The whole idea behind the sweepstakes model is that it is a social casino, not a gambling platform. So, using real money and sweepstakes in the same sentence may sound contradictory.
Sweepstakes are a peculiar online gaming format precisely because of this reason. If you’re wondering if you can play sweepstakes with real money, the answer is yes and no. While you don’t make wagers at these casinos, you stand a chance to win real-money prizes. Read on to find out just how this works.
Currencies for wagering at sweepstakes casinos
Generally, sweepstakes casinos use two types of currencies. There’s a non-redeemable currency (gold coins) and a redeemable currency (sweeps coins). These are the basis of your gameplay at any sweepstakes site. Players must purchase gold coins to fund gameplay, and with every gold coin purchase, you receive sweeps coins for free.
You can buy gold coins using real money, and the best casinos will feature card payment providers, e-wallets, and bank transfer solutions to facilitate the purchase. However, gold coins themselves have no monetary value, so your stakes have no actual worth. You are simply playing for fun. Therefore, playing at these sites is not considered gambling.
On the other hand, you don’t purchase sweeps coins. You get them for free, along with your gold coins package. You can also get them via contests on social media, by sending an email request to a sweepstakes casino, or as a sweepstakes bonus. Regardless, you don’t directly pay for sweeps coins.
How to play sweepstakes with real money
If you want to play for real money, you’ll need to use sweeps coins. This second currency serves as your sweepstakes entry, enabling you to play cash games where you can win more sweeps coins to be redeemed for cash.
Unlike gold coins, sweeps coins have a monetary value. Any sweeps won from your gameplay are redeemable for cash or gift prizes. You may have to wait to accumulate a certain number of this virtual currency before redeeming them.
The cash prizes will arrive in the wallet used in making gold coins purchases, but you can opt for a different method where the default options aren’t available. If you choose to redeem them as gift cards, you’ll receive the prize via email.
Top sweepstakes casinos where you can win real money
Only half a dozen US states have legalized online casinos, so many US players don’t have access to real-money slots and other casino games. If your location is outside these legal markets, you don’t have to feel left out, thanks to sweepstakes. These sites don’t operate under gambling laws but under US sweepstakes laws. They are legal to play in all states except Washington.
Here are some of the top real-money sweepstakes platforms in the US.
Chumba Casino
Chumba Casino is the self-acclaimed number one social casino in the US. It’s currently undisputed thanks to its array of exciting slots, including Starburst, Stamped Fury and Pug Royale. There are several jackpot titles and table games, and players can sign in via email or Facebook. New players get a fantastic gold coins bonus with sweeps coins on the side. There are bonuses for every day you sign in to play.
LuckyLand Slots
LuckyLand Slots is a sister site to Chumba Casino but has got its own identity. You can find some of the best collections of free slots here, and you can play casual games or take part in tournaments. The latter is a major highlight of LuckyLand Slots.
In addition to slots, you’ll also find instant win games such as scratchcards. There are bonuses when you sign up and daily rewards whenever you visit for some fun. LuckyLand Slots is available to play online or via the Android mobile app.
Pulsz
This popular social casino features a long list of online slot games, including classic titles, jackpots and Megaways. Exciting blackjack, roulette and baccarat options are also offered. The casino is available online and as a mobile app, and there are bonuses for you to claim when you make a purchase. Players looking for a rewards program will find that Pulsz offers a unique VIP points system. This sets it apart from most other social casinos on the market.
Funzpoints
Funzpoints is the best gamified social casino around. The site is set up quite differently from the competition. Firstly, there’s a cartoon-like atmosphere. Secondly, there are Standard and Premium modes, and your choice of mode determines the special features and prizes you can get. The site is achievement based, and you can unlock games and rewards by completing actions. There’s no scarcity of excitement, and plenty of surprises await every day you play.
Fortune Coins
Fortune Coins is one of the latest social casinos and features everything from thrilling casino games to daily jackpots and fast checkouts. There are more than 50 titles comprising slots, card games, instant win games and arcade-style fish games.
The casino’s version of redeemable currency is known as Fortune Coins, and you can win them as daily bonuses and rewards every time you play. You can even benefit from a ‘refer a friend’ offer, and it all begins with a combo of Gold Coins plus Fortune Coins offered for free as a welcome bonus.
Real-money sweepstakes vs. real-money online casinos
Sweepstakes casinos and regular online casinos are similar in so many ways. For starters, there are so many exciting games available to play. You’ll find that online slots are the rave at these sites, and many of the latest and most popular titles are often available. Sweepstakes sites also have a penchant for featuring unique in-house-developed slots for an exclusive gaming experience. Bonuses are another similarity, and plenty of incentives are available for new players and regular customers.
The primary difference is that sweepstakes casinos are not considered gambling sites. While you make real-money wagers at a standard online casino, the real money you stand to win at sweepstakes sites is not a direct consequence of your purchase.
