Guide · Sweepstakes basics

How sweepstakes casinos work.

A sweepstakes casino is a social casino with a promotional sweepstakes on top. You play with Gold Coins for fun, and Sweeps Coins you receive for free can be redeemed for prizes. Here is how it works, and what to check before you play.

The basics

Coins for fun, coins for prizes, no purchase needed.

Gold Coins

For fun play only. You can buy them in packages, and they can never be exchanged for money or prizes.

Sweeps Coins

Free: they come with Gold Coin packages, as daily bonuses, through promotions or by mail. After the playthrough in the rules, they can be redeemed for prizes.

No purchase necessary

Every sweepstakes casino offers a free way to get Sweeps Coins, usually a mail-in request described in its official rules.

Redeeming prizes

Before the first prize, you verify your identity. Each redemption request is reviewed before it is paid.

Where you can play

Availability depends on your state, and some states do not allow sweepstakes casinos. Players must be adults, 18 or 21 depending on the state and the site.

Play responsibly

Set purchase limits, take breaks, and use the self-exclusion tools of the site you play on. Gold Coins are for entertainment, not a way to earn money.

What players ask.

Is a sweepstakes casino gambling?

Sweepstakes casinos run under promotional sweepstakes rules rather than casino licences: no purchase is necessary to take part, and only Sweeps Coins can be redeemed for prizes. The rules differ by state, and some states do not allow them.

How do I get Sweeps Coins without buying anything?

Through daily bonuses, promotions and the free mail-in method in each site's official rules. Any purchase you make is for Gold Coins; the Sweeps Coins that come with it are a free bonus.

How do redemptions work?

Once you have played your Sweeps Coins through as the rules require and verified your identity, you can request a redemption. The site reviews the request before it pays the prize.

Who can play?

Adults in the states where a site operates, usually 18 or older and 21 or older in some states. Each site checks your location and your identity.

Where can I get help with my account?

Contact the site you play on: only the operator can see or change your account. GameBridge publishes this guide and builds software for operators; it does not run a casino.

Where can I get help if play stops being fun?

Take a break and use the limits and self-exclusion tools of the site you play on. In the US, the National Problem Gambling Helpline is 1-800-GAMBLER, free and confidential.