Best US sweepstakes casino sites in 2024

What is a sweepstake casino?

A sweepstakes casino allows players to enjoy popular casino games and win real cash prizes without spending their own money. Instead of using real money, players use virtual currencies called Gold Coins (GC) and Sweeps Coins (SC) for gameplay. These casinos offer many of the same games as traditional real-money casinos but are legal in over 45 states, unlike real money casinos that are only allowed in a few states.

• Sweepstake casinos are legal in 45+ states
• Sweepstake casinos allow you to play popular casino games and win real money prizes without spending a dollar
• Sweepstake casinos operate on a dual currency system utilizing virtual currencies called Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins to power games

What is the difference between sweepstakes and social casinos?

Both sweepstakes and social casinos allow you to play casino games for free, but they differ slightly. Sweepstakes casinos use a dual currency system with Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins, while social casinos only use Gold Coins. Gold Coins have no monetary value and cannot be redeemed for prizes, so you play social casino games just for fun. In contrast, sweepstakes casinos let you win real prizes, as Sweeps Coins can be exchanged for gift cards and cash rewards.

• Sweepstake casino: You can play games with Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins at sweepstakes casinos. While you can only claim Sweeps Coins for free through bonuses, you can eventually redeem them for real cash prizes.
• Social casino: Social casinos operate on one single currency, Gold Coins. These can’t be redeemed, so you are playing just for fun.

How safe are sweepstakes casinos?

Sweepstakes casinos are just as safe as playing at any of the best online casinos. While you aren’t paying as you play with sweepstakes casino games, you still need to register and in some cases buy Gold Coins. You will also have to share financial information with a site or app to claim any prizes you might win.

Before you start playing, you'll want to ensure your chosen site is safe and legitimate. We’ve reviewed some of the biggest sweepstake brands available in the US so you can play with confidence. To help you choose a site where you feel safe, see our list of top sweepstakes casinos below.

Why are sweepstake casinos popular?

Sweepstakes and social casinos are popular because they let people play casino games in places where gambling is restricted.

Sweeps casino sites give you the chance to win real money or prizes, and sweepstakes games are available in most states. So it is possible to play sweepstakes online for money, just without wagering your cash on the outcome.

Gold Coins

Gold Coins are a virtual currency used by social and sweepstake casinos in the US. These coins hold no real-world value outside of the casino but are essential for playing games for fun. Because they have no monetary value, they cannot be redeemed or exchanged for any prize. Their sole purpose is for entertainment value.

It’s very easy to get hold of Gold Coins. Most casinos will offer a generous amount upon sign-up and then, after that, plenty of other bonuses and promotions to win more. Some other ways to accumulate GC include winning games, participating in tournaments, and entering social media giveaways. You can also purchase Gold Coin packages.

Sweeps Coins

Sweeps Coins are another type of virtual currency used at sweepstakes casinos, but unlike Gold Coins, you can’t purchase them directly. You can only claim them for free through bonuses and giveaways. While Sweeps Coins also hold no real money value, they can be exchanged or redeemed for tangible prizes such as gift cards, merchandise, or cash. The exchange rate is usually 1 Sweeps Coin = $1, and most GC packages come with a small amount of free SC.

Purchasing coin packages at sweeps casinos

One of the best things about casino sweepstakes is that you can enjoy free sweeps without spending a cent. The best sweeps casinos in the US will give you a generous amount of Gold Coins when you register, and will provide regular top ups to your account. If you link your Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or any other social media account you can usually pick up extra coins as well as having a more social casino experience.

However, you can also purchase coin packages. Coin packages will usually be available for purchase at a set value, offering various amounts of Gold Coins, and usually some Sweeps Coins as well. This makes them a good option if you want to play more free sweeps games, but also enjoy using your Sweeps Coins for the chance to play sweepstakes online for money.

How to purchase a coin package

While purchasing GC isn’t entirely necessary, it can be a great way to extend your virtual balance and your gaming time. These packages will usually be available at a set value, offering various amounts of GC (and often some SC, too) and covering all budgets. Purchasing a GC package at an online sweepstake casino is super simple. We’ve clarified the process in a few quick steps below:

• 1
  Go to the coin purchase section
• 2
  Choose a coin package that fits your budget and offers good value
• 3
  Click the "buy" or "purchase" button for your chosen package
• 4
  Select a payment method
• 5
  Enter the required information, such as your full name, payment details, date of birth, and address
• 6
  Press the button to confirm your purchase
• 7
  Complete any required two-step verification for your payment method
• 8
  Check your account balance and enjoy your coins

• 1
  Once you’ve logged into your account, head to the cashier page to request a redemption
• 2
  Click the redeem button and input the amount of Sweeps Coins you want to exchange. Pay attention to any minimum limits
• 3
  Select a payment method from the available options. Remember, some casinos will require you to use the same method you previously purchased with
• 4
  Follow the on-screen instructions to finalize the transaction
• 5
  Depending on your preferred payment option and the casino, this should take no longer than five days

Verification documents

In order to claim your sweepstake prizes , you’ll need to have verified your account as being legitimate. This will usually be part of the registration process, and will include sending copies of confidential information.

The types of verification documents accepted by most sweeps casinos include:

• Proof of identity: A main form of verification is to check photo ID, most likely a passport, driver’s license, or state ID card which proves your identity.
• Proof of address: Another way sweeps casinos verify your identity is to check for proof of address, so a copy of a bank statement, utility bill, mobile phone bill, or accepted alternative will be needed.
• Proof of payment method: Some might even ask for your financial service details to prove your payment method is legitimate. This could take the form of a picture of your bank card, for example.

If you're nervous about sending out personal details, rest assured that all of the sweepstakes casinos we recommend are fully tested and verified for their security through our 25-step review process.

Popular payment methods

When it comes to purchasing Gold Coin packages, you can choose from a range of popular and trusted payment methods. This includes major credit/debit cards, e-wallets, and online bank transfers.

Popular prize withdrawal methods

While the available redemption methods tend to be more limited than the purchasing methods, there are still a fair few options to choose from. Also, most sweepstake casinos allow you to redeem prizes via gift cards.

Sweepstakes casinos vs real money casinos

Both sweeps and real money casinos offer similar gaming experiences, allowing you to sign up and enjoy slots, table games, and more. Additionally, many game developers supply titles to both online and sweepstakes casinos, resulting in popular games being available on either platform. This means you can enjoy the same level of entertainment too.

The big difference between the two is that you can win cash on a real money site. The caveat is that you need to risk your own money to do so. With sweepstakes casinos, you play with coins that can sometimes be redeemed for prizes, gift cards, or in some cases cash. However, it is never a case of spinning with your coins and winning cash rewards.

We’ve listed the main differences between these casinos so you know exactly what you’re signing up for.

Mobile sweepstakes casinos

With gaming on the go more popular than ever, it’s important to know what the options are for mobile sweepstakes casinos in the US. If you’re someone who likes to play at mobile casinos then it’s a big thing to consider when deciding who to register with.

You can access sweepstake casinos across a range of different devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and PC desktops. HTML5 technology ensures sweeps sites transcend seamlessly from device to device and look good no matter the screen size. As such, you can rely on your favorite sites to be optimized and responsive for on-the-go social gaming fun.

Some of the biggest and best names in casino sweepstakes gaming, such as McLuck and High 5 Casino, even offer dedicated mobile apps. While these can take up precious storage space, sweepstakes apps provide many exclusive perks, like better connectivity, enhanced usability, and customizable notifications.

You can install casino apps on your iOS or Android device via the casino's website, the App Store, or Google Play Store

Are sweepstakes legal in the US?

Currently, online sweepstakes casinos are permitted in all US states, excluding Washington, Michigan, Idaho, and Nevada. For players located in the latter three states, social casinos are allowed. The widespread availability of these casinos is great news for most US players. Even if you live in a state with strict legal restrictions on real money gambling, you can enjoy popular casino games at sweepstake casinos like High 5.

No real money gambling

Unlike real money casinos, sweepstake casinos do not involve real money gambling. Players use virtual tokens called Gold Coins or Sweeps Coins for gameplay, which are given out for free by casino sites. No real money deposit or purchase is required, making these casinos always free to play. This allows sweepstake casinos to operate legally throughout most of the US.

Legal and safety

Since sweepstake casinos don't involve real money gambling, they don't need a gambling license from state regulators like the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement. Instead, these sites are governed by US sweepstake laws, requiring a no-purchase entry method and adherence to age and location restrictions in each operating state.

Proof of identity and age

Legitimate sweepstake sites require players to provide valid proof of identity and address before registering or purchasing virtual tokens. You must be over 18 to play at a sweepstake casino, though some operators may impose a higher age limit based on local state laws.

• Guide to sweepstakes casinos
• Washington State Gambling Commission - Sweepstakes FAQ
• Washington State Gambling Commission - Online Gambling FAQ
• Gamblification: An Overview of Legal Issues with Gambling in Social Games and Social Media
• Reference for Business - Publishers Clearing House