Best online sweepstakes casinos in the US for 2024

Sweepstake casinos are online platforms that offer casino-style games, such as slots, blackjack, and poker. They involve players purchasing currency, which are often referred to as “coins” or “gold”, which they use to play casino games.

There are typically other opportunities to earn additional awards such as signing up, logging in daily, or spinning a daily wheel which will each give you coins to play games and earn prizes. These prizes are then converted to real-life prizes, although this varies based on the platform.

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Sweepstake casinos have grown in popularity in recent years with the focus on winning prizes rather than directly playing with money serving as an appeal for many users.

Best online sweepstakes casinos for US players

1. Fortune Coins – 140,000 GC + 300 FC + 20,000 GC + 400 FC on signup
2. Stake.us – 25 Stake Cash + 250,000 Gold Coins
3. High 5 Casino – Get 5 free Sweeps coins + 250 GC + 600 Diamonds
4. Luckyland Slots – 7777 gold coins + 10 Sweeps coins free
5. Global Poker – Use code PLAYPOKER and get 150,000 GC + 30 free SC
6. Wow Vegas – 5,000 Wow Coins + 1 SC on first sign-in
7. Chumba Casino –  2,000,000 free GC + 2 free SC
8. Pulsz – Get up to 367,000 Gold Coins + 32.3 free Sweepstakes coins
9. McLuck – 150% extra coins on sign-up
10. Funrize – 75,000 FREE Gold Coins with code TSPORT-US-FUNRIZE

🧹 What are sweepstakes casinos?

There are a number of differences between sweepstakes casinos and traditional casinos. The most significant difference is in the usage of virtual currency to play the casino games. In sweepstakes casinos, players use tokens, coins, tickets, or some other form that can be redeemed for real-world prizes. This is appealing to users as there is not as direct of a risk as a traditional casino.

This subtle difference also changes the legality of the casino. Traditional casinos operate within the legal framework of strict regulations in their respective jurisdiction. Sweepstakes casinos often operate in a legal gray area by structuring their model around sweepstakes or promotional contests, which can allow them to bypass these laws. This also makes them available to a wider geographical audience. 

It varies depending on the casino, but sites generally focus on the virtual currency exchange as a way to fund accounts. The prizes that are often won include real-world prizes, cash prizes, or gift cards. Sweepstakes casinos often emphasize the thrill of potentially winning prizes or cash, while traditional casinos are more focused on the overall experience, including the ambiance, live interactions, and entertainment.

Top sweepstakes and social casinos: Overview

Fortune Coins – Best for friend referral bonuses

Legal in 47 US States (Not available in Washington, Nevada, and Idaho), Fortune Coins is a Vegas-style casino experience. It offers a more diverse choice of card games and video slots with jackpot bonuses and overall diverse options. The casino is not available on a mobile app, although many users prefer the website on mobile devices rather than the desktop version. 

Pros: 

• Expansive card game options
• Refer a friend bonuses
• Progressive jackpots

Cons:

• No mobile app
• No live chat support
• Limited game selection

High 5 Casino – Best for live dealer games

High 5 casino is one of the most sophisticated sweeps casinos in the US. Its range of games is incredible for a social site: around 700 different titles, including games designed by Pragmatic Play. There are social live dealer games on the menu too, a very impressive addition that helps High 5 casino stand out from a lot of the competition.

You’ll get 250 Gold Coins as soon as you create your account, along with 5 Sweeps Coins. What’s more, there is a login bonus of 0.50 Sweeps Coins up for grabs every single day, so you can keep your SC balance ticking along nicely just by opening up the site. We’re also big fans of the Diamond boosts, which you can use whenever you choose to increase your chances of hitting bonuses and multipliers. 

Pros:

• Free Sweeps Coins every day
• Live dealer games
• Huge menu of games

Cons:

Pulsz casino – Best for table games

Available in 47 US states, Pulsz has roughly 300 casino games, regular promotions, and offers to impress new users. They have a number of exciting slots, 24/7 customer service, and coins that can be redeemed for real-world prizes. Pulsz works well on mobile devices, has new games coming out every week, and has made slot games a focus of their platform. 

Pros: 

• Variety and Rotation of Games
• Excellent mobile play
• Fast redemption

Cons:

• No live chat
• Not available in Nevada, Idaho, or Washington
• Limited poker availability

Luckyland Slots – Best for old-school arcade games

With friendly signup bonuses and daily login rewards, Luckyland makes it easy to coat your account with coins that give you credits to play. The casino offers a limited selection of games compared to its competitors but is available in 49 of the 50 states (only available for playing with Gold Coins in Idaho). It also should be noted that all games on the site are designed in-house so you will not see the familiar options for casino games. 

Pros: 

• Regular promotions and free play credits
• Bonuses increase as you level up
• Prizes can be directly transferred to your bank account

Cons: 

Wow Vegas – Best for social media giveaways

One of the newest sweepstakes casinos to launch, Wow Vegas has rapidly built up a strong reputation since bursting on the scene in 2022. They offer daily login bonuses, a number of free games, and have a great reputation for customer support. Wow Vegas is available in 47 US States as well as all of Canada with the exception of Quebec.

Pros: 

• Lots of free games
• Social Media contests
• Friendly and Effective Customer Support

Cons:

• No live dealer games
• No loyalty programs
• Limited selection of table games

Global Poker – Best for poker

While most of the sweepstakes casinos are limited in their available poker options, Global Poker has put a focus on making these card games available for users. They offer Texas Hold’em, Omaha High Low, Jackpot Sit n Go, Blackjack Caribbean Poker, and more while still offering a number of slot games. It is available in 48 of the 50 US states.

Pros:

• Poker games available
• Strong social media presence
• Strong customer support

Cons:

• Limited bonus offers
• Limits in payment options

Stake.us – Best for unique and exclusive games

Available in 45 US states, Stake.us has more than 330 slot styles of gameplay to choose from. While it does not have as lucrative of sign-up options compared to some of its competitors, it has a user-friendly interface on all platforms. Stake.Us also has a number of available cryptocurrency options and has the most balanced chances of winning compared to most casinos. 

Pros: 

• Wide range of slots
• Fair chances to win
• Cryptocurrency-friendly

Cons:

• No live dealer games
• Crypto-only payments
• Limited sign-up bonuses

Chumba Casino – Best for the social gaming community

Chumba Casino is a social gaming hangout that is available in 48 US states and all of Canada with the exception of Quebec. There is a combination of 90+ slots, blackjack, poker, roulette, and other virtual video games. Created in 2017, Chumba is one of the more established sweepstakes casino platforms although it has not evolved and expanded in the way some of the other sites have.

Pros: 

• Safe and secure
• Numerous free-play options
• Good customer service

Cons:

• Limited gaming options
• Lack of promos
• No live dealer games

👩‍🏫 How do USA sweepstakes casinos work?

The exact framework for how USA sweepstakes casinos work varies based on the website and geological jurisdiction that they must operate under. However, here is the general premise for how the entity functions.

Virtual currency

Players must buy packages to get sweep coins, tokens, etc., which are used to play live games within the sweepstakes casinos. There are typically options for free play or using coins.

Game selection

Sweepstakes casinos offer a variety of casino-style games that vary based on the site. Choose the available slot game, blackjack, roulette, or whatever appeals to you, and use the coins that were purchased to start playing. 

Chances to win

As players engage in games, they have the opportunity to win more coins. This cannot be directly converted into cash but can be used to continue playing or to enter sweepstakes for cash prizes.

Sweepstakes entries

Most sweepstakes casinos include a separate sweepstakes component. This allows players to earn entries by participating in games which they can turn into cash prizes, gift cards, electronics, or other awards. 

Exchange for prizes

Players can exchange their winnings for entries into sweepstakes or other rewards offered by the platform. The coins can act as an entry mechanism to these contests or there are direct conversions that can be made depending on the casino. 

No purchase necessary

To comply with sweepstakes laws, sweepstakes casinos provide a way to enter without making a purchase. This can be done through alternate methods like sending a mail-in request for coins. 

Legal considerations

Sweepstakes casinos navigate in legal gray areas by structuring their own operations to be promotional contests rather than traditional casino play. This allows them to offer games and prizes without falling under strict casino regulations. Players also should be sure to carefully read and understand the terms and conditions of the sweepstake casino you are using before playing. These will outline the rules, eligibility, prize details, and other information. 

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What are online social casinos?

Online social casinos are sites that do not require any money to play. The gameplay is typically identical to regular casino games but with a focus on promoting a great way to enjoy and practice the gameplay without risking anything of actual value.

What games can I play at a US online sweepstake casino?

Sweepstakes casinos are still a relatively new phenomenon in the US, and their range of games is constantly expanding. In this section, we’ve got an overview of the types of games you can expect to play.

Slot games

The first social casinos that appeared in the US were very slot-heavy, and to a certain extent that has continued to this day. Over the last couple of years the gap has narrowed between the types of slot games you can play at social casino, and those at real money gambling sites. At the top US social casinos today, you can find everything from classic 3-reel Vegas slots to modern 3D video slot games, inventive in-game bonuses, Megaways, innovative formats and more. 

Many social casinos now even feature games designed by the top real money software providers, including social versions of classic real money slot games. 

Slots are by far the most popular type of game at social casinos, and often dominate the gaming menu at each site. 

Progressive jackpot games

Another social casino innovation inspired by real money gambling, most social casinos now have progressive jackpot games. The idea is simple: every time you play a particular game, either for Gold Coins or Sweeps Coins, a small portion of your coins goes towards a jackpot that keeps growing until someone hits it. 

This can lead to huge SC or GC payouts when the jackpot has been building up over time. 

Table games

While it’s true that a lot of social casinos are pretty slot-focused, most do also include at least some table games, and the best sites have started to build out an impressive selection. 

Social blackjack and roulette are the most common table games at social casinos. Random games of chance – which aren’t exactly table games – are also popular, the likes of bingo, wheel of fortune games, and scratch card games. 

At some sites you can also find social versions of games including video poker, keno and baccarat. There are also social poker rooms like Global Poker, where you can play ring games for Sweeps Coin prizes. 

Live casino games

Live social casino games are not very common, but they are starting to appear in a handful of sites, including Stake.us and High 5. The idea is pretty similar to real money live dealer games: a real, physical game is run live by a real dealer, which you can watch via video link. You place your Gold Coin or Sweep Coins wagers and get paid out in real time depending on the result of the game. 

This is a space we expect to develop more in the social casino world. 

Is there a difference between social casinos and sweepstake casinos?

This can be a little confusing. In some cases, the terms “social casino” and “sweepstakes casino” are used interchangeably, and can refer to the same site. 

To drill a little deeper, we normally use the term “social casino” when we are referring to playing the free games in social mode, usually for Gold Coins. In this case, you can’t redeem any sort of prize and instead play solely for the enjoyment of the game and to build up your supply of GC.

On the other hand, “sweepstakes casinos” is more commonly used when we talk about playing the games in sweepstakes mode, usually for Sweeps Coins. It’s very similar to GC mode, except that your winning Sweeps Coins can be redeemed for cash prizes and other prizes. 

📝 How we choose US sweepstake casinos and social casinos

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The social casino industry in the US is exploding, with new sites and innovations popping up all the time. We like to keep on top of things, so we have a consistent methodology for every site we review. 

🎁 Bonuses and promotions

Social casinos are all about bonuses and promos. Both Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins can normally be claimed for free in a variety of ways, through different bonuses and giveaways. Our favorite sites give players a supply of both GCs and SCs as soon as they sign up, right off the bat. We also want to see Sweeps Coins included as part of a daily login bonus, and regular social media giveaways tend to be a lot of fun which add to the overall experience. 

🎰 Sweepstake game variety

We’ve already covered this topic above somewhat, but reviewing the games on offer is a big part of what we do. Our favorite sites are the ones which cover all the bases in terms of games – lots of slots but a solid selection of table games too, along with progressive jackpot games or other special bonuses. Live dealer games are a big bonus.

🟡 Coin purchase methods

The more payment methods supported, the better as far as we’re concerned. Pretty much all social casinos let you purchase coins via bank card, and eChecks are pretty widely accepted too. E-wallets (like Srkill or PayPal) are not yet totally dominant in the social casino industry, but plenty of sites do include them in their purchase options. We also like to see a good range of Gold Coin packages with free Sweeps Coins, including budget-friendly options. 

📱 Customer support

A lot of social casinos could improve their customer support with the addition of 24/7 live chat. It’s not that common but it does exist on some sites. Otherwise, we test out the email support or whatever channel is available, and rate the FAQs.

🛡️ Customer safety

Player safety is a top priority for us. We never recommend any sites that are not fulfilling their legal obligations in terms of player verification and safety, or any sites with a history of fraudulent activity. 

📋 How to sign up at an online sweepstakes casino

Signing up for an online sweepstakes casino is a generally straightforward process. The specific steps may vary slightly depending on the platform but this is the general process for getting started:

1. Choose a sweepstakes casino: Decide which of the reputable online sweepstakes casinos that are legal and available in your jurisdiction you prefer. The main factors that go into this should be the available games and whichever other factors are important to the user. 
2. Visit the website or download the app: Access the casino’s website through your web browser or download the app if it is available.
3. Create an account: Click on the “Sign Up” or “Join Now” button to begin the registration process. You will then go on to create a unique login and provide an email address and personal details such as your address and birthday.
4. Verify email and identity: The casino will likely send a verification code or link to your email for you to confirm. You also may be asked to confirm your identity and age by submitting a license or some other form. You will then be able to accept the terms and conditions as well as any privacy policies and gaming guidelines. 
5. Choose a screen name: Sweepstakes casinos are more focused on the social aspect and often utilize social media in a way that is not the case for traditional casinos. You will be asked to display a screen name or display name that will be visible to other players.
6. Receive welcome bonus (if available): Most sweepstakes casinos offer a welcome bonus which typically includes a certain amount of free coins upon registration or on your first purchase. These can be used to maximize prizes or lower your risk.
7. Purchase coin packages (optional): If there is not enough offered in the welcome bonus or you must have packages of coins to play, you must do this at this stage in the registration process. 
8. Start playing: Once your account is set up, verified, and funded, you can start playing the various sweepstakes casino games.

How does the token system work at a social casino site?

The exact system and type of token varies based on the social casino site. However, the basic premise is that the form of tokens (Gold Coins, Wow Coins, Sweeps coins, etc.) are won through casino games and converted into prizes. Tokens are won through being successful at the casino games as well as additional bonuses such as loyalty and daily rewards. The value and prices vary based on the website. 

🎰 What are the typical games available at sweepstakes and social casinos?

Both sweepstakes and social casinos offer a variety of casino-style games with the primary distinction being the use of virtual currency. They typically offer the typical casino games such as slots, poker, table games, arcade games, specialty games, and virtual sports. 

Best slot games in US sweepstake casinos

Slots are the cornerstone of sweepstakes casinos. They almost always make up the vast majority of games on the menu, and they are consistently the most popular format among the general public. 

In this section, we’re choosing our top three slots available at US social casinos right now.

Madame Destiny Megaways

• Year released: 2021
• Software provider: Pragmatic Play
• No. of reels: 6
• No. of paylines: Megaways (200,704 max possible)
• RTP: 96.56

Madame Destiny is a fun and volatile game from Pragmatic Play. It features six reels populated by a variety of spooky symbols and set in a lantern-lit wood at twilight. Each symbol can land in different sizes, with the number of paylines varying in the traditional Megaways format. Tumble wins are in play too, so when you hit a winning line the symbols disappear to be replaced by new ones – leading to rollover wins.

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The free spin bonus game is where you can hit the really big wins, and you can buy into it directly for a premium if you don’t want to wait to hit three Crystal Ball scatter symbols. 

Big Bass – Hold & Spinner

• Year released: 2023
• Software provider: Pragmatic Play
• No. of reels: 5
• No. of paylines: 10
• RTP: 96.07

Big Bass – Hold & Spinner is a very fun, fishing themed game, with bright cartoonish graphics and fun cut-screen animations when you trigger the bonus game. To do so, you’ll need to land three scatter symbols anywhere on the reels. That will be enough for ten free spins, and you can sit back and watch as you reel in the multipliers.

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You can also buy into the bonus game directly, or pay a smaller premium to increase the number of scatter on the reels to give yourself a better chance of triggering the game organically. 

Gates of Olympus

• Year released: 2021
• Software provider: Pragmatic Play
• No. of reels: 6
• No. of paylines: win-all-ways
• RTP: 96.50%

Gates of Olympus takes place in the Greek temple of the Gods, with symbols consisting of precious gemstones, rings, goblets and other treasures. Hitting four of the Zeus Scatter symbols triggers the free spin bonus round, which starts with 15 free spins. Hitting additional Scatter symbols can trigger additional free spins within the game too. 

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Throughout the regular game and bonus round, there are four different colored random multipliers that can appear on the reels. When they do, once the round ends, the multiplier gets applied to your total payout for a boosted win. 

What are Sweeps coins?

Sweeps coins are free entry tokens used in promotional play. They cannot be purchased and are far less abundant than gold coins but Sweeps coins can be used to redeem gift cards and cash prizes. 

🌟 What are Gold coins? 

Unlike Sweeps coins, gold coins can be purchased and are used to practice games with no risk. Gold coins can be used for free and are often gifted to users, but they cannot be converted into prizes.

👛 How are sweep coins different from gold coins? 

The biggest difference between the two coins is that gold coins can be used for games for fun while Sweeps coins are used for games with a chance to win prizes. Sweeps coins are the only way to win prizes in sweepstakes casinos. 

How to get Sweeps coins

While you cannot purchase Sweeps coins, there are a few ways to get them for free. Sometimes you get them as a free bonus when purchasing gold coins. They also can be given as a daily bonus when you log in or through giveaway contests on social media. Additionally, there are special email offers that can be taken advantage of or you can request a letter by mail. 

💵 Can you earn real money at a sweepstakes casino? 

While it is not as direct of a process as a traditional casino, you can still win cash prizes at a sweepstakes casino. By winning slots and casino games when playing with Sweeps coins, you can win additional Sweeps coins, which can be redeemed for real-world prizes, gift cards, and cash prizes.

Are sweepstakes/social casinos legal in the US?

The short answer is yes. Their legality varies based on state laws, as well as how platforms structure their operations to comply with sweepstakes and contest regulations. It also depends on the location of each individual casino for where they are available, but there has been a massive growth in their legality and availability in recent years. 

🤵 Do sweepstakes casinos and social casinos offer live dealer games?

While they are not available on every platform, many sweepstakes casinos and social casinos offer live dealer games. Some of the most common include poker, blackjack, and roulette. Some platforms have elected to prioritize slots or just do not offer live dealer games, so this is important to check before signing up. 

Where can I play free sweepstakes games?

You can play free sweepstakes games on various online platforms that offer casino-style games with a chance to win prizes. These platforms can be accessed through the casino’s website or mobile app and they allow you to participate. 

📱 Do US online sweepstakes casinos have mobile apps?

Many of them do, but not every single one. For those that don’t, the site is pretty much always constructed with mobile-friendly software – so that you can play via your device’s browser. 

We expect social casino apps to become more widespread over time, as the industry grows and develops. 

🔞 How old do I need to be to play at sweepstakes casinos?

The age to play sweepstakes casinos varies based on your location but in most states, the legal age in the United States is 18. It also can be 21, depending on the platform and state’s laws. 

Top 5 tips for playing at sweepstakes casinos in the US

1. Choose games with favorable odds: When playing sweepstakes casino games, it is important to choose games with favorable odds. Games like blackjack and poker offer a low house edge, which means you have a better chance of winning. Choosing the proper games paves the way for success.
2. Be mindful of Sweeps coins vs Gold coins: There is value to both free play and competing for prizes. Users should take advantage of free play opportunities to gain practice on games and set themselves up for the most success when prizes are on the line.
3. Take advantage of promotions and bonuses: Many sweepstakes casino sites offer promotions and bonuses which you can use to add more chances to play in your account. Look for sites with generous welcome bonuses, loyalty programs, and other promotions. Many online casinos also have offers through social media that should also be monitored.
4. Practice good bankroll management: It is easy to get irresponsible with the coins you are playing with as it is not actual money. However, practicing the best bankroll management sets users up for the best success and makes sure you are not chasing losses by using more than you should.
5. Play games with high RTPs: Evaluating the games with higher returns compared to the risk is the best way to become profitable. Some sweepstakes casino games offer bigger prizes than others. Progressive slots offer the potential for huge jackpots and many bingo games often have large prize pools.

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Responsible sweepstakes and social playing

Remember to play responsibly at social and sweepstakes casinos
A responsible player is someone who:

For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 1-800-522-4700 or go to ncpgambling.org/chat