Best online sweepstakes casinos in the US for 2023

Sweepstake casinos are online platforms that offer casino-style games, such as slots, blackjack, and poker. They involve players purchasing currency, which are often referred to as “coins” or “gold”, which they use to play casino games.

There are typically other opportunities to earn additional awards such as signing up, logging in daily, or spinning a daily wheel which will each give you coins to play games and earn prizes. These prizes are then converted to real-life prizes, although this varies based on the platform.

Take advantage of the Fortune Coins 140K Gold Coin bonus!

Sweepstake casinos have grown in popularity in recent years with the focus on winning prizes rather than directly playing with money serving as an appeal for many users.

Best online sweepstakes casinos for US players

1. Fortune Coins – 140,000 GC + 300 FC + 20,000 GC + 400 FC on signup
2. Luckyland Slots – 7777 gold coins + 10 sweeps coins free
3. Global Poker – Get 150,000 GC + 30 FREE SC
4. Chumba Casino –  2,000,000 free GC + 2 free SC
5. Wow Vegas – 5,000 Wow Coins + 1 SC on first sign-in
6. High 5 – Get 5 Free Sweeps Coins + 250 GC + 600 Diamonds
7. Pulsz – Get up to 367,000 Gold Coins + 32.3 Free Sweepstakes Coins
8. Stake.us – 25 Stake Cash + 250,000 Gold Coins

What are sweepstakes casinos?

There are a number of differences between sweepstakes casinos and traditional casinos. The most significant difference is in the usage of virtual currency to play the casino games. In sweepstakes casinos, players use tokens, coins, tickets, or some other form that can be redeemed for real-world prizes. This is appealing to users as there is not as direct of a risk as a traditional casino.

This subtle difference also changes the legality of the casino. Traditional casinos operate within the legal framework of strict regulations in their respective jurisdiction. Sweepstakes casinos often operate in a legal gray area by structuring their model around sweepstakes or promotional contests, which can allow them to bypass these laws. This also makes them available to a wider geographical audience. 

It varies depending on the casino, but sites generally focus on the virtual currency exchange as a way to fund accounts. The prizes that are often won include real-world prizes, cash, or gift cards. Sweepstakes casinos often emphasize the thrill of potentially winning prizes or cash, while traditional casinos are more focused on the overall experience, including the ambiance, live interactions, and entertainment.

Top sweepstakes and social casinos: Overview

1. Fortune Coins

Legal in 49 US States (Not available in Washington), Fortune Coins is a Vegas-style casino experience. It offers a more diverse choice of card games and video slots with jackpot bonuses and overall diverse options. The casino is not available on a mobile app, although many users prefer the website on mobile devices rather than the desktop version. 

Pros: 

• Expansive card game options
• Refer a friend bonuses
• Progressive jackpots

Cons:

• No mobile app
• No live chat support
• Limited game selection

2. Luckyland Slots

With friendly signup bonuses and daily login rewards, Luckyland makes it easy to coat your account with coins that give you credits to play. The casino offers a limited selection of games compared to its competitors but is available in 49 of the 50 states. It also should be noted that all games on the site are designed in-house so you will not see the familiar options for casino games. 

Pros: 

• Regular promotions and free play credits
• Bonuses increase as you level up
• Prizes can be directly transferred to your bank account

Cons: 

• Only 40 total games
• Casino games designed in-house (not the games most would expect)
• No live customer service

3. Global Poker

While most of the sweepstakes casinos are limited in their available poker options, Global Poker has put a focus on making these card games available for users. They offer Texas Hold’em, Omaha High Low, Jackpot Sit n Go, Blackjack Caribbean Poker, and more while still offering a number of slot games. It is available in 48 of the 50 US states.

Pros:

• Poker games available
• Strong social media presence
• Strong customer support

Cons:

• Limited bonus offers
• Limits in payment options
• Occasional server errors

4. Chumba Casino

Chumba Casino is a social gaming hangout that is available in 48 US states and all of Canada with the exception of Quebec. There is a combination of 90+ slots, blackjack, poker, roulette, and other virtual video games. Created in 2017, Chumba is one of the more established sweepstakes casino platforms although it has not evolved and expanded in the way some of the other sites have.

Pros: 

• Safe and secure
• Numerous free-play options
• Good customer service

Cons:

• Limited gaming options
• Lack of promos
• No live dealer games

5. Wow Vegas

One of the newest sweepstakes casinos to launch, Wow Vegas has rapidly built up a strong reputation since bursting on the scene in 2022. They offer daily login bonuses, a number of free games, and have a great reputation for customer support. Wow Vegas is available in 47 US States as well as all of Canada with the exception of Quebec.

Pros: 

• Lots of free games
• Social Media contests
• Friendly and Effective Customer Support

Cons:

• No live dealer games
• No loyalty programs
• Limited selection of table games

6. Pulsz

Available in 47 US states, Pulsz has roughly 300 casino games, regular promotions, and offers to impress new users. They have a number of exciting slots, 24/7 customer service, and coins that can be redeemed for real-world prizes. Pulsz works well on mobile devices, has new games coming out every week, and has made slot games a focus of their platform. 

Pros: 

• Variety and Rotation of Games
• Excellent mobile play
• Fast redemption

Cons:

• No live chat
• Not available in Nevada, Idaho, or Washington
• Limited poker availability

7. Stake.us

Available in 45 US states, Stake.us has more than 330 slot styles of gameplay to choose from. While it does not have as lucrative of sign-up options compared to some of its competitors, it has a user-friendly interface on all platforms. Stake.Us also has a number of available cryptocurrency options and has the most balanced chances of winning compared to most casinos. 

Pros: 

• Wide range of slots
• Fair chances to win
• Cryptocurrency-friendly

Cons:

• No live dealer games
• Crypto-only payments
• Limited sign-up bonuses

How do USA sweepstakes casinos work?

The exact framework for how USA sweepstakes casinos work varies based on the website and geological jurisdiction that they must operate under. However, here is the general premise for how the entity functions.

Virtual currency

Players must buy virtual currency packages to get gold coins, sweep coins, tokens, etc., which are used to play live games within the sweepstakes casinos. There are typically options for free play or using coins.

Game selection

Sweepstakes casinos offer a variety of casino-style games that vary based on the site. Choose the available slot game, blackjack, roulette, or whatever appeals to you, and use the virtual currency that was purchased to start playing. 

Chances to win

As players engage in games, they have the opportunity to win more virtual currency. This cannot be directly converted into cash but can be used to continue playing or to enter sweepstakes for cash prizes.

Sweepstakes entries

Most sweepstakes casinos include a separate sweepstakes component. This allows players to earn entries by participating in games which they can turn into cash prizes, gift cards, electronics, or other awards. 

Exchange for prizes

Players can exchange their virtual currency winnings for entries into sweepstakes or other rewards offered by the platform. The virtual currency can act as an entry mechanism to these contests or there are direct conversions that can be made depending on the casino. 

No purchase necessary

To comply with sweepstakes laws, sweepstakes casinos provide a way to enter without making a purchase. This can be done through alternate methods like sending a mail-in request for virtual currency. 

Legal considerations

Sweepstakes casinos navigate in legal gray areas by structuring their own operations to be promotional contests rather than traditional casino play. This allows them to offer games and prizes without falling under strict casino regulations. Players also should be sure to carefully read and understand the terms and conditions of the sweepstake casino you are using before playing. These will outline the rules, eligibility, prize details, and other information. 

What are online social casinos?

Online social casinos are sites that do not require any money to play. The gameplay is typically identical to regular casino games but with a focus on promoting a great way to enjoy and practice the gameplay without risking anything of actual value.

How do sweepstakes casinos differ from traditional casinos?

The biggest difference between sweepstakes casinos and traditional online casinos comes down to playing with sweepstake coins in the former. This leads to a number of differences including the legality of it, the potential for winnings, the geographical availability, and the regulation that is involved. For users, the biggest thing to know is there is no direct monetary value forstakes and  winnings in sweepstakes casinos. 

How to sign up at an online sweepstakes casino

Signing up for an online sweepstakes casino is a generally straightforward process. The specific steps may vary slightly depending on the platform but this is the general process for getting started:

1. Choose a sweepstakes casino: Decide which of the reputable online sweepstakes casinos that are legal and available in your jurisdiction you prefer. The main factors that go into this should be the available games and whichever other factors are important to the user. 
2. Visit the website or download the app: Access the casino’s website through your web browser or download the app if it is available.
3. Create an account: Click on the “Sign Up” or “Join Now” button to begin the registration process. You will then go on to create a unique login and provide an email address and personal details such as your address and birthday.
4. Verify email and identity: The casino will likely send a verification code or link to your email for you to confirm. You also may be asked to confirm your identity and age by submitting a license or some other form. You will then be able to accept the terms and conditions as well as any privacy policies and gaming guidelines. 
5. Choose a screen name: Sweepstakes casinos are more focused on the social aspect and often utilize social media in a way that is not the case for traditional casinos. You will be asked to display a screen name or display name that will be visible to other players.
6. Receive welcome bonus (if available): Most sweepstakes casinos offer a welcome bonus which typically includes a certain amount of free virtual currency upon registration or on your first purchase. These can be used to maximize prizes or lower your risk.
7. Purchase coin packages (optional): If there is not enough offered in the welcome bonus or you must have packages of coins to play, you must do this at this stage in the registration process. 
8. Start playing: Once your account is set up, verified, and funded, you can start playing the various sweepstakes casino games.

How does the token system work at a social casino site?

The exact system and type of token varies based on the social casino site. However, the basic premise is that the form of virtual currency (Gold Coins, Wow Coins, Sweeps Coins, etc) are won through casino games and converted into prizes. Tokens are won through being successful at the casino games as well as additional bonuses such as loyalty and daily rewards. The value and prices vary based on the website. 

What are the typical games available at sweepstakes and social casinos?

Both sweepstakes and social casinos offer a variety of casino-style games with the primary distinction being the use of virtual currency. They typically offer the typical casino games such as slots, poker, table games, arcade games, specialty games, and virtual sports. 

What are sweeps coins?

Sweeps coins are free entry tokens used in promotional play. They cannot be purchased and are far less abundant than gold coins but sweeps coins can be used to redeem gift cards and cash prizes. 

What are gold coins? 

Unlike sweeps coins, gold coins can be purchased and are used to practice games with no risk. Gold coins can be used for free and are often gifted to users, but they cannot be converted into prizes.

How are sweep coins different from gold coins? 

The biggest difference between the two coins is that gold coins can be used for games for fun while sweeps coins are used for games with a chance to win prizes. Sweeps coins are the only way to win prizes in sweepstakes casinos. 

How to get sweeps coins

While you cannot purchase sweeps coins, there are a few ways to get them for free. Sometimes you get them as a free bonus when purchasing gold coins. They also can be given as a daily bonus when you log in or through giveaway contests on social media. Additionally, there are special email offers that can be taken advantage of or you can request a letter by mail. 

Can you earn real money at a sweepstakes casino? 

While it is not as direct of a process as a traditional casino, you can still earn money at a sweepstakes casino. By winning slots and casino games you collect virtual currency which can be traded in for real-world prizes, gift cards, and money.

Are sweepstakes/social casinos legal in the US?

The short answer is yes although there is a legal gray area surrounding sweepstakes/social casinos. Their legality varies based on state laws, as well as how platforms structure their operations to comply with sweepstakes and contest regulations. It also depends on the location of each individual casino for where they are available, but there has been a massive growth in their legality and availability in recent years. 

Do sweepstakes casinos and social casinos offer live dealer games?

While they are not available on every platform, many sweepstakes casinos and social casinos offer live dealer games. Some of the most common include poker, blackjack, and roulette. Some platforms have elected to prioritize slots or just do not offer live dealer games, so this is important to check before signing up. 

Where can I play free sweepstakes games?

You can play free sweepstakes games on various online platforms that offer casino-style games with a chance to win prizes. These platforms can be accessed through the casino’s website or mobile app and they allow you to participate. 

How old do I need to be to play at sweepstakes casinos?

The age to play sweepstakes casinos varies based on your location but in most states, the legal age in the United States is 18. It also can be 21, depending on the platform and state’s laws. 

Top 5 tips for playing at sweepstakes casinos in the US

1. Chose games with favorable odds: When playing sweepstakes casino games, it is important to choose games with favorable odds. Games like blackjack and poker offer a low house edge, which means you have a better chance of winning. Choosing the proper games paves the way for success.
2. Be mindful of sweeps coins vs Gold coins: There is value to both free play and competing for prizes. Users should take advantage of free play opportunities to gain practice on games and set themselves up for the most success when prizes are on the line.
3. Take advantage of promotions and bonuses: Many sweepstakes casino sites offer promotions and bonuses which you can use to add more chances to play in your account. Look for sites with generous welcome bonuses, loyalty programs, and other promotions. Many online casinos also have offers through social media that should also be monitored.
4. Practice good bankroll management: It is easy to get irresponsible with the coins you are playing with as it is not actual money. However, practicing the best bankroll management sets users up for the best success and makes sure you are not chasing losses by using more than you should.
5. Play games with high RTPs: Evaluating the games with higher returns compared to the risk is the best way to become profitable. Some sweepstakes casino games offer bigger prizes than others. Progressive slots offer the potential for huge jackpots and many bingo games often have large prize pools.

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Responsible sweepstakes and social playing

Remember to play responsibly at social and sweepstakes casinos
A responsible player is someone who:

• Establishes time limits before playing
• Never chases their losses
• Doesn’t play if they’re upset, angry, or depressed
• National Council on Problem Gambling – https://www.ncpgambling.org/
• Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org

For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 1-800-522-4700 or go to ncpgambling.org/chat