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Online Gaming Trends
One of the hottest online gaming trends that’s currently gaining momentum in North America, especially in the United States, is the rise of sweepstakes casinos.
These platforms look and feel much like traditional online casinos, but they operate under a different model that makes them accessible even in states where standard ‘real money’ casino gambling sites haven’t yet been legalized.
If you are curious about how these sites work, you’ve come to the right place. Here is a closer look at how sweepstakes casinos work and why they are becoming so popular.
This sweepstakes casino guide is designed to help new players understand them before signing up anywhere.
What makes sweepstakes casinos different?
Unlike traditional online casinos, where real money gambling activities take place, sweepstakes casinos don’t accept real money cash wagers. Instead, they run on a two-coin virtual currency model.
Players receive ‘gold coins’ and ‘sweeps coins’ as part of the initial sign-up bonus to play games for fun, and neither coins have any monetary value in the real world.
Winnings earned with sweeps coins can often be redeemed for real cash prizes, which makes it possible to enjoy the thrill of regular [real money] online casino play without actually gambling.
Accessibility across states
One of the main reasons sweepstakes casinos have grown so quickly is that they are legal in most U.S. states. They operate under sweepstakes laws rather than traditional gambling regulations, meaning players can participate even if their state has not yet legalized traditional online casinos.
This interpretation of them makes sweepstakes casinos an appealing alternative. They offer the entertainment of online slots, blackjack, and poker, but without the same regulatory barriers.
They can easily be accessed from any modern Wi-Fi/internet-connected PC or mobile device and by anyone aged 18 or above. People can play at sweepstakes casinos either instantly in their web browsers or from within a secure mobile app, and they focus more on the social aspect of online gaming.
Variety of games offered
Sweepstakes casinos have a wide range of games similar to those at traditional online casinos. The main games to play at today’s safest sweepstakes casinos are the following:
- Table and card games
- Video poker
- Slot machines
- Scratchcards
- Bingo & lottery-style games
- Live dealer games
- Crash games
Some sites even include live dealer games to enhance the social aspect of play. This variety ensures that players have plenty of choices, whether they are looking for casual entertainment or a more competitive edge.
You can typically find anywhere from 500 to 2,000 or more computer-generated and live dealer games on your average sweepstakes casino, meaning there’s something for everyone.
How Payouts Work
One of the most important aspects to understand is how payouts function. While gold coins are strictly for fun play, sweeps coins earned through purchases or promotions can be redeemed for real-world prizes, including cash.
When gold coins run out, players can top them up for free, but when the sweeps coins run out, players can only purchase them in packages/bundles that start from as little as $5.00 or $10.
Even though there is no gambling involved in a sweepstakes casino, players must typically still verify their identity before withdrawing any cash prizes (or any other prizes) they have won using their preferred online payment method.
Responsible play and considerations
As with any form of gambling or gaming, responsible play is essential. Players should set limits on spending and treat sweepstakes casinos as a form of entertainment rather than a way to make money.
It is also important that you read the terms and conditions and general policies before signing up anywhere and claiming bonuses. Understanding these details in advance prevents confusion and ensures a smoother experience.
Final thoughts
Sweepstakes casinos represent an innovative way to enjoy online gaming within a perfectly legal environment. They combine the excitement of traditional casino games with the accessibility of sweepstakes-style contests, but without the risk of losing any money, making them an appealing option for many players.
If you are looking to play traditional online casino games on a safe site but don’t want to gamble, then you might like to try sweepstakes casinos instead. Before Sweepstakes Advantage members signup anywhere, always remember to read the expert reviews first to see which sites they recommend.
