What Makes Sweepstakes Casinos So Popular?
Sweepstakes casinos are taking the iGaming industry by storm. The huge rise in popularity may be attributed partly to the loophole it provides US players to be able to play online casino-style games without it being categorised as ‘gambling’, and partly due to the fact that these are free-to-play platforms where players use a virtual currency system but with the potential to win real money prizes.
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits to playing at sweepstakes casinos in comparison to real money casinos, and what it is that makes these sites so popular with online players.
What is a sweepstakes casino?
Sweepstakes casino sites offer a realistic online gaming environment with hundreds of slots, video poker, and table game options. No deposit or real money wagering is needed, however, just like at a real money casino, players are able to win real money prizes.
The beauty of sweepstakes is that for thousands of Americans living in states where gambling is yet to be legalised, sweepstakes casinos are typically legal as they fulfil two basic conditions:
- Players do not win money directly as a result of the game’s outcome,
- No initial purchase or deposit is required to win cash or real money prizes.
Virtual currency system
Instead of using real money, sweepstakes casinos operate a virtual currency system whereby coins have no direct cash value and cannot be withdrawn. There are two types of coins available, Gold Coins (GC) and Sweepstakes/Sweeps Coins (SC) which have very different uses.
At sign up, players will receive a Gold Coin balance which can be used for standard play but cannot be exchanged for real money prizes. This balance will fluctuate depending on gameplay outcomes, and more coins are often readily available through free giveaways, daily promos, social media, login bonuses, tournaments, or by purchasing Gold Coin bundles.
Sweeps Coins cannot be purchased but are usually available through on-site bonuses, promos and giveaways. However, unlike Gold Coins, Sweeps Coins can be exchanged for gift cards, merchandise, or real money prizes.
The exchange rate is typically 1 SC = $1 but you will need to hit a certain threshold before being eligible to redeem. Always check the terms and conditions on-site as this can differ from one sweepstakes casino to another.
What games are available at sweepstakes casinos?
Although some sweepstakes casino libraries may be slightly limited in number compared to real money casino portfolios, they still have plenty to offer. Players will typically find a diverse range of online slots, jackpots, video poker, live dealer and classic table games. Some sites even offer speciality games like instant wins, Keno, Plinko, and Bingo.
Games are typically supplied by top iGaming software developers such as NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, Nolimit City, and Hacksaw Gaming. With this comes the reassurance that games are fair and legit as top providers employ third party auditors like eCOGRA to monitor the RTP rates and RNG outcomes to ensure fair gaming compliance.
Payment methods available at sweepstakes casinos
As with real money casinos, when it comes to purchasing coin bundles, sweepstakes casinos offer a wide range of trusted and reliable payment methods. From debit cards to mobile pay, e-wallets, prepaid cards, and direct banking, players can usually find a suitable option.
Not all sites will offer a full range so it’s always best to check the available methods prior to sign up, just in case you decide to purchase a coin bundle, but this is not a mandatory requirement, and you can still play for free with no risk to your personal bank balance.
What bonuses can you find at sweepstakes casinos?
Just like real money casino sites, sweepstakes casinos offer a range of bonuses but the most popular has to be the sweepstakes casino no deposit bonus available at sign up. A typical sign up bonus will include a bundle of Gold Coins to get you started in addition to some free Sweeps Coins. No deposit is necessary but it’s a good idea to review the terms for SC redemption.
Other popular sweepstakes casino bonuses include daily reloads, referral bonuses, loyalty rewards, VIP prizes, social media giveaways, first purchase bonuses, and weekly tournaments.
Summary
Although similar in concept to real money casinos, offering similar payment methods, bonuses, and online games, as we discovered, sweepstakes casinos are extremely popular with those who wish to play online casino-style games without the risk of losing real money.
In some jurisdictions where online gambling is illegal, sweepstakes casinos are the next best thing. Players can enjoy popular casino-style games for free, no deposit bonuses, and have the option to purchase special virtual coins to redeem against real money prizes and cash.
