Sweepstakes casinos are a great way to enjoy real casino-style games legally in most states. We’ve rounded up the best sweepstakes casinos for US players, where you can dive into exciting slots, table games, and casual games – all while playing for fun or real prizes.
With their unique two-currency model, you can redeem cash prizes using Sweeps Coins, while Gold Coins let you play for fun.
List of Sweepstakes Casinos for New Players
What Is a Sweepstakes Casino?
A sweepstakes casino is a free-to-play online gaming platform that will allow you to play casino-style games. While a sweep casino may look similar to an online casino, no real money is involved. Instead, you’ll use Gold Coins (GC) to play for fun and to unlock achievements, similar to social casinos. Sweeps Coins (SC) are awarded for free during sign up and various promotions. You can then redeem these coins for real money or gift cards.
- Some top sweepstakes casinos that fall under the GC/SC model include Stake.us, LuckyLand Slots, and McLuck.
How Do Sweepstake Casinos Work?
Sweepstakes casinos don’t use cash like regular online casinos. Instead, they run on a dual-currency system: Gold Coins (GC) and Sweeps Coins (SC). You can use these virtual currencies to play all kinds of games, from slots to blackjack.
Gold Coins are just for fun, but here’s the kicker – when you get them, you often receive bonus Sweeps Coins as a giveaway. Sweeps Coins are the real deal. You get them for free through sign-ups and promotions, and you can use them to play games. If you win, you can redeem them for cash or prizes.
Since you don’t have to spend money to play, sweepstakes casinos aren’t bound by the same gambling regulations as traditional online casinos. Instead, they operate under US sweepstakes laws, which is why they’re legal in most states. Plus, these laws guarantee that you’ll always have ways to get free Sweeps Coins.
Gold Coins vs Sweeps Coins
You can use Gold Coins (GC) to play for free but they hold no monetary value. While you can use them to play all of the games available, you can’t trade them in or redeem them for prizes.
Many sweepstakes casinos will reward you with GC when you sign up, but as a returning player, there are also many ways you can keep playing for free. There is also the option to purchase more if you run out.
The other type of sweepstakes casino currency is Sweeps Coins (SC), which you can redeem for cash prizes and gift cards. You can obtain additional SC through social media competitions, login bonuses, promotions, and mail-in entries.
Once you have accumulated enough SC and meet the withdrawal terms and conditions, you can redeem them for cash prizes.
Sweepstakes Casinos Vs. Cash-Based Casinos
While sweepstakes casinos are similar to wager-based casinos, they also differ in many areas. Below, we’ve compared sweepstakes and cash-based gaming.
Category Sweepstakes Casino Traditional Casino Sign-up bonus/no-deposit bonus Commonly available at every casino Rarely available in cash-based gaming Social media contests Frequent giveaways through Facebook & Instagram Sometimes feature promos through social media, but not often Live dealer casino games Available at some casinos, but not most Offered at the majority of traditional casinos Common payment methods Bank transfer, credit card, e-wallet, gift card Crypto, bank wire, check Daily login bonuses ✅ ❌ Lots of entertaining slots ✅ ✅ Regular promotions ✅ ✅ Must gamble money to win ❌ ✅ Legal in most states ✅ ❌ The Best Sweepstakes Casinos
Now that you know how sweepstakes gaming works, where should you play? See the best sweepstakes casinos below, which we’ve chosen after extensively reviewing and testing dozens of operators.
1. Stake US
With high-profile sponsorships of the UFC, Everton FC, and rapper Drake, Stake.us is arguably the most famous sweepstakes casino.
It goes beyond the typical slots/blackjack drill by offering baccarat, Hi-Lo, poker, video poker, and live dealer games. Stake also features over 1,000 slot games from notable developers like Nolimit City and Pragmatic Play.
This casino pays prizes through cryptocurrencies, gift cards, and merchandise. Crypto and merch are interesting payout options, but we’d still like to see the traditional cash method.
What We Like About Stake.us
- Slots from top-tier developers
- Live dealer games
- One of the biggest sign-up bonuses
- Unique crypto & merch payouts
What Stake.us Could Improve
- 3x playthrough on Stake Cash
- No cash prize redemptions
When you continually review sweepstakes casinos, you get the sense that you’ve seen them all. Stake.us differs by offering unique aspects like crypto payments and live games. It also features a huge free sign-up bonus worth 250k GC and $25 SC.
2. LuckyLand Slots
LuckyLand is a great spot to play for jackpots, with prizes worth over $670,000 SC since the last update. We also had an easy time finding the progressive jackpots since they’re on the homepage.
This sweepstakes casino stands out for its tournaments and online community. The latter lets you meet other LuckyLand players and discuss games, bonuses, and more.
One downside is that SC playthrough varies by game from 1x to 20x. The 20x wagering requirements are for blackjack, which has a high RTP. Even still, we found that a 20x increase from slots to blackjack is a bit too much.
What We Like About LuckyLand Slots
- 6-figure SC jackpots
- Easy to find the jackpot slots
- Engaging community aspects
- Win GC & SC in tournaments
What LuckyLand Slots Could Improve
- Variable playthrough up to 20x
- Under 150 games
You should consider making LuckyLand your first stop for chasing jackpots. You can use the 7,777 GC + 10 SC sign-up bonus to do it. Just don’t expect a vast game library as there are less than 150 titles available.
3. Fortune Coins
Boasting over 1,000 games, Fortune Coins has one of the largest sweepstakes casino game selections. You can play slots, fish games, keno, and crash games here.
We’re impressed by the frequent promotions, including daily login bonuses, high roller challenges, contests, and VIP rewards. The loyalty program has six tiers and includes birthday gifts, free spins, coupons, and special offers.
However, we did find there was no live chat or a mobile app. It is worth noting that you can play though your browser on your mobile device.
What We Like About Fortune Coins
- Over 1,000 games
- Offers keno, fish, and crash games
- Various promotion opportunities
- Worthwhile VIP program
What Fortune Coins Could Improve
- No mobile app
- Doesn’t offer live chat
Fortune Coins is ideal if you’re looking for lots of games across several categories. It has an extensive list of slot games as well as crash gaming, fish shooting, and keno. You can try these games with 630k Gold Coins and 1,000 Fortune Coins ($10 value) after signing up.
4. McLuck Casino
Even though it was only launched in 2023, McLuck has quickly caught up to the more established sweepstakes casinos.
It offers slots from notable developers like Booming Games, Playtech, Pragmatic Play, and Relax Gaming. Additionally, you can win over 200 million GC on these and other slots through the MCJACKPOT network.
While this casino is among the minority that offers live dealer tables, it doesn’t have any virtual table games. A con we picked up during testing is that you must make a purchase before using live chat.
What We Like About McLuck Casino
- Slots from elite developers
- Offers live dealer tables
- Good loyalty program
- MCJACKPOT progressive prizes
What McLuck Casino Could Improve
- Doesn’t have table games
- Must purchase for live chat access
McLuck offers top games that are worth signing up for, and you’ll receive 7.5k GC and 2.5 SC when you do. This casino also has a quality loyalty program, which gives you weekly boosts on GC purchases.
5. High 5 Casino
High 5 Casino has been around since 2012, making it one of the oldest social gaming brands. Its longevity comes from quick prize redemptions, many games, and a mobile app.
You can often win prizes in 1-2 days through Skrill. As for games, you can play over 1,100 titles and a dozen live dealer games.
During testing, we did find that the registration process takes longer than usual. What would increase High 5’s standing on this list if it added a loyalty program.
What We Like About High 5 Casino
- Fast prize redemptions
- Solid live dealer section
- 1,100+ games
- Mobile app available
What High 5 Casino Could Improve
- No VIP rewards
- Long registration process
High 5 offers a good all-around experience thanks to its game selection, quick prize deliveries, and iOS/Android app. You can also get 250k GC and 5 SC upon signing up.
Types of Bonuses at Sweepstakes Casinos
You don’t have to do much to gain a sweepstakes no deposit bonus because they’re widely available. Below, we’ll highlight the common offers and how you can benefit from each.
Sign-Up Bonus
You simply complete registration to receive free Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins. Sign-up offers let you explore a casino’s games and even take a free shot at prizes with SC.
- The downside is that you don’t get much free SC and will have trouble meeting the minimum redemption amount.
First Purchase Bonus
The sign-up offer is an appetizer for the main course, which is a large first purchase bonus. These deals are usually better than you’d get with normal buys.
For ExampleA casino might offer 400k GC and 40 SC on your first $20 purchase. They may normally only provide 200k GC and 20 SC for the same buy.Regular Purchase Bonuses
Sweepstakes operators will continue offering you coin packages that include Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins. Common examples of what you’ll get include:
- 10k GC for $0.99
- 50k GC & 5 SC for $4.99
- 100k GC & 10 SC for $9.99
- 200k GC & 20 SC for $19.99, and so forth
These packages allow you to increase your bankroll faster rather than relying solely on free opportunities.
Login Bonus
The best sweepstakes casinos give you bonuses just for logging in every day. For instance, a site could give you 0.3 SC and 300 GC after signing in.
- While you won’t get rich off these bonuses, they’re a nice daily addition to your GC/SC bankroll.
Social Media Giveaways
Sweepstakes gaming sites commonly offer contests and giveaways through Facebook and Instagram.
For example, LuckyLand recently gave away GC and merch to members for describing their experience in six words.
TipEven when giveaways aren’t happening, you can stay updated on each casino’s latest bonuses and promos through their social media channels.Happy Hour
You can get discounts on coin packages during scheduled happy hours.
For instance, a casino might offer 10 SC and 500k for $9, instead of $10, between 4pm and 6pm.
- These promotions are typically only available once per day, although certain holidays may be exceptions.
VIP Rewards
The average sweepstakes casino features a loyalty program with rewards like coin package boosts, special promos, birthday bonuses, and free spins.
As for boosted coin packages, these normally only apply to Gold Coins. But higher-level VIPs might also get an increase on Sweeps Coins, depending on the casino.
Sweepstakes Casino Games
You can enjoy a broad range of games across the sweepstakes industry. Below are the most common game types, along with a few exotic categories like fish and crash gaming.
Slots
Our recommended sweepstakes casinos each feature 500-1,200 slots. These games come from popular developers, like:
- Betsoft
- Booming Games
- Habanero
- Hacksaw Gaming
- Nolimit City
- Pragmatic Play
Jackpot SlotsMost sweepstakes operators also offer progressive jackpots. We found jackpots as high as 200 million GC and $671,000 SC during our recent round of reviews.Table Games
The operators from our list of sweepstakes casinos aren’t as good at offering table games as their counterparts from traditional casinos.
Nevertheless, you’ll still find classics like blackjack and roulette at many casinos. In the best case scenario, baccarat, Caribbean stud, craps, and Hi-Lo will be available.
Live Dealer Games
Live dealer tables really add to the social factor of sweepstakes casinos. They feature real dealers, allowing you to chat with them while playing fun games like baccarat, blackjack, and roulette.
Live Game ShowsGame shows, such as Fashion TV Mega Party and Spin-A-Win, are becoming particularly popular. They feature prize wheels and entertainers that make it feel like you’re playing live on TV.Fish Shooting Games
A fish table game involves shooting at marine life to score prizes.
It’s different from most casino games because it involves true skill.
- The better you are at hitting the fish, the more money you stand to win. You'll also need to decide how much to bet on shots, with bigger wagers/shots leading to larger payouts.
Crash Games
Crash gaming sees you bet on a flying object moving across a multiplier curve. The goal is to let your wager ride as long as possible, then pull it before the plane/rocket/shape shuttle crashes.
- You’ll win more money on a successful bet by waiting longer. Wait too long, though, and your money will crash and burn along with the object.
How We Rate Sweepstakes Casino Sites
We've extensively reviewed dozens of sweepstakes casinos, and these are the factors we looked at during our in-depth tests:
- Game Variety: How many slots and what game categories does a casino have? Slots are often the most exciting games, so the more, the better. As for categories, we love it when an operator covers live tables, fish shooting, crash gaming, and/or table games.
- Promotions: Everything starts with the sign-up bonus and how much you get for free when joining. From here, we consider the first purchase bonus, regular coin packages, giveaways, happy hours, and anything else available.
- Minimum Redemption & Playthrough: The best sweepstakes casinos let you redeem prizes with $50 SC or less. The ideal playthrough on SC is 1x for all games.
- Mobile Play: A sweepstakes casino doesn't necessarily need to have an app to score well. But it should at least have a well-organized mobile site with games that are optimized for smartphones and tablets.
- Payment Options: Common payment options in sweepstakes gaming include credit cards, e-wallets, online banking, and mobile services. A casino scores better when offering most or all of these options.
- Customer Service: Some sites only provide email support, but the ideal standard is email and live chat availability. We test all available services during reviews to ensure the services are active, accurate, and helpful.
How To Sign Up at a Sweepstakes Casino
Sweepstakes casinos offer versatile sign-up options that include social media and email. Here are the typical steps to joining one of these sites:
- Find a top sweepstakes casino and choose the join prompt.
- Select your sign-up method, with common examples being Facebook, Gmail, or a non-Gmail address.
- Sign in to your Facebook or Gmail account. The alternative is to enter another type of email and a password.
- Agree to the terms and conditions after signing in and joining the casino.
- Start playing games with your free Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins.
Tips for New Sweepstakes Casino Players
You don't have to be a casino pro to boost your chances of getting more GC and SC. The following tips are simple and can get you off to a good start:
Sweeps Coins Are Always Free
What really sets sweepstakes casinos apart from online casinos is the free-to-play aspect. For these sites to remain legal in most States in the US, they need to remain accessible and open to everyone. They're also required to ensure there is no significant effort or purchase requirement to gain entry to its promotional content.
Each of the sweepstakes casinos we've reviewed on this page offers large welcome bonuses and includes ways to ensure that you have access to virtual currency to enjoy the games.
How To Redeem for a Cash Prize
You can trade Sweeps Coins for cash prizes and gift cards. But the catch is that you must meet the casino's playthrough and minimum redemption.
- Here's where gift cards become attractive because they normally have a lower redemption rate than cash prizes. For example, a casino might require $30 SC for a gift card and $50 SC for cash.
As for playthrough, most sweepstakes casinos attach 1x wagering requirements to Sweeps Coins.
Redemption GuideHere are the general steps to claim prizes at top sweepstakes casinos once you’ve met the requirements:
- Visit your account and select Redeem.
- Verify your identity by submitting your ID and proof of address (e.g. bank statement).
- Choose whether you want a gift card or a cash prize.
- If you pick a gift card, you’ll decide which type (e.g. Amazon) you want and provide an email. When selecting cash, you’ll have to enter payment details (e.g. bank account info, PayPal).
- Decide how much SC you want in the form of cash or a gift card.
- Confirm and wait. Gift cards may arrive at your email address within hours, while cash prizes might take 3-10 days.
Responsible Gaming at a Sweepstakes Casino
Sweepstakes gaming is about having fun, picking up free bonuses, and potentially buying coin packages. If you do buy the coin bundles, make sure they're within your budget.
Sweepstakes casinos offer tools to help you stay safe, including purchase limits, session limits, and account timeouts. They also provide outside help resources like the following:
Should You Play at a Sweepstakes Casino?
If you enjoy casino games and free bonuses, then the best sweepstakes casinos from our list are worth considering.
We suggest sticking with our recommended operators to ensure you’re joining legit sites with fair games and good customer support. These top sweepstakes casinos also provide responsible gaming tools and resources if you need them.
One more consideration is to check your local laws on sweepstakes gaming. Although most states allow it, a few have banned sweepstakes casinos.
FAQs
Do sweepstakes casinos pay real cash?
How do I get free Sweeps Coins?
Do I need to verify my identity to redeem my winnings?
Are there any new sweepstakes casinos?
Are sweepstakes casinos legal in California?
How old do I need to be to play at sweepstakes casinos?
What's the RTP on sweepstakes casinos?
What is the best sweepstakes casino?
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Resources
- https://gamblersanonymous.org (Gamblers Anonymous)
- https://www.ncpgambling.org (National Council on Problem Gambling)
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/compulsive-gambling/symptoms-causes/syc-20355178 (Mayo Clinic)