Highlights
Sweepstakes casinos let you play casino-style games for free
These casinos mostly operate a dual virtual currency system
You can purchase non-mandatory coin packages on sweepstakes casinos
Sweepstakes casinos let you play loads of casino-style slots and other games for free. These websites run on virtual currency and are often available in regions where real money gambling is prohibited.
Sweepstakes casinos are renowned for the exciting bonuses and promotions they offer new and existing users. However, the sweepstakes model may be confusing for a newbie. Don't worry. In this guide, I'll tell you everything you need to know about sweepstakes casinos and how to identify the right one for you.
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How do sweepstakes casinos work?
Sweepstakes casinos are websites that let users enjoy casino-style games without using real money. Instead, these casinos operate with two major virtual currencies — Gold Coins (GC) and Sweeps Coins (SC). Neither of these coins has monetary value. However, you can exchange accumulated SC for real prizes.
Since players aren’t required to make direct payments to receive coins for gaming, sweepstakes are legal in regions where real money gambling is restricted. They're pretty easy to sign up to. Just visit one that appeals to you, provide your personal information, and you'll be signed up and often welcomed with generous no-purchase bonuses. Note that some sweepstakes casinos may require verifying your identity to use the website or some features.
Pros and cons of sweepstakes casinos
Sweepstakes casinos offer numerous enjoyable perks, such as the free-to-play model, which lets you play continuously without paying. Also, you’ll find various game selections with multiple promos and bonuses to enable you to play them. One major con of these casinos is that the dual currency system can confuse new users.
Here’s a summary of the pros and cons:
Pros and Con of Free-to-Play Gaming Platforms
- No purchase is required to play
- Wide variety of games
- Offers numerous promotions
- No gambling risks
- Dual currency system can be confusing
Quick facts about sweepstakes casinos
- Runs on virtual currency only
- Lets players game without making purchases
- Sweepstakes casinos offer loads of promotional offers
- Sweepstakes are legal in regions where real money gambling is restricted
Common features of sweepstakes casinos
Sweepstakes casinos often have the following in common:
Virtual currencies
Sweepstakes websites don't let you play with real money, unlike regular casinos. Instead, you'll use virtual currencies, which can be gotten for free via a welcome bonus or other promotions. We'll discuss that in a bit, but here are the two most common coins you'll find in a typical sweepstakes casino:
You'll find Gold Coins in every sweepstakes casino. Some websites use different names, but their functionality is basically the same. These coins are meant to be used to play games for entertainment without the expectation of prizes or rewards.
On the other hand, Sweeps Coins are common in most Sweepstakes casinos but sometimes under a different name, Sweeps Cash or another name. These coins let you play games in Sweepstakes entry mode, granting you more Sweeps Coins you can redeem for prizes. Remember that neither of these coins has monetary value, and they’re non-transferable.
Free access with no purchase necessary
Another notable feature of most sweepstakes casinos is that they grant you full free access to their games and services. Remember the virtual currencies I mentioned earlier? Well, you can get them for free in these casinos just by claiming bonuses and participating in promotions.
You'll often find coin packages for sale. However, you're not obligated to buy anything, as you can keep playing and enjoying coins for free.
Promotions and offers are widespread with casinos looking for new users. However, sweepstakes casinos take promos to a whole new level by offering loads of offers to both new and existing users.
You'll often receive a welcome bonus to enable you to start playing as soon as possible. In addition to the welcome offer, you may find a daily bonus, a referral program, and loads of other promos.
Most sweepstakes casinos also have a loyalty program — a tiered system that rewards players for continuously using the casino and its services in addition to the reward system.
Since these casinos primarily focus on providing entertainment for users without the prospect of wins, they focus heavily on promotions to attract users.
Game variety
Sweepstakes casinos offer games such as slots, blackjack, poker, roulette, bingo, and other casino-style games to keep players entertained. However, you’ll mostly find slots. Also, unlike traditional casinos, these games can be played with virtual currencies.
Easy accessibility
One thing I love about sweepstakes casinos is how easily accessible they are. These websites are often optimized for mobile devices, so you can game even when you’re on the move. You can refer to the table below for a summary of typical features of sweepstakes casinos.
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How to choose the best sweepstakes casino
To ensure you choose the right sweepstakes casino, I recommend considering the following factors:
🎟️ Licensing and Security
Sweepstakes casinos operate a sweepstakes license, which allows them to operate without a regular casino license. However, they're often restricted in some states in the USA. So, before choosing a sweepstakes website, ensure it operates in your jurisdiction. While you're at it, remember to note the casino's in-place security measures to protect user information from leaks.
🎁 Available Bonuses and Promos
One of the most attractive features of sweepstakes casinos is the bonuses and promos they offer, such as welcome bonuses, daily free coins, referral programs, etc. If bonuses are a prerequisite for you, I recommend researching sweepstakes casinos to see which ones offer freebies you find appealing.
Since sweepstakes casinos are entertainment-focused, it's only natural to actively consider a website's game offerings before signing up. I personally look for a reasonable catalog of games—it doesn't have to be a vast collection—just enough to keep me entertained for long. Consider a website offering slots, table games, and other categories if you prefer variety.
You’ll also want to consider the experience a sweepstakes casino offers before signing up. You can do so by examining the promos, website design and responsiveness, available payment methods, etc. Thankfully, I've written several
sweepstakes casino guides
and reviews, so be sure to check them out to help you choose the right website.
User reviews can also help you know what to expect from a sweepstakes casino. Learning the good, the bad, and the ugly will help you decide whether or not you can overlook certain drawbacks of a casino. You'll also be getting first hand information and pain points of players that have used the sweepstakes website before.
Overall conclusion — Enjoy casino-style games for free
Hopefully, this guide has helped you understand how sweepstakes casinos work, their pros and cons, and how to identify them. If you decide to sign up for one at any point, consider factors like licensing, user experience, reviews, game variety, and available promotions. Doing so ensures you get an enjoyable experience while enjoying your casino-style games for free.
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