If you’re on GamStop, you already know what that means no sneaky logins, no spinning your favourite wheel “just for a few bets,” no depositing with a different email address to get around the block. GamStop is airtight for one reason: it’s supposed to be.
But here’s something you might not have considered — GamStop only applies to UK-licensed casinos. It doesn’t touch American sweepstakes casinos. And yes, quite a few of those have fully functional roulette tables that look, sound, and play exactly like the ones you’re used to.
They’re not shady backdoor sites. They’re not breaking UK law. They’re legal in the U.S., operate in most states, and because they’re outside the UK Gambling Commission’s remit, they’re open to you even if you’re still in your GamStop period.
What Sweepstakes Casinos Actually Are
Sweepstakes casinos didn’t appear by accident. They evolved as a workaround for U.S. gambling laws. Most states in America don’t allow real-money online casinos, so operators came up with a system that’s legal under “promotions” and “contests” rules.
Here’s how it works:
- You buy Gold Coins — these are purely for entertainment and have no direct cash value.
- As a bonus, you’re given Sweeps Coins — these do have value because you can use them to play games, and if you win, you can redeem your Sweeps Coin balance for real cash prizes.
- You can also get Sweeps Coins for free via daily logins, social media giveaways, and mail-in offers.
Because you’re technically never “buying” real-money chips, the sites aren’t considered gambling operators under U.S. law. And since they’re not UK-licensed, GamStop can’t block them.
What This Means If You’re on GamStop
This is the part you have to be honest about. If you’re on GamStop because you were spiralling with gambling, sweepstakes casinos can still trigger the same habits — you’re still betting for cash prizes.
But if you joined GamStop impulsively or for a set period and you’re looking for a way back into roulette before that period is over, these sites are a legal route in. The key is control. Without a cashier balance in pounds staring you in the face, it’s easy to forget that every Sweeps Coin has real value.
Here’s what I’d do if you’re thinking about it:
- Set a fixed Gold Coin budget for the week.
- Use the free Sweeps Coin offers first — it stretches your playtime.
- Keep a record of how many Sweeps Coins you’ve redeemed so you know the actual money flow.
The Roulette You’ll Find at Sweepstakes Casinos
Roulette is still roulette — same layout, same rules — but the way it’s delivered varies between sites. If it’s been a while since you last played, or you’ve only ever tried it in person, it’s worth looking over a guide to playing roulette online before jumping back in.
Variants you’ll see:
- European Roulette – Single zero, 2.7% house edge. This is the one you want if you’re playing for odds.
- American Roulette – Double zero, 5.26% house edge. Faster pace, but less friendly to your bankroll over time.
- Live Dealer Roulette – Streamed from real studios with human croupiers. Feels like the real thing, just with Sweeps Coins instead of chips.
- Special Variants – Occasionally you’ll get multiplier wheels or themed tables. Fun, but usually higher edge.
How a Session Feels Different
The biggest change is psychological. You’re not topping up with £20 here and there — you’re buying a block of Gold Coins and getting Sweeps Coins as a bonus. The value feels less “real” until you hit a big win and suddenly realize you’ve got £100 sitting in your redemption balance.
Pacing can also be different. Live dealer games are slower, while RNG tables spin instantly. Because Sweeps Coins are tied to playthrough rules, you might play more spins per session compared to a cash game.
Sites Worth Checking Out
From my own testing and player feedback, these three consistently offer the best roulette experience:
- Chumba Casino – Reliable European Roulette tables, smooth mobile play, and quick Sweeps Coin redemptions.
- Pulsz Casino – Offers both European and American Roulette, often runs promo boosts for roulette players.
- WOW Vegas – Clean, modern interface with a solid American Roulette game and generous Gold Coin bonuses.
They all work the same way: buy Gold Coins, get bonus Sweeps Coins, play, redeem winnings once you meet the requirements.
Playing Smart: A Few Practical Tips
- Stick to European wheels – The lower house edge matters more than you think, especially over hundreds of spins.
- Don’t burn through Sweeps Coins – Mix in Gold Coin games so you’re not constantly dipping into the redeemable balance.
- Grab every freebie – Daily logins, email codes, and social media promos can give you a surprising number of extra spins.
- Set redemption goals – Decide in advance at what balance you’ll cash out, so you don’t blow a big win chasing a bigger one.
Bottom Line
Sweepstakes casinos are one of the few ways GamStop users can legally get back to a roulette wheel without breaking their self-exclusion. They’re not a get-rich scheme and they’re not a risk-free alternative — but if you approach them with limits and the right mindset, they can bring the game back into your life in a slightly different, arguably more controlled format.
The wheel still spins. The ball still bounces. And the feeling when it drops into your number? That hasn’t changed at all.
