Sweepstakes casinos vs real-money casinos

Written by Paul Portanier

Checked by Vule P. •

Last updated on March 6, 2025

The US online gambling scene has largely been dominated by two types of casinos — sweepstakes and real-money casinos. While they have some similarities, they’re ultimately very different products.

So, what’s the difference between them? How do you know which one to pick? Our guide outlines key features that separate sweepstakes casinos from real-money ones, including game variety, availability, and the option of redeeming cash prizes.

Key difference
Notable differences
The similarities
Pros and cons

The key difference between sweeps and real-money casinos

There’s one big difference that separates sweepstakes casinos and real-money casinos, and it’s right there in the name — money.

At real-money casinos players deposit, play, and win with real cash. However, sweepstakes casinos work through virtual currency that you can get for free. Also, rather than winning cash directly, sweepstakes casinos let you redeem your virtual currency winnings for cash prizes.

This free-to-play model that sweepstakes casinos employ is the root that leads to all the other differences. Without it, the casino becomes just another standard real-money casino. In short, if you’re on a site that lets you regularly and reliably spin slots for free, then you’re in a sweeps casino.

Other notable differences

There are other differences that separate a sweeps casino from a real-money one. These three stand out in particular and are definitely factors players should consider when choosing between the two types of casinos.

Legality

Because sweeps casinos use a free-to-play model, they’re far more widely available. Washington, Idaho, and Nevada are the only states where sweepstakes casinos are illegal. In comparison, real-money casinos tend to only appear in these six states: New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

Slot on a phone, surrounded by casino symbols

Game library

Sweeps casinos tend to have a smaller game library than real-money casinos, usually in the 700+ games range as opposed to real-money casinos’ 1,000+. The catch however is consistency. Sweeps libraries will usually be the same no matter which state you’re in, while real-money libraries vary wildly from state to state, sometimes going as low as just 150+ in West Virginia.

A magnifying glass looking at casino games on a laptop

Platform

Your average real-money casino will have a handy mobile app to go along with its website platform. Sweeps casinos rarely have a mobile app, however, they make up for that by usually having their site optimized for mobile first. This means you’ll generally have a better time on your phone, but you’ll need to log in from a browser.

Sweeps and real-money similarities

Sweepstakes platforms are still casinos, which means you’ll find a lot of similarities between the two. The actual spinning of a slot is roughly the same experience on both platforms, even if claiming the winnings is completely different.

Bonuses
No casino, whether sweeps or real-money, is worth checking out if it doesn’t have a healthy dose of high-value promos. Many bonus types are the same across both platforms, such as VIP Programs, free spins, and payment promos.
Software providers
You’ll find the same popular software providers across both casino types. Pragmatic Play and NetEnt pop up everywhere, alongside many others, so you’re likely to find your favorite slot wherever you go. Live dealers are admittedly rare in sweeps casinos, but they’re slowly being introduced over time.
24/7 support
Who doesn’t love 24/7 support? Both casino types offer it, though perhaps in slightly different formats. Real-money sites tend to have an integrated live chat option, while sweeps casinos tend to prefer email support or chat through Facebook.
Security of information
No casino wants a security breach. Regardless of where you play, you’ll always have strong SSL guarding your back, usually with ECDSA encryption and TFA added as well. Email verifications and KYC forms are standard practices on both types of sites.

Sweeps vs real-money casinos — the pros and the cons

So, how do you choose between real-money and sweepstakes casinos? Each one has its own pros and cons, which you’ll need to think about before making a final decision.