo cards to play at one time for a chance to earn prizes.

Live Dealer Games

You won’t find many online sweepstakes sites that feature live dealer games, but there are options. The most popular are High 5 Casino, Stake.us, and Golden Hearts Games. This site includes several live dealer titles that take place in real time. You can play along as you watch streaming footage, which creates a more realistic gaming experience.

Pros and Cons of Sweepstakes Casinos

Before making a final decision on if you should play at a sweepstakes casino, you should think of the pros and cons. Here are some that I think matter:

Pros

• Free Games: You don’t have to spend a cent to enjoy real casino games. This even includes peer-to-peer poker like you can find at Global Poker.

• Real Money Games: Choose to play for real money!

• Wider Accessibility: Real-money casinos aren’t legal in many states, but sweepstakes casinos are available in almost every state and most of Canada.

• Compatible with Phones and Desktop: You can easily access casino games whether you prefer to play on your phone, laptop, or desktop.

• Real Casino Games: You can play blackjack, poker, slots, and more. Each sweepstakes casino has something a little different, but you can find most of what you love!

Cons

• Location Limitations: Not available in certain locations such as Idaho, Washington state, Nevada, and Wyoming

• Less Grand Prize Potential: You can certainly hit over a million dollar jackpot at a sweepstakes casino. But compared to real money casinos, the grand prizes tend to be smaller.

• Limited Gaming Options: You won’t find as many games on most sweeps casinos as you might expect from an online or in-person real money casino. But as mentioned above, this is becoming less and less of an issue.

Why Avoid Illegal Offshore Casinos

Playing online casino games at reputable sites and legally allowed to offer services is important. Offshore sites are not regulated operators and do not follow local laws regarding sweepstakes gaming.

Avoiding such sites so you don’t have a negative experience is best. Below are a few reasons why we suggest you avoid offshore providers:

Unregulated, Illegal Gaming

Offshore sites are considered a gray market because they are not legally allowed to offer services to players in the United States. The sites cannot legally accept payments via deposits or issue withdrawals, so they use cryptocurrency to get around the issue. Offshore providers are not subject to regulations, so they are not legally obligated to complete withdrawal payments or offer fair games.

Fair Gaming Issues

Another major issue is fair gaming. Because offshore sites are not regulated, they are not subject to fair gaming laws. They may offer titles that are not tested for fairness and do not include random outcomes. Games can be rigged at offshore sites, leading to a higher house edge and more player losses.

Banking Problems

It is not uncommon for an offshore site to have bad reviews for banking issues. Players are subject to identity theft and nonpayment of wins. Any site that has a bad reputation for banking should be avoided.

Choose More Than One Sweepstakes Casino

Despite popular belief, you can join more than one sweepstakes casino. You can have one account per provider, so feel free to sign up for multiple sites. This allows you to enjoy welcome deals, including no-deposit bonuses and daily incentives.

With so many online sweepstakes sites coming onto the scene such as Zula Casino, plenty are now offering quality services, so you have multiple options to create accounts and take advantage of free gaming. Pick a few of our top recommendations to try online sweepstakes gaming and who knows, you may be the next big jackpot winner.