Sweepstakes Casinos

If playing with real money isn’t your bag, then maybe playing at online sweepstakes casinos would suit you better! Although they offer all your favourite online casino games, sweepstakes casinos are different to traditional online casinos because players are not required to make a deposit.

This means that sweepstakes casino sites are much more accessible to more people. Instead of making real money deposits, players use special casino currencies to participate in casino games. Sweepstake coins can be won in games, and players can even trade in the coins for various prizes and even win cash prizes.

A pretty new online casino concept, but sweepstakes games are rapidly rising in popularity as players shift to social casinos. There are plenty of reasons why you might choose to give sweepstakes casinos a go, and we are going to break it all down for you here. So keep reading to find out more about this new casino craze!

How do Sweepstakes and Social Casinos work?

Sweepstakes casinos, or social casinos, are a fun alternative for some players as they provide a gateway to playing their favourite casino games without the cost. This could be a downside for some, as without the opportunity to play with real money, the opportunity to win real money is also lost. However, sweepstakes casinos still offer the chance for attractive rewards, purchasable with the casino’s currency.

This new phenomenon of casinos began in the USA around 2005 with the alternative for players to win promotional prizes. However, since then, social online casinos have continued to evolve and have developed into a core structure in the casino industry. With the increase in the importance of social media and the shift online over the last two decades, it’s no wonder that online casinos have also begun to shift to social casino games.

For this social casino experience to work, casinos have introduced virtual currencies which are used to play casino games. Many sweeps cash casinos offer two ways to play. The first involves sweeps coins which have no real money value; instead, they are used to engage in social casino games and can be accumulated to win prizes. Another way to play is by using premium coins, which can be purchased for play.

Best Sweepstakes Casinos

How to Start Playing at Sweepstakes Online Casinos

Although sweepstakes are not an entirely new concept, variations of the sweepstake principle are present in many offices and communities based around sports and other betting affairs. However, online sweepstakes casinos might be a new concept for many players.

The process of playing online sweepstake games is generally the same as playing at regular online casinos. However, there may be some differences that players should be aware of and that they may encounter during their sweepstake casino journey.

To begin playing at your chosen sweepstake casino, these are the typical steps you should take for a streamlined process.

1. Create an account

Creating an account with a sweepstakes casino is simple; input a few details as requested and you are good to go. Or alternatively, many online casinos now make it even easier for players to sign up via their Google or Facebook account. Your player information is encrypted and supplied by the relevant provider so you can get playing quicker than ever. If you do choose to sign up with your own details, be aware you may need to confirm the registration via email.

2. Check out the currencies being used

We aren’t talking about FIAT currencies here. Each sweepstakes casino will have its own casino currency which is used instead of real money deposits. They generally also have the option to purchase a version of premium coins. Sweeps coins are the general term for the coins used for free play, whereas gold coins are purchasable bundles of coins which can be used to play online casino games. Check out what payment options the casino has available.

3. Look for free coins on social media pages

Sweeps coins are readily available in many ways. Usually, players will be rewarded a nice bundle of free sweepstakes coins (and possibly some free spins) when signing up. But, you can often add to your sweeps cash wallet with extra giveaways. These are frequently found on social media pages, promotional emails or simply by logging in each day. Check what your chosen casino offers to take full advantage.

4. Start playing for free!

Once you have your casino wallet loaded with sweeps cash, you are ready to go! You’ll be able to use your free allocation to play as many games as you like. The great thing is that even if they run out, there are plenty of ways to gain more. But, by accumulating them you also have the chance to win prizes!

What is the Difference between Sweep Coins and Gold Coins?

When you begin playing at a sweepstakes casino, there are two ways that you can play. You can choose to use the free sweeps coins which you will be allocated when registering. Or purchase premium or gold coins that are used to heighten the stakes.

The games themselves are not so different between the two options. However, it depends on whether players prefer the social aspect of playing online casino games or want to increase their chances of winning real money.

The two-coin system is what separates sweepstakes casinos from standard casinos as it offers players an option to switch between both styles of play. Let’s take a closer look at how you can obtain each of these coins and what you can spend them on.

Sweep Coins

Sweepstakes coins are your ticket to casino social gaming. They allow players to play online casino games absolutely free. These aren’t just free games or demo versions either, they offer the opportunity for players to accumulate the sweeps coins in their casino wallet and eventually redeem these for prizes.

Although the coins have no real money value, they hold value within the casino itself. The value depends on each casino and should be checked by players when signing up. Some casinos will offer non-monetary prizes both in-game and also in the casino “shop” where you can spend your sweep coins. Some will also offer the opportunity for cash prizes, either by swapping your sweeps coins or as part of a competition.

When cashing out sweeps coins, there may be conditions attached which require them to be played through at least once on the casino games before they can be redeemed. Players can easily check this at each casino. But, because sweeps coins are not directly purchased and thus have no monetary value, playing sweepstakes casino games is not classified as gambling.

Even though you cannot purchase sweeps coins there are plenty of ways to acquire more:

• As part of a welcome bonus
• With social media links or competitions
• When purchasing premium coins
• In sweepstakes tournaments
• Rewarded by logging in (on specific days or daily)
• Via promotional emails
• Friend referrals
• By asking the casino site (with discretion)

Gold Coins

In contrast to the sweeps coins, gold coins are premium tokens that are purchased by players. The difference between gold coins and the currency in traditional online casinos is that you purchase a virtual currency rather than depositing real money in your casino account.

The currency is specific to each casino and used to play a wide variety of casino games. The currency does not necessarily transfer 1 for 1 either, it varies by each casino so it’s worth checking what premium coins will get you. Although gold coins are purchased similar to deposits at traditional casinos, the similarities end there as playing with gold coins is still for fun – the coins cannot be cashed out for real money nor traded for casino prizes.

Gold coins are used to play casino games and offer further opportunities to win more sweeps coins. A few casinos do offer players the chance to transfer premium to sweeps coins and vice versa, but generally, it’s not possible to exchange the two.

Players can switch between playing with sweeps coins or premium coins at any time during their play on sweepstakes casino sites.

FYI: Some sweepstakes casino sites use the terms sweeps coins and gold coins in reverse; confusing, we know. But, the best thing to do is check when joining.

Best Free Coin Offers at Sweepstakes Casinos

Can You Play Sweepstakes Casino Games with Real Money?

As we have mentioned above, sweepstakes casinos have two special currencies which are used in their games. The use of virtual currency which has no monetary value means that technically players cannot win real money when playing casino games. However, that doesn’t mean that the opportunity to win prizes is completely lost.

In fact, there are still plenty of opportunities for players to win prizes in the casino game or trade their accumulated sweeps coins for them. The entertainment of playing online games isn’t lost either. Instead, players are still able to play many fantastic casino gaming titles without the risk of losing real cash.

We believe that sweepstakes casinos offer just as much fun and entertainment for casino enthusiasts. But, they also provide an innovative social aspect that has opened casinos up to a wider audience by making online casino gaming available for everyone.

How to Win Real Money at an Online Sweepstakes Casino

Although those who are intent on winning real money should probably focus on playing in traditional online casinos, not all is lost for players who prefer not to invest real money; there are still plenty of ways that sweepstakes players can win real cash prizes.

Because the virtual currency used in sweepstakes casino slots and games does not have a real money value, there is no way to win withdrawable cash during the games. This is also why prizes cannot be won when using premium coins.

Instead, players have the opportunity to win sweeps coins when playing with gold coins and also by other methods such as casino game tournaments. Accumulating sweeps coins is the main goal for any sweepstakes casino player. Once you have a sizeable wallet of sweeps coins, you can trade them in for special prizes.

Some prizes may be gift vouchers or specific items of interest. But, the best sweepstakes casinos offer players a chance to use their sweeps coins to win real cash prizes. This could be by taking part in a special competition, for which entry is only purchasable with sweeps coins. Or, they may simply offer a limited amount of players the chance to trade in their sweeps coins for real cash.

The prizes vary across each casino and the worth of them can also vary greatly. It’s always a good idea to check what each casino offers you for your sweeps and gold coins when signing up.

Top Tips for Playing at Sweepstakes Casinos

When you play in any casino, there are things you can do to ensure you play smart. The great thing about free sweeps cash casinos is that the entertainment factor remains and the financial risk factor is eliminated. They are created to be fun and exciting places where players who want to avoid risking large amounts of money can do so.

But, any casino player will confirm that there is always a slight goal to win. The method of winning at sweepstake casinos might be different to traditional online casinos, but there are still steps that can be taken to improve your chances of winning those coveted sweepstakes prizes.

1. Collect all Free Coins

Everyone loves a freebie don’t they?! So, rule number one of sweepstakes casinos is to chase the free coins. The best sweepstakes casino sites will hand them out freely, usually with the welcome bonus, and also through social media and promotional emails. You might even find a few extra coins available just for watching Youtube videos on selected casinos! Be sure to check every possible avenue and take advantage of those free coins!

2. Focus your Game

There are so many different games available on sweepstakes casinos it can be tempting to give them all a try. But, it’s worth focusing on one, or at most a couple of games. This is so you have the chance to get used to all the special features of the game such as the scatters, wilds and bonus rounds. Once you are accustomed to these, you’ll be in a much better position to judge the game and hopefully get winning results.

3. Branch Out to Table Games

Slots are usually the primary focus for new players to a casino; they’re simple to learn, fun and easy to play. But, more often than not, table games have much higher RTP and so, better odds of paying out. It may take a little longer to learn the rules and tricks for table games, but, the effort is worth it. Plus, table games such as poker, baccarat, blackjack and roulette are casino classics that can be extremely enjoyable for everyone. Without real money to lose, it’s definitely worth give them a go.

4. Try Different Sites

It’s usually better to remain loyal at traditional sites, especially if you have casino credit tied up there. However, there’s no rule that you have to stick to one sweepstakes site. In fact, it can pay off to give other sites a go, especially if you take advantage of the many free coins offers available. All you’ll need to do is keep a track of which casino accounts you have and where you can collect your free coins each day or week.

5. Have Your Limits

It’s important for casino gaming in general; every player should have their limits. The idea is that playing casino games is fun and enjoyable, even more so when you are doing it without spending your own cash. Sweepstakes games may not be considered gambling, but it can be a gateway to further online casino gaming. This is why it’s good to start with firm objectives and limits. If you choose to purchase gold coins, then stick to your personal limits. Players should also limit the time spent in online casinos.

What Sweepstakes Casino Games Can I play?

There is a common misconception that sweepstakes casinos don’t offer the same variety of games that standard online casinos do. Although they might not have the vast quantity that some of the big casino contenders offer, they certainly still offer a good variety. With the online casino sweepstakes, you’ll find all the classic casino games available and plenty of exciting innovative ones too.

Actually, at the top-rated sweepstake casino sites, players can find many of their favourite games from the industry’s leading software providers such as NetEnt and Evolution. The only difference is that instead of playing with real money, you use the casino’s own virtual currency.

So, you’ll see plenty of video slots with thrilling themes and all the classic table games, from poker to sic bo. Let’s check out each style of casino game offered in the online casino sweepstakes.

Sweepstakes Casino Slots

Slots are the most abundant game in any casino, and sweepstakes casinos are no exception. Players can find lots of different styles of slots including the classic fruit machines or more inventive themed video slot games. All you need to do is find which theme and special features appeal to you most and slots are the easiest game to pick throughout casinos. There are plenty to choose from, you’ll see well-known slots such as Jumanji and Jack Hammer and other sweepstakes favourites including Golden Oz, and the Great Slottini.

Top 5 Sweeps Casinos with Slots

Sweepstakes Table Games

Table games are a casino staple and no sweepstakes casino would be complete without them. Although the slot games offering is generally more abundant, the majority of sweepstake casinos still ensure to offer players a good variety of table games too. And whether it’s your first time on the tables or you’re an experienced veteran, the games are just as immersive as traditional online casino games. All the professional favourites will be available too, including blackjack, baccarat, roulette and not forgetting poker.

Sweepstakes Poker

In sweepstakes poker the stakes are high, but the risks are low. By using the casino’s currency and eliminating the risk of losing your own money, poker becomes a purely social game. It retains the element of suspense and excitement though. Usually in sweepstakes poker, instead of playing against the house, you play against other players. There are often some very competitive and prestigious tournaments for sweepstake poker players too.

Sweepstakes Live Dealer Games

Some of the top-quality sweeps cash casinos even offer live casino games too, and the opportunity to take part in lucrative tournaments. These live dealer games are similar to those hosted by normal online casinos, except the high buy-in costs are eliminated as you use your casino coins. Some games may be more “expensive” if they offer bigger sweepstakes prizes, so sometimes it could be worth purchasing bundles of gold coins to buy in.

Best Sweepstakes Casino Sites by Category

Customer Support

When using any service in general, customer support is a vital aspect of that. It’s the same for all online casinos.

Sweepstakes casinos are no different in offering different levels of customer service. We look for those that offer a high calibre of support across a wide time window.

Casino customer support is usually available via several different channels, such as email, social media platforms, phone or live chat. The key to good customer service is the hours of availability and the agents ability to resolve a query.

Responsible Gaming at Sweepstakes Casinos

Gaming responsibly may seem irrelevant when real money isn’t involved, however it is still an extremely important factor for sweepstakes casinos. It isn’t technically classed as gambling, but gaming can still be addictive and certain limits should be in place.

Many reputable sweeps casinos take responsible gaming very seriously and have measures in place to help players when necessary. This could be as simple as having dedicated areas on the website for responsible gaming information. But, they also generally have special teams which can provide professional support and assistance to players that need it.

Conclusion

There may seem a lot to swallow when it comes to sweepstakes casinos, but to summarise they are simply casinos where players can focus on the entertainment factor, rather than the financial one.

Throw in the added bonus of still being able to accumulate casino coins to trade in for prizes and sweepstakes casinos are a fantastic addition to the casino industry.