The sweepstakes casino mechanism: How it works
There’s no great mystery to what sweepstakes casinos are and how they operate. Offering slots, table games, bingo, live dealer games and even cutting-edge Crash-style games, sweepstakes casinos don’t permit real money gameplay, replacing dollars with virtual game tokens known as Coins:
- Gold Coins (GC)
are just for entertainment. You can purchase more of them if you’d like to, but there’s no obligation to do so, and they won’t return any real-world prizes.
- Sweepstakes Coins (SC)
are free promotional tokens that can be redeemed for real-world rewards, but you’ll need to play them through first. Sweepstakes Coins are never available for purchase.
Sweepstakes casinos are legal throughout most of the US
With no real money being wagered on chance outcomes, sweepstakes casinos aren’t considered to be gambling platforms, making them perfectly legal in most states. After all, what are sweepstakes if not free opportunities to receive a reward of value? And they’ve been around in one form or another for decades now, so they’re well established means of promoting goods or services. In this case, it’s the chance to play social casino games and maybe purchase a few Gold Coin packages to keep the entertainment rolling.
Washington has some of the strictest rules surrounding sweepstakes casinos, but even the Evergreen State is prepared to make an exception for Golden Hearts Games. Idaho, Michigan and Nevada have several restrictions too, but platforms always make it clear in which states they operate. The details are highlighted in Ballislife reviews too, so it’s easy to find all the reliable sweepstakes sites available in your region.
Understanding RTP at sweepstakes casinos
There’s a lot of misunderstanding when it comes to RTP, or Return to Player rates, with many people wrongly assuming they’re some sort of guarantee of returns to individual players. The RTP actually refers to overall returns during a game’s lifetime, which is a very different thing! All the same, a high RTP shows that the platform is prepared to cut the house edge to the minimum, which has to be good news for its customers.
Stake.us has a range of exclusive slots by Pragmatic Play with some of the
best RTP at sweeps casinos, coming in at 98% for each one. And High 5 Casino raises RTP percentages to their maximum levels to ensure player satisfaction. But all platforms listed here have been checked to ensure that the gaming experience is fair, giving you a head start in choosing the social gaming site that’s right for you.
Sweepstakes casinos we can't stop playing
1.
$55 Stake Cash + 260K Gold Coins + 5% Rakeback
Players from Virginia accepted
2.
Up to 105 SC FREE + 575K Golden Coins + 1000 VIP Points
Players from Virginia accepted
3.
32.5 SC FREE and 1.03M Gold Coins
Players from Virginia accepted
4.
35 SC FREE and 1.75M WOW Coins
Players from Virginia accepted
5.
3 SC FREE + 15K Gold Coins
Players from Virginia accepted
Minimum Sweepstake Coin redemptions at sweepstakes casinos
Every sweepstake casino comes with its own terms of service and sweepstakes rules, which set out the all-important facts about redeeming Sweeps Coins. There’s almost always a
minimum cashout for SC
tokens, so it’s good to know how many you need to play through before you can redeem them for real cash or digital gift cards. The Ballislife reviews explain what sweepstakes are all about for each platform, including how to claim real prizes - it’s simply a matter of picking out the one with the games and features you like the best.
Avoiding Sweepstake Coin expiry dates
In most cases - and for all the platforms listed below - Sweeps Coins don’t expire as long as you keep returning to the platform to play a few games, or pick up some bonuses. However, there’s usually an inactivity clause within each site’s terms, which tends to come into play after 60 days without logging into your account. After this time, most sweeps casinos will void your Sweeps Coins completely, or start depleting your Sweeps Coin balance with a monthly administration charge.
What are sweepstakes casino Gold Coin payment methods?
Purchases are optional at sweepstakes casinos, but most players appreciate being able to buy extra Gold Coins to keep the entertainment going. And in some cases, Gold Coin packages come with a few bonus Sweeps Coins as an added freebie. Platforms vary in the payment methods you can use, with options including:
- Visa
- Mastercard
- Bank transfer
- EWallets
- Cryptocurrency
Look out for discounted first purchases, which could double the amount of Gold Coins you’ll receive. You’ll usually need to make an initial purchase to enable Sweeps Coins redemptions - and some sweepstakes platforms offer access to exclusive games too, or other special perks, all of which are highlighted in the platform reviews here at Ballislife, or course!
What are sweepstakes playthrough requirements?
You won’t be able to cash in your Sweepstakes Coins without playing them through at least once first, but platforms vary in their rules. For example, at Stake.us you’ll need to play your Stake Cash through 3x before redeeming the tokens for crypto, merchandise or digital gift cards. At Sweeptastic there’s a 5x requirement, and Chumba Casino reserves the right to increase its current 1x up to a maximum of 20x if it so chooses - although players would likely vote with their feet if that were the case!
Understanding the
Sweeps Coins playthrough requirements
at your chosen social casino is important if you’re going to make the most of their prize-awarding capabilities. The reviews here at Ballislife present you with all the essential facts, but it’s worth reaching out to the customer support team at your preferred platform if you still have any unanswered questions.
Top-rated sweepstakes casinos to take a look at
If you’d like to know what are the sweepstakes platforms offering a safe, trustworthy and entertaining experience, the following suggestions are a good place to start. There’s something in the selection to suit all types of gamers, with the pros and cons also highlighted, making it even easier to choose the one that seems right for you.
Stake.us - The full casino experience for crypto enthusiasts
Stake.us: Pros & Cons
- High-quality slots from top studios
- Table and live games plus Stake Originals
- Regular bonuses and player rewards
- Real crypto prizes available
- Several state restrictions
If you want to know what sweepstakes are all about, Stake.us is an excellent place to start. Packed with slots from the likes of Pragmatic Play, Hacksaw Gaming and OneTouch, there’s an excellent selection of table games too, including a few live dealer options. Look out for the cutting-edge Stake Originals, which are provably fair and offer fun and immersive gameplay. Register using the exclusive BALLISLIFE promo code to receive up to 55 Stake Cash, along with 260,000 Gold Coins and an ongoing 5% rakeback deal.
$55 Stake Cash + 260K Gold Coins + 5% Rakeback
WOW Vegas - A world of free-to-play slot games
WOW Vegas: Pros & Cons
- Huge collection of top slot games
- New titles added every week
- Player rewards program
- Mobile-first design
- No traditional casino games
If it’s slots you’re hoping to find, a visit to WOW Vegas is definitely worth your while, as this is a social casino that doesn’t offer any other types of games. There are hundreds of top-quality slots from Pragmatic Play, 3 Oaks, Betsoft and other leading studios, with new games added every single week. There’s a particularly impressive collection of slots featuring respin bonus rounds on this platform, with multiple jackpots, which is a big attraction for dedicated players.
35 SC FREE and 1.75M WOW Coins
Sweeptastic - A new additional to the social gaming world
Sweeptastic: Pros & Cons
- 1,000+ games to explore
- Slots, table games and video bingo
- Player rewards program
- Mobile-friendly website
It usually takes quite some time for a new sweepstakes casino to make it onto the Ballislife recommended list, but Sweeptastic ticks a lot of boxes for social gaming fans. With over 1,000 games to enjoy there’s no shortage of fun to be had, with Sweeps Coins that become redeemable once they’ve been played through 5x. Just like all the other platforms listed on this page, Sweeptastic is mobile-friendly and rewards regular players with plenty of bonuses.
33 SC FREE and 67,777 Lucky Coins
Chumba Casino - One of the best-known sweepstakes casinos
Chumba Casino: Pros & Cons
- Carefully-selected slot games
- Table games, Slingo and video bingo
- Regular bonuses and player rewards
- Outstanding customer support
Chumba Casino has been around for several years now, so it’s a well-known brand with a huge following. This is a platform with an active presence on social media channels, where followers can take advantage of regular contests and giveaways to boost their Coin balances. You can play slots, jackpot games and traditional casino favorites, as well as video bingo and Slingo games - and with potential to redeem your played-through Sweepstakes Coins for real-world prizes.
2M Gold Coins + 2 Sweeps Coins
High 5 Casino - A huge collection of free-to-play casino favorites
High 5 Casino: Pros & Cons
- Over 800 free-to-play games
- Slots, table games and live dealers
- Highest RTP rates
- Fast prize redemptions
High 5 Casino comes stocked with an impressive selection of slots from High 5 Games and Pragmatic Play amongst other studios, so there’s a lot to look forward to. There are a few table games and live dealers too, for the full casino experience but without the usual financial risk. High 5 Casino is recognized as having some of the best RTP percentages around, so it’s a popular choice with players. Collect Diamonds to add the Boost on Demand mechanic to your gameplay and add a little extra into the mix.
Get Up To 200 GC + 40 SC + 100 Diamonds!
McLuck - An engaging social casino experience
McLuck: Pros & Cons
- Over 400 top slot games
- Mobile-apps available
- Ongoing player bonuses and rewards
- Excellent customer support
- Few traditional casino games
Just like Sweeptastic, McLuck is another of the new sweepstakes casinos on the block, and once again it’s managed to rise to the top of the pile, thanks to some clever design features. Redefining what a sweepstakes casino is all about, McLuck has taken the monochrome background of Stake.us and injected bursts of neon colors to add to the fun. It’s all about the slots at McLuck, with hundreds of games to choose from and the potential to redeem real cash prizes from your played-through Sweepstakes Coins.
27.5 SC FREE and 57.5K Gold Coins
Golden Hearts Games - Donate to charity to play free slots and bingo
Golden Hearts Games: Pros & Cons
- Bingo games available 24/7
- Instant win and slot games
- Regular bonuses and free Coins
- Thousands of charities to choose from
- Not available to Idaho or Michigan residents
Another social gaming platform redefining what sweepstakes are, is Golden Hearts Games. On this platform gameplay is activated by making a donation to your favorite IRS-approved charity, after which you can use your Gold Coins and Unplayed Sweeps Coins to play slots and bingo. The Bingo Room hosts games around the clock, with a variety of instant-win games to enjoy in between sessions - and potential to redeem your played-through Sweeps Coins for real cash.
250,000 Gold Coins + 500 FREE Sweeps Coins
Table of game types at the top sweepstakes casinos
| Sweepstake casino | Slots | Table games | Live casino | Bingo |
| Stake.us | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| WOW Vegas | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Sweeptastic | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Chumba Casino | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| High 5 Casino | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| McLuck | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Golden Hearts Games | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
Now you know what sweepstakes are, it’s time to start playing games!
Choose the right sweepstakes casino and you can enter into a world of free-to-play games that perfectly replicate the traditional casino experience - but without using your bankroll to activate gameplay. All the same, it’s advisable to set clear purchase and time limits before you start playing, to ensure you never get too caught up in the fun. The reviews and guides here at Ballislife are here to help and advise you every step of the way, including a few exclusive promo codes to kick-start your social gaming.
Understanding what sweepstakes casinos are and how to take full advantage of the opportunities they present is only part of the story though. Across these pages you’ll find news and information covering all kinds of gaming-related topics, from choosing and using your ideal platform to how to handle any
betting sites complaints
you might have. Be sure to bookmark Ballislife and check back regularly to keep up to speed with the latest news, reviews and offers.
Try these top sweepstakes bonuses
1.
$55 Stake Cash + 260K Gold Coins + 5% Rakeback
Players from Virginia accepted
Requirements (WR): 3x
2.
Up to 105 SC FREE + 575K Golden Coins + 1000 VIP Points
Players from Virginia accepted
3.
32.5 SC FREE and 1.03M Gold Coins
Players from Virginia accepted
4.
35 SC FREE and 1.75M WOW Coins
Players from Virginia accepted
Requirements (WR): 1x Bonus, Min. Deposit: 9.99
5.
3 SC FREE + 15K Gold Coins
Players from Virginia accepted
What are sweepstakes FAQ
👀 How do sweepstakes work at free-to-play casinos?
Sweepstakes casinos give out free promotional Sweepstakes Coins which have the potential to become redeemable for real cash prizes. This guide here at Ballislife.com explains all you need to know, including Sweeps Coins playthrough requirements and expiry times.
🎁 What is a sweepstakes casino bonus?
Free-to-play gaming sites make a point of giving away free virtual tokens to keep the gameplay going. Look out for login bonuses, social media giveaways and email notifications that could award free Sweepstakes Coins - with real-world prizes available.
🔎 What are sweepstakes casino games like?
Sweepstakes casinos usually offer everything that you’d expect to find at their real money counterparts, including slots, roulette, blackjack and more - but without the real money gameplay! This Ballislife.com guide is packed with useful information, from
sweepstakes casino redemption time limits
to information about the best tried and trusted platforms.
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