Unlike traditional real money online casinos, USA Sweepstakes Casinos operate under sweepstakes laws and regulations. This allows them to offer legal online casino games in which players can win real money.
At a Sweepstakes Casino, you do not play online casino games with real money. You also do not have to make a purchase to receive the Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins with which you play the games. This is why Sweepstakes Casinos are legal in the USA, except for Washington state.
Understanding how Sweepstakes Casinos award real cash prizes
Sweepstakes Casinos do not allow you to play with real money. Rather, you play the games with special tokens called coins. There are two kinds of coins:
- Gold Coins: these are awarded on sign-up and via promotions, and have no monetary value. Further Gold Coins can be purchased from the casino. They can be used to play casino games, but cannot be exchanged for cash.
- Sweeps Coins: these are awarded on sign-up and via promotions, as well as being given away for free with a purchase of Gold Coins. Sweeps Coins can be used to play casino games and can be exchanged for cash at a rate of $1 per Sweeps Coin.
This means that legally, Sweepstakes Casinos operate as a sweepstakes much like the McDonald’s Monopoly promotion. Sweepstakes are legal in the United States, except Washington state, and so too are Sweepstakes Casinos.
How safe are USA Sweepstakes Casinos?
Sweepstakes Casinos are as safe as regular real money online casinos, and many states require licensing for them to operate. However, it is still important to carefully review which casino you join.
We only review the biggest, safest, and most trustworthy brands available in the US. Our bonus offers are exclusively reserved for safe Sweepstakes Casino operators. Any casino operator we recommend will keep your money and personal details safe and secure.
How do I deposit money at a Sweepstakes Casino?
Each Sweepstakes Casino will differ slightly in the deposit methods that they accept, but as a general rule you will be able to deposit in the following ways:
- Visa/Mastercard: You can deposit funds with a debit or credit card.
- Bank/Wire Transfer: Generally, you will be able to transfer or wire your cash directly to the casino.
- eWallet: Many sweepstakes casinos will accept eWallet options such as Skrill to deposit funds.
How to get Sweepstakes Casino bonuses and free coins
When you sign up for a Sweepstakes Casino, you will receive a welcome bonus. This will usually consist of free Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins, allowing you to play casino games and win real money immediately. As part of sweepstakes laws, the casino must give away Sweeps Coins. In addition, you will have frequent chances to get additional free coins, as well as receiving free Sweeps Coins with every Gold Coin purchase.
Can I withdraw real money from a Sweepstakes Casino in the USA?
If you want to redeem your Sweeps Coins and withdraw real money, you just need to follow a simple process. However, in this process you will have to undertake a couple of steps. Generally, to make a withdrawal, you will need to have a minimum balance of Sweeps Coins in your account and cannot withdraw any less.
Once you have fulfilled this requirement, the casino will want to see proof of identification and residency. This is to ensure that you are 18 years old and a resident of the US in a state in which the casino is licensed to operate. This is done by sending electronic copies of an ID document and proof of address.
Once the casino has verified your documents, you will be able to withdraw your Sweeps Coin balance.
What games can I play at USA Sweepstakes Casinos?
Overall, Sweepstakes Casinos offer a similar range of games as regular online real money casinos. This is a mixture of table games, slots, and other betting games you will find in traditional casinos. There’s a game for you in a typical sweepstakes casino portfolio, no matter your tastes.
Slots
Sweepstakes Casinos have everything from traditional 3-reel slots to multi-line progressive jackpot slots and even ultra-modern games like Megaways™ slots. Some Sweepstakes Casinos even specialize in slots games and have massive game selections that compete with the biggest real money casinos.
Table Games
Table games cover a lot of casino classics, from card games like blackjack, baccarat, Casino Hold’em, and Caribbean Stud Poker, to more social thrill games like roulette and craps. Even Sweepstakes Casinos that market themselves as slots casinos or poker rooms will often host casino table games.
Poker
Online poker is one of the most popular ways to play the game these days, and sweepstakes casinos offer poker games online as well. A range of stakes from micro-stakes or penny ante games all the way to high-stakes tournaments can be found at Sweepstakes Casinos. Sweepstakes poker games include Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Seven Card Stud. Formats are cash games and tournaments.
Scratch-Offs
These kinds of games have become very popular at traditional online casinos, and Sweepstakes Casinos also offer scratch-off or scratchcard games. These games are “instant win” games and work exactly like the scratch-off lottery ticket you would buy in real life.
Bingo
Bingo is another popular game that has exploded onto the world of real money online casinos and indeed Sweepstakes Casinos. A social and entertaining game of chance in which players match numbers, it’s available to play legally in the US with Sweepstakes Casinos.
Sports
Online sports betting is the most popular method of online gambling in Europe, and you can participate at Sweepstakes Casinos. With a range of markets on the most popular sports including football and college sports, this is the bona fide sports betting experience.
Video Poker
In video poker, players are dealt five cards. The player chooses which ones to hold and then draws. The hand is paid based on its strength. There is no bluffing or house hand in video poker. Popular titles include Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild.