Winning Real Money at Sweepstakes Casinos

The best thing about playing at sweepstakes casinos in the US is that you can win real money without spending a single dollar. But what’s even better is that it’s completely legal in most US states, including those where real money casino gambling isn’t yet permitted.

If you want to learn more about winning real money without emptying your pockets, continue reading. In this in-depth guide, our sweeps gaming experts will uncover everything you need to know about playing at sweepstakes casinos. On top of that, we’ll share our best tips to help you maximise your gaming experience and increase your chances of bagging a win. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get started.

How Do Sweepstakes Casinos Work?

Sweepstakes Casinos are free-to-play gaming platforms that use virtual coins called Gold Coins (GCs) and Sweeps Coins (SCs) to power gameplay. These types of casinos are not classed as “gambling” by the US Government because you don’t wager real money on games. Therefore, sweepstakes casinos like McLuck and Pulsz are widely available across the United States. In fact, only a few states currently outlaw sweepstakes gambling (Washington, Michigan, Idaho, and Nevada).

Gold Coins

Gold Coins are a type of virtual currency used by both social and sweepstakes casinos in the US. They hold no monetary value outside of the casino and cannot be exchanged or redeemed for any sort of prize. Their sole purpose is for entertainment. Players can collect Gold Coins for free through bonuses and giveaways or by purchasing virtual currency bundles from the coin store.

Sweeps Coins

Sweeps Coins are another type of virtual currency used solely at sweepstakes casinos. Unlike Gold Coins, you can’t purchase them directly – you can only pick them up for free by claiming bonuses or winning games and contests. Although Sweeps Coins also hold no real-world value, you can eventually redeem them for tangible prizes such as gift cards, merchandise, and real cash, but only once you have obtained enough of them.

Can You Win Real Money at Sweepstakes Casinos?

One of the best things about sweepstakes casinos is that you can win real money without emptying your pockets. But there is a slight catch. This is because sweepstakes games don’t payout in the traditional sense like real money casino games do. Instead, they offer prizes in the form of virtual coins. So, when you play sweepstakes games, you are not actually playing to win money but instead for the chance to win more free coins.

But here is the exciting part: These coins, specifically Sweeps Coins, are the key to unlocking cash prizes. This is because Sweeps Coins can be redeemed or exchanged for real money once you have collected the minimum SC requirement. This varies from casino to casino, but it is usually around the 100 SC mark, which is equivalent to $100.

How to Redeem Cash Prizes?

We’ve already mentioned that you can win real money by playing at sweepstakes casinos in the US. However, it’s a little more complicated than simply winning and getting hold of your money right away. There are a few redemption requirements you must first meet before you can kickstart the cash-out process. Here are the main requirements you need to be aware of:

Verify your account

Only verified players can purchase coins and redeem cash prizes at sweepstakes casinos in the US. The verification process works differently depending on the casino, but you are usually required to upload copies of one or all of the following documents to verify your identity and address:

Government-issued proof of ID (such as driver’s license or passport)
Proof of address (such as utility bill or bank statement from the last 3 months)
Proof of payment (such as a picture of your bank card)

Playthrough your Sweeps Coins

Some sweep casinos like Stake.US implement playthrough requirements before you can request a redemption. This number will specify the amount of times you are expected to play through your Sweeps Coins before they are eligible to be redeemed.

Minimum Sweeps Coin balance

You will have to have met the minimum SC requirement before you can request a prize redemption. This is standard for all sweepstakes casinos, as different sites have different requirements, but it can get pretty confusing. Nonetheless, the minimum limit for cash prize redemptions is usually 100 SC, equivalent to $100. This information will be clearly displayed in the Terms and Conditions and the cashier page.

Expiration period

Be careful with this one because it can catch players out. But most sweepstakes casinos attach an expiration period to players’ Sweeps Coins. Again, this varies from casino to casino but usually lasts around 60 days. Any coins not played with or redeemed within this period will, unfortunately, be forfeited.

Steps to Redeem Cash Prizes

You can request a prize redemption once you’ve collected the minimum sweepstakes requirement. The whole process is super easy and should only take a few short minutes of your time. Just follow our simple step-by-step guide below to get started:

Step 1: Login – Log into your sweepstakes casino account.
Step 2: Verify your account – You’ll need to verify your account before requesting a prize redemption. Upload the required documents to kickstart the verification process. You’ll usually need to upload a photo of a government-issued proof of ID (like your passport or driver’s licence) and a proof of address document (like a recent bank statement or utility bill).
Step 3: Check your balance – Before proceeding with your redemption, you will need to meet the minimum SC requirement. This is usually around 100 SC for cash prize redemptions and 25 SC for gift card redemptions.
Step 4: Navigate to the coin store – Once you’ve completed the above requirements, head to the coin store and proceed with your redemption. Click the ‘Prize Redemption’ or ‘Redeem’ button.
Step 5: Select a payment method – Choose how you want to receive your prize. This varies depending on the casino, but the following banking options are usually available: online banking, credit/debit cards, gift cards, and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin.
Step 6: Input the amount you want to redeem – Type in the amount of coins you wish to redeem and enter your details to proceed with the transaction.
Step 7: Wait for your prize to arrive – Confirm the transaction and wait for your prize to arrive. Again, this varies from casino to casino, but usually, it takes between 2 and 7 days.

Is It Legal to Win Money at Sweepstakes Casinos?

Yes, it is completely legal for you to win real money at sweepstakes casinos in the US. They are widely available across the country, even in states where real money casinos are not yet legal. In fact, the only states that currently prohibit sweepstakes gambling are Washington, Michigan, Idaho, and Nevada — however, the latter two permit playing with Gold Coins at social casinos.

While sweepstakes casinos are legal in most states, some operators restrict players from certain states from joining. Therefore, you should always read the Terms and Conditions before registering for a casino to avoid breaking the rules.

Additionally, you must be over the age of 18 to participate in sweepstakes play. You will be required to provide proof of age either upon registration or before purchasing a coin package. As long as you meet the age requirements and aren’t located in a restricted state, it is legal for you to play sweepstakes casino games for the chance to win real money gift cards and cash prizes.

How to Win at Sweepstakes Casinos – Expert Tips

If you want to win real money from playing at sweepstakes casinos in the US, you’ll need to manage your virtual coin balance well. Only once you’ve acquired enough Sweeps Coins can you exchange them for gift cards or cash prizes. Here are our experts’ top tips for staying on top of your virtual wallets and increasing your chances of taking home a win.

Claim bonuses– Pretty much every sweepstakes casino will reward new players with a generous welcome bonus jam packed with free virtual coins. This is a great way to kickstart your sweepstakes play and extend your gaming time. In addition, most sweeps casinos are very generous in their approach to handing out free coins. From winning tournaments to entering social media contests to claiming seasonal promos and more, you can look forward to plenty of ways to bag free coins at sweepstakes casinos in the US. The free-play fun never ends.
Purchase currency bundles – While real money purchases are not mandatory at sweepstakes casinos like Pulsz and McLuck, you can purchase virtual currency packages to keep your bankroll full. This is a great way to boost your virtual bank balance if you’re running low and in need of a top-up.
Play responsibly – While you are not technically playing with real money, you should always play responsibly at sweepstakes casinos. This means only purchasing coin packages within your budget and walking away when things aren’t going your way. All casino games, whether at a sweepstakes or real money casino, are purely luck-based, and, unfortunately, there is nothing you can do to spin the reels or play the cards in your favour.