Best sweepstakes casinos on the market

These casinos muscled their way to the top of the ranking lists, and have become personal favorites. Their offering of high-value bonuses, fast payouts, varied game libraries, and top-of-the-line security measures have made these 10 casinos stand out in an increasingly large pool of sweeps casinos.

Latest sweepstakes casino of 2025

Mega Frenzy is the latest sweeps casino on the market. An attractive new sweeps casino with over 460 games, including 107 jackpots, and a daily spin on the Mega Wheel for regular free GC and SC.

Mega Frenzy especially stands out with its 25 live games, offering live roulette, baccarat, blackjack, dragon tiger, crash, top card, and lightspeed 1000x. Its VIP program, called The Hype Club, has 11 tiers, one of the highest on the market.

Different brands appear monthly in the market, so we’re always reviewing and updating our website. Find out which new sweepstakes casinos are worth your time.

Are sweepstakes casinos legal in the US?

Yes they are. Sweepstakes casinos are legal in over 40 states in the US, making them the most widely available legal iGaming option in the nation.

Sweepstakes casinos aren’t considered online gambling by the US government, as you do not need to wager your real cash to play. Due to this, they are legal in most US states, except for Washington, Idaho, Michigan, and Nevada.

In order to stay legal, sweepstakes casinos must comply with these conditions:

• The casino must be free to enter
• No purchases are necessary to play at the casino
• Alternative method of entry (AMOE) like mail-in promos must be available
• The casino must verify your identity through KYC protocols before letting you make a purchase
• Promos must have clear terms and conditions

It’s still possible that your favorite sweepstakes casino may choose not to operate in a specific state. Be sure to check for ‘Excluded Territories’ in the terms and conditions to see which states the casino doesn’t operate in.

Restrictions at legal sweepstakes casinos

If you wish to play at a legal sweepstakes casino, you’ll need to adhere to certain restrictions:

• Minimum age: You must be the minimum age of 18 to play at a sweepstakes casino.
• US residency: You must be a US resident, in a state that allows sweepstakes gambling. The use of VPNs or proxies is strictly forbidden.
• Payment method under your name: Purchases and redemptions must use a payment method registered under your name. Using a card or bank account under someone else’s name is not allowed.
• No bots: You cannot use bots to play automatically and fix games in your favor.
• Legal money: Any cash used for purchases must be obtained legally.
• Pass KYC: You must verify your identity via the KYC check by providing truthful and up-to-date information.

License and regulatory bodies

US sweepstakes casinos do not require gambling licenses. They function under US sweeps laws, which allow them to operate in any state that accepts sweepstakes.

As long as a sweepstakes casino adheres to the sweeps model, which provides players with SC freely and excludes real-money gambling, then the sweeps casino is legal in the US.

The best sweepstakes casinos go the extra step and have their site regularly audited by third-party companies. This allows them to be transparent with their players and ensure fair business practices and strong security. Look out for these trust logos in the footer of sweeps casinos:

In what states are sweepstakes casinos most popular?

Google Trends shows a massive growth in searches for sweepstakes casinos in these three states:

• Oklahoma
• Arkansas
• North Dakota

These results don’t come as much of a surprise. With no real-money gambling alternative legal in those states, prospective players are pushed to try out legit sweeps instead.

In fact, in states where real-money gambling is legal, such as New Jersey and Connecticut, far fewer people are searching for sweeps casinos, and Michigan is looking to ban sweeps outright.

Sweepstakes casino updates

It is important for players to stay on top of the changes in the dynamic world of sweepstakes casinos. I select the most important news updates each month so you can stay in the loop of this fast-paced industry.

What is a sweepstakes casino?

Sweepstakes casinos are online gaming platforms, featuring games like slots, jackpots, and table games. The difference is, at sweepstakes casinos you can play for free.

Since you are not required to make a traditional deposit to play at a sweepstakes casino, these gaming platforms are not considered gambling. This allows them to be available in 40+ states, including many states where real-money gambling is illegal.

Sweepstakes casinos instead use a system of Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins. You can get both through promos, and you can use them to play games for free. Once you’ve accumulated enough Sweeps Coins you can redeem them for cash prizes. Gold Coins are play-for-fun only.

Starting in the early 2000s with the famous ‘sweepstakes cafes’, these sites have grown exponentially. Player engagement increased by 30% in 2024 and an estimated $7 billion in revenue is projected for 2025. Known for innovative games and social integration, it’s no wonder sweeps casinos are a cultural phenomenon in the USA.

Sweepstakes casino guides

How do sweepstakes casinos work?

Sweepstakes casinos work using virtual Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins. Using the toggle in the header, players can choose between Gold Coins, for fun only, or Sweeps Coins to have a chance to redeem real-life prizes. Playing with SC is often referred to as ‘Promotional Mode’.

Gold Coins vs Sweeps Coins

Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins are the terms commonly used by sweeps casinos to refer to their virtual coins. These coins allow you to play at the casino without having to spend money.

• Gold Coins (GC): Are used for play only. They cannot be redeemed and they have no value outside of the casino. These coins are great for practicing the games and getting a feel for the site.
• Sweeps Coins (SC): Are used for both play and redemptions. SC won through gameplay can be redeemed for cash prizes, usually at a rate of 1 SC to $1. Only use SC on games you’re comfortable with to reduce losses.

Sweeps casinos allow you to purchase more GC if you run out. These purchase packages commonly come with complimentary SC attached. Purchasing these packages is not mandatory for gameplay.

You’ll get a lump sum of both GC and SC when you sign up to a sweeps casino, and you’ll receive more currency every day with daily login bonuses and other promos. You can also win the coins through gameplay, with SC won through gameplay being eligible for prizes.

How to sign up and start playing

To sign up, simply follow these steps:

1. Grab your phone, passport, driver’s license, and your latest utility bill, and keep them next to you.
2. Download the mobile app (if available) and sign up from there
3. Hit the ‘Sign up’ or ‘Register’ button, usually on the top right corner of the site
4. Fill in all your personal details like your name, surname, mobile number, and address
5. Choose a username and password. Use a password with lowercase and uppercase letters, as well as numbers and special symbols like “@”.
6. Agree to the terms, and to receiving emails.
7. Confirm you’ve filled in everything and hit accept.

Most sweeps casinos will ask you to verify your phone number by sending a code to it. Check your phone once you’ve created the account, and input the code you’ll receive into the site to verify your number.

Some casinos ask you to verify your identity immediately. You’ll need to submit the personal documents mentioned earlier, such as the driver’s license, to prove you are who you say you are. Once that’s accepted, you’ll be eligible to participate in sweepstakes contests and redeem cash prizes.

Once your account is created, you’ll receive a bundle of GC and SC to start playing straight away. You can purchase more GC by going to the Store, which will usually come with complimentary SC.

To redeem SC for cash prizes, click the ‘Redeem’ button. You’ll need to have won a minimum amount of SC through gameplay, usually 50 or 100 SC. Select a method for redemption, preferably e-wallets as they’re the fastest, then wait for the cash to come in. If you redeem a gift card, check your email for it to appear there.

How sweeps coin purchases work

Sweeps coin packages work as instant increases to your coin balance, as opposed to a daily login bonus that runs on a 24-hour timer. Sweeps casinos often run purchase promos that boost your coin value by up to 200%.

Sweeps coin packages come with two types of coins. There are Gold Coins, which are used as an entry fee for the games, and Sweeps Coins which let you redeem prizes and often come free with the package.

How to purchase GC packages

GC packages are purchased from the site’s store. They’ll come at set values and are packaged alongside free SC. You’ll be able to use a wide range of payment methods, such as e-wallets or cryptocurrency.

1. Go to the Store or Wallet section in the menu
2. Check for available payment promos
3. Pick your preferred coin package
4. Choose a payment method
5. Confirm your choices
6. Complete the two-step verification required from your payment provider
7. Check the header to see your account balance
8. Enjoy!

How to get more free Sweeps Coins

Sweeps casinos give you plenty of opportunities to grab some free SC if you know where to look. Keep an eye out for these offerings:

• Welcome bonuses: Sweepstakes casinos will always hand out free SC on sign-up. Make sure to sign up with our links to get even more free SC.
• Daily rewards: Log in daily to get extra SC to add to your wallet. Always log in even if you’re not playing, as some casinos give progressive rewards for consecutive logins.
• Mail-in SC: All sweeps casinos offer a mail-in option for more SC, sometimes giving you up to 5 SC. Make sure to write in the correct address and account details, and use the correct envelope according to the terms of the site.
• Play low volatility, high RTP games: Playing games like Mega Joker, which has 99% RTP and low volatility, minimizes your SC losses and helps cycle through the SC redemption requirements.
• Opt-in: Sweeps sites often have ongoing jackpot or tournaments going on. Make sure you manually opt-in for them from your account or the Promos page, so you don’t get left out of any potential SC wins.
• Try different slot types: Hold and Wins, Megaways, and Unlimited Plays all offer unique ways of getting SC that may appeal more to you. Multiplayer games like fish games also increase your SC pool through collaboration.
• Purchase packages: Most GC purchases come with a free SC bonus. Look for first-purchase bonuses that boost your SC significantly.
• Refer-a-friend promos: Referring a friend to a sweeps casino will grant you some free SC once they make a purchase of up to $50 in value.
• Social media competitions: Follow your favorite sweeps social media account on Facebook and X to take part in competitions like Spot The Difference. Winning will grant you a small dose of free SC.
• Game challenges: Keep an eye out for weekly tournaments, centered around particular slot themes or providers. Getting to the top of the leaderboard will come with a large SC prize.

How to redeem sweeps cash and real prizes

You can redeem your SC for prizes by following the steps below:

1. Make sure you meet the minimum redemption requirements, usually 50–100 SC.
2. Go to the Store or Wallet section in the menu
3. Select your redemption method
4. Enter the amount you wish to redeem
5. Photo ID verification and proof of residence will be required before the cashout is authorized
6. Once all steps are complete, the redemption will be processed

What can you win?

You can win four types of prizes at sweeps casinos:

• Cash prizes
• Gift cards
• Merchandise
• Vacations

Cash prizes and gift cards are the most common prize types. Here’s the redemption requirements for my favorite sweeps casinos:

Can I win real money at a sweeps casino?

You cannot win real money outright at a sweepstakes casino. But you can redeem your SC for cash prizes, gift cards, or merchandise.

To have the chance of winning players need to choose to play in SC mode. It is optional, so players can choose to play for fun simply by choosing GC mode.

Sweepstakes gift card explained

Most sweepstakes casinos let you redeem your SC for gift cards. However, you’ll need to consider the following pros and cons:

• Gift cards have a much lower minimum SC limit for redemptions, usually half of cash prizes (100 SC for cash prizes, 50 SC for gift cards).
• Gift cards are redeemed much faster, in a matter of hours instead of 2-3 days.
• Sweeps casinos will often boost the value of gift cards for free (Ex. redeeming 73 SC will give you a $75 gift card).

• Gift cards can only be used at certain stores
• Gift cards may come with their own terms and conditions (Ex. use by a certain date).

Verification documents for prize redemptions

Before you can redeem any SC, sweepstakes casinos will perform a Know Your Customer (KYC) check to confirm your identity. Make sure you have the following documents handy to speed up the process:

Transaction methods comparison

I’ve grabbed 10 of the best sweeps sites and placed a comparison table of what types of transaction methods are available, for both purchases and redemptions.

For speedy redemptions, cryptocurrency is the fastest at under 6 hours but usually comes with redemption fees. Bank transfer methods are more common but slower, with 2-3 day processing times. Use e-wallets like Skrill when available, they’re fast, safe, and can be used for both purchases and redemptions.

Sweepstakes casino bonuses

Sweeps promos are the primary way for players to get access to the free virtual coins. If there aren’t enough promos, or if the promos don’t offer enough virtual coins, then the players will be forcefully pushed to buy the payment packages to keep playing.

Make sure to check the sweeps casino’s promos page, to see what bonuses and sweeps promo codes are available, how to claim them, and their terms and conditions.

Most popular sweepstakes casino games

Here are the top five best sweepstakes casino games on the market:

1. Big Bass Bonanza
2. Mammoth Peak: Hold and Win
3. Laughing Buddha
4. Gates of Olympus
5. Black Wolf 2

These five just scratch the surface, with thousands of slots available currently. The best sweeps casinos will crack the 2,000+ mark for casino games, with GummyPlay especially specializing in slots.

Other sweeps casinos, like Global Poker and Clubs Poker, may specialize in specific table games, while BetRivers.NET goes all in on live casino games.

If it’s slots you’re interested in, you’ll be able to find all kinds of slots at sweeps casinos, from classic slots to MegaWays, Hold and Wins, and progressive jackpots.

🥇#1. Big Bass Bonanza

An all-time classic, Pragmatic’s Big Bass Bonanza is so popular that it kicked off an entire range of Big Bass slots.

Still, it’s hard to beat the classic slot. A medium-volatility slot with a pretty high RTP of 96.71%, you’re almost guaranteed a steady stream of winnings in between the losses. Its explosive Free Spins feature combines four bonus features in one, allowing you to get big wins in one go.

Head to Hello Millions for the best way to experience this slot. That sweeps casino grants you 20 free SC spins on the classic slot.

• Software: Pragmatic Play
• Slot type: Video slot
• Reel layout: 5×3
• Paylines: 10
• RTP: 96.71%
• Volatility: Medium-high
• Max win: 2,100x

🥈#2. Mammoth Peak: Hold and Win

A colorful and vibrant slot from Playson, Mammoth Peak is a great example of a fun Hold and Win game thanks to its many bonus features.

It has a unique Mammoth Wild that takes up two rows, as well as a free spins bonus game and a Hold and Win bonus game. That’s not even mentioning the four lucrative fixed jackpots you can win.

There’s a Volcano feature that will give you a higher chance of the Hold and Win game activating the longer you play. If you play the slot, don’t burn through your budget at once. Instead, spread it out over a long game period to increase your chance of the Volcano feature activating.

• Software: Playson
• Slot type: Hold and Win
• Reel layout: 5×3
• Paylines: 20
• RTP: 95.10%
• Volatility: Medium-high
• Max win: 2,348x

🥉#3. Laughing Buddha

A progressive jackpot from Habanero, Laughing Buddha is a very high-risk, high-potential-reward slot. In fact, even not including the jackpot, Laughing Buddha offers one of the biggest potential max wins.

It does come with some ways to minimize the risk, such as its wilds that also double as 2x or 3x multipliers. The Free Spins bonus game even comes with expanding symbols that cover entire reels, and you can always buy a Free Spins round for 46.4x your stake.

Sweeps casinos often do leaderboard promos centered around progressive jackpots, so wait until a promo is available before trying Laughing Buddha to score some extra SC.

• Software: Habanero
• Slot type: Progressive jackpot
• Reel layout: 5×3
• Paylines: 28
• RTP: 96.61%
• Volatility: High
• Max win: 56,043x

#4. Gates of Olympus

Another classic from Pragmatic Play, Gates of Olympus is famous for its Scatter Pays. As long as eight of the same symbol appears anywhere on the slot, you’ll win regardless of whether those symbols form a line or not.

An RTP of 96.50%, combined with a great Free Spins round that boasts 15 free spins and stacking multipliers, helps even out the winnings and losses while playing the game. If you’re fond of the Free Spins mini-game, you can buy 15 free spins for 100x your stake.

Gates of Olympus is one of Pragmatic’s most popular slots, and most sweeps casinos have a promo centered around Pragmatic’s games. If your current sweeps casino doesn’t have a Pragmatic promo, try looking for one that does before playing Gates of Olympus.

• Software: Pragmatic Play
• Slot type: Video slot
• Reel layout: 6×5
• Paylines: Scatter Pays (all ways pay))
• RTP: 96.50%
• Volatility: High
• Max win: 5,000x

#5. Black Wolf 2

A Hold and Win slot from 3 Oaks Gaming, Black Wolf 2 is centered around allowing you constant small wins thanks to its Boost feature, which is reflected in its Medium volatility.

The Boost feature, combined with Mystery symbols, Black Wolf Wilds, and an archer scatter that awards eight free spins, allow you to get regular small wins while you wait for the Hold and Win bonus round to trigger.

Since this slot is so good for small wins, it’s a great slot to use if you want to quickly complete SC wagering requirements. If you’re close to the SC minimum redemption limit, playing some bonus free SC on this slot might help push you over the limit.

• Software: 3 Oaks Gaming
• Slot type: Hold and Win
• Reel layout: 5×4
• Paylines: 25
• RTP: 95.54%
• Volatility: Medium
• Max win: 2,000x

Top sweepstakes game types

You can find all of the most popular casino game types at our highest-ranked sweepstakes casino sites. Top casino software providers like NetEnt, Everi, Pragmatic Play, Greentube Games, and the like are represented by their most popular titles, which are now part of the sweeps casino landscape.

Slots are by far the most popular option, and while everything else, even sweeps poker games, can be found at sweepstakes casinos, they are much less common.

Some sweeps casinos, such as Global Poker or WOW Vegas, specialize in one type of game. I’ll include the best casino for each game type below.

Pros and cons of sweepstakes casinos

There’s a lot to love about sweeps casinos, from the regular bonuses to the variety of unique games on display. But they’re not perfect either, with some unavoidable drawbacks.

I’ve listed the pros and cons of playing at sweeps casinos, and why I believe they stand out when compared to their real money counterparts.

Sweepstakes vs real money

At real-money casinos, you deposit, play, and win with real cash. This requires them to hold state-specific licenses, and follow strict regulatory rules.

Sweepstakes casinos instead use virtual currency, that you can get for free on site. State-specific licenses are not needed as long as the site adheres to the sweeps model and allows you to play for free. While you cannot bet with real money, you can redeem SC for cash prizes as sweeps casinos.

Sweeps vs social casinos: what’s the difference?

The difference between sweeps and social casinos is in the rewards. Social casinos are purely play-for-fun casinos, with no way to redeem your virtual coins for winnings. Due to this, social casinos serve as a casual alternative to sweeps casinos, letting you enjoy slots with no strings attached. In all other aspects, social casinos are the same as sweepstakes casinos.

Why are social casinos so popular?

Social casinos are popular as they allow players to gamble in a low-risk environment. This allows for more relaxed gameplay, as players can spend a simple 30 minutes spinning slots without risking anything.

This has led to social and sweepstakes casinos seeing a surge in popularity in the US, with the estimated total revenue of 2025 sitting at around 11 billion, almost triple the total GDP of Liberia.

The availability of social and sweeps casinos in 46 US states has helped increase this popularity, ensuring the majority of the US’s 350 million population can play at a social casino. The straightforwardness of social casinos, with an easy signup process and daily bonuses, have made these casinos even more accessible to players.

Full list of legal sweepstakes casinos in US

Here’s a quick breakdown of the legal sweepstakes casinos in the US, based on data gathered.

Understand how we rate sweepstakes casinos

Our Time2play experts put a lot of time and effort into checking each individual sweepstakes casino. Not only is every casino extensively reviewed, we regularly go back to them to keep our information up-to-date.

This means that we play all the games of every sweeps casino, try all their bonuses, and make sure that they all adhere to the strictest safety measures.

Our review methodology delves deeper into how we rate sweeps casinos, comparing them to what’s on the market rather then looking at them in a vacuum.

Give us your feedback

At Time2play we value YOU! That’s why we love to hear from our readers, and we regularly action feedback that we receive.

What’s more, all our sweeps reviews include user reviews, which contribute to an overall user rating. Feel free to leave your thoughts on our reviews, and let everyone know your own experience with sweepstakes casinos.

Responsible gambling at sweepstakes casinos

Never underestimate the importance of responsible gambling. Always make sure that you’re playing safely, and that your physical and mental health come first.

Should you start to exhibit symptoms of gambling addiction, make sure to immediately contact support companies such as Birches Health and Gaming Addicts Anonymous.

We have a page dedicated to responsible gambling tips, however, here are some important ones to keep in mind:

Final tips for playing at the best sweepstakes casinos

Sweepstakes casinos have their own little intricacies which you should understand before you pick one, which I’ve highlighted below.

Final sign-off on sweeps casinos

Sweeps casinos are thriving. These casinos are increasing their player count at around 30% every year, despite the growing number of states moving to illegalize them. The writing on the wall is clear: sweeps are here to stay.

If you happen to live in a state where real-money gaming is illegal, try out sweepstakes casinos. If sweepstakes have been made illegal in your state, then you can always try social casinos for the fun of iGaming without the redemptions.

My current verdict on sweeps casinos is positive, and I’m excited to see where these casinos will go from here. I’ll keep updating regularly as the sweepstakes landscape evolves, so make sure to check in weekly for any sweeps news and updates.

FAQs

Sources

1. Washington State Gambling Commission
2. Gambling Research Exchange Ontario
3. American Gaming Association
4. eCOGRA
5. National Council on Problem Gambling
6. Federal Trade Commission