Sweepstakes casinos are a unique form of online gaming that combines a casino experience with free-to-play slots and, sometimes, table games or other titles. The draw is that players can enjoy the operator’s games without worrying about spending their real money. Instead, it is possible to play using on-site currency. What exactly does this mean though, and how can you buy sweeps coins on sweepstakes sites? We explain what you can expect and walk you through the process below. 

What are sweepstakes casinos?

Before we look at on-site currency, let’s take a closer look at sweepstakes casinos. These casinos differ from traditional online casinos in a few different ways. Instead of depositing money and playing with a budget, which could have real-world consequences, sweepstakes casinos allow users to play the games of their choice without spending a single penny if they don’t want to. 

Another thing to note about sweepstakes casinos is that they are legal in most places in the US because they aren’t technically real-money gambling. Paying with a proprietary currency not fueled by fiat currency means that there is no actual gambling taking place on sweepstakes casino websites. This, in turn, makes them legal across the country, in stark contrast with more traditional casinos, whether that’s a land-based establishment or online site. 

Why do people like sweepstakes casinos?

As you might expect, one of the main reasons why people enjoy sweepstakes casinos is because they can play without spending their money. They also give players who might otherwise not have access to legal online gambling the opportunity to play fun games and enjoy the betting process legally in their state. Sweepstakes casinos are just as secure as more traditional online casinos, making them a safe choice to keep your data safe.

Since their focus is on gameplay rather than making money, sweepstakes casinos are ideal for players who like to connect with other gamblers and take part in competitions. This is even true for players who want the thrill of competition without risking their real-world budget in the process, because some sweepstakes casinos offer non-cash prizes for playing and winning. You can still feel as though you are playing for something worth your time, in other words, even when you are not playing for money. 

How can I get started at sweepstakes casinos?

The good news is that because sweepstakes casinos are legal in most of the country, signing up should be an easy and painless process. Simply pick the best online sweepstakes casino and visit the provider’s website to get started. Make sure that you take the time to read about any promotions or bonuses offered for signing up! Most of the more popular sweepstake providers will offer players a welcome package to help them get started with their favorite games. The package might take the form of a one-time lump sum upon registration, or it might be part of an ongoing promotion such as a log-in bonus that awards users each day they log in. 

Regardless of the exact promotion in place, it is always a good idea to shop around before you sign up so that you can pick the provider with the very best sweepstakes casino bonuses. 

How does gambling work at sweepstakes casinos?

Gambling at sweepstakes casinos may look similar to traditional online casinos, but without the presence of real currency. Instead, players use on-site coin systems, as we mentioned above. This includes a free currency typically known as ‘gold coins’ as well as a premium currency typically known as ‘sweeps coins’. 

Gold coins are the ‘free’ currency at most sweepstakes casinos. This money is often awarded upon sign-up via a bonus, as described above, and can also be won from playing the casino’s games. Players bet a certain number of coins upon each spin and either win more coins while playing by landing winning combinations, as you would in a traditional slot machine, or run out and wait for their balance to be topped up – something that typically happens at least once a day, though the exact amount of gold coins awarded can vary dramatically from operator to operator. 

Sweeps coins, on the other hand, are a ‘premium’ currency that allows players to play special games or can be exchanged for cash prizes or other tangible items. This kind of currency is much more difficult to come by than gold coins, and the site does not simply ‘top up’ your sweeps coin balance (though you might be given a coin or two to start with upon sign-up). 

How can you buy sweeps coins at sweepstakes casinos?

Buying sweeps coins at sweepstakes casinos is usually pretty easy. At most sweepstakes casinos, you do not simply purchase a set amount of this currency. Instead, you purchase gold coins and sometimes receive sweeps coins as a bonus. Buying 10,000 gold coins, for example, might result in five sweeps coins being added to your balance. 

Luckily, the purchase process is fairly easy. Once you have signed up with your site of choice and are ready to play, decide how much you want to spend and pick the appropriate payment method from the options provided by the casino. The funds should be automatically deposited to your account once the transaction is approved. 

Do I have to spend money to play?

We said that sweepstakes casinos are free to play, but we mentioned buying coins for real money in the previous section – so, which is it? 

When you play at sweepstakes casinos, you do not need to spend money to play. You do not need to spend money to enter contests, either. If you run out of gold coins, there are ways to earn them without refilling your balance by purchasing them – the purchase simply speeds up the process and gives you sweeps coins as a reward. It is entirely possible to see everything that most sweepstakes casinos have to offer without pulling any money from your account. 

Are you ready to get started at your favorite sweepstakes casino? Once you have registered and are ready to play, take a look at the currency packages available if you want to load your account with plenty of coins! Otherwise, simply enjoy the gaming process at your own pace.