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A sweepstakes casino is a free-to-play online casino that runs on promotional sweepstakes law instead of a gambling licence. You can play slots, table games and sometimes live dealer games without ever depositing money, and you can still win real cash prizes.
The trick is that every sweepstakes casino uses two virtual currencies, and only one of them can be redeemed.
Gold Coins vs. Sweeps Coins
| Currency | Can you buy it? | Can you redeem it? | What it's for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold Coins (GC) | Yes, optional | No | Playing for fun |
| Sweeps Coins (SC) | Never directly | Yes, usually 1 SC = $1 | Playing for prizes |
Gold Coins go by many names: WOW Coins at WOW Vegas, Crown Coins at Crown Coins Casino, Tournament Coins at Funrize. They have no cash value. You get them free when you sign up and every day you log in, and you can buy more if you want.
Sweeps Coins are the prize currency. Stake.us calls them Stake Cash, MyPrize calls them Sweeps Cash, Fortune Wins calls them Fortune Coins. You can never buy them. Instead you get them:
- free as part of the sign-up bonus
- free with daily login bonuses, races and social media giveaways
- free by sending a mail-in request (the "alternative method of entry")
- as a free bonus when you buy a Gold Coin package
Once you have played your Sweeps Coins through (usually once), you can redeem them for cash or gift cards.
Why sweepstakes casinos are legal
US sweepstakes law says a promotion becomes illegal gambling when it combines three things: a prize, chance, and consideration (paying to enter). Sweepstakes casinos remove consideration. Because you can always get Sweeps Coins for free, nobody has to pay to take part, the same principle that lets fast-food chains run Monopoly-style games.
That is also why every legitimate sweepstakes casino publishes a free mail-in method. Without it, the model falls apart.
Where they are not allowed
The model is legal in most of the US, but a growing list of states has banned it outright or blocks it under existing gambling law. As of October 2026 that list includes California, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and several more, with Oklahoma's ban starting November 1, 2026. See our sweepstakes casino legal states guide for the full list, or our breakdown of every 2026 sweepstakes casino ban.
Sweepstakes casino vs. real-money online casino
- Money in: real-money casinos take deposits. Sweepstakes casinos never do; buying Gold Coins is optional.
- Licensing: real-money casinos need a state gaming licence and only operate in a handful of states. Sweepstakes casinos operate under sweepstakes law in 35+ states.
- Age: usually 18+ at sweepstakes casinos (21+ at some sites), 21+ at real-money casinos.
- Payouts: both pay real money, but sweepstakes casinos call it a "redemption" and require ID verification first.
How to get started
- Pick a casino available in your state from our list of the best sweepstakes casinos.
- Sign up through the link so the welcome bonus is applied.
- Verify your email (and phone or ID if the site asks).
- Switch to Sweeps Coin mode when you want to play for prizes.
- CRCrown Coins Casino100,000 CC + 2 SC FreeClaim
- WOWOW Vegas250,000 WC + 5 SC FreeClaim
- RORolla Casino500,000 GC + 10 SC FreeClaim
- MYMyPrize.us50,000 GC + 5 SC FreeClaim
- MCMcLuck7,500 GC + 2.5 SC FreeClaim
Frequently asked questions
Are sweepstakes casinos real money?
You never deposit real money, but you can win it. Sweeps Coins can be redeemed for cash prizes, usually at 1 SC = $1, once you meet the playthrough and verification rules.
Do I have to buy Gold Coins?
No. Buying Gold Coins is always optional. Every sweepstakes casino lets you play for free and get Sweeps Coins without paying.
How old do you have to be?
Most sweepstakes casinos require players to be 18 or older, and some require 21+ or follow a higher local age of majority.
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