Sweepstakes rules explained
Sweepstakes casinos are a popular and legal alternative to traditional online casinos. The rules in sweepstakes casinos are designed to make things as simple and rewarding as possible. Let’s get started with sweepstakes rules explained right here, so you can start playing with confidence.
What are sweeps rules?
Sweepstakes rules are put in place to ensure you have a safe experience while enjoying your gaming sessions. Here’s a quick look at the basic rules you’ll find at sweepstakes casinos:
- Sweepstakes casinos are free to play, meaning you can sign up and play without having to invest a dime.
- No purchase is necessary, which simply means that you are not obligated to purchase virtual currency packages, even though they are available at most sweepstakes sites.
- You must be of the minimum legal gambling age, which is 18+ or 21+, depending on your state’s gambling laws, to sign up for a sweeps casino.
- You must reside in a state where sweepstakes casinos are legal.
- Sweepstakes casinos operate using virtual currencies like Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins.
- Gold Coins have no real monetary value, while Sweeps Coins can be redeemed for gift cards or cash prizes after meeting entry limits and playthrough requirements.
How to stay safe when playing at sweepstakes casinos
Remember the following tips to have the best possible experience when playing at sweepstakes casinos:
Check licensing and reputation
Always ensure that the site is owned and operated by a reputable brand. A valid license greatly lends to a sweepstakes casino’s credibility, although it’s not required, since sweepstakes casinos operate under US sweepstakes laws. But if the site has one, then it’s just more peace of mind for you.
Find and read the sweepstakes rules page
The sweepstakes rules page could be a standalone page, or it could simply be the sweepstakes terms and conditions or privacy policy page. Legitimate sweepstakes casinos have the rules clearly outlined and explained, so you understand exactly how the site works and what to watch out for.
Read existing player reviews
Make your way through forums like Reddit and Trustpilot, and read what existing players are saying about the sweep site. Ensure that there are more positive reviews than negative ones.
Check out the site’s security measures
A legitimate sweepstakes casino will have strong security protocols like Secure Socket Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS) encryption, protecting your passwords as well as your personal and financial info. Some sweepstakes casinos even offer two‑factor authentication, which is an extra step to log in to your sweepstakes account, providing an additional layer of security.
Use strong passwords
Even though you’re not playing using real money, you still have the option to redeem eligible Sweeps Coins. So to ensure no one else has access to your sweepstakes casino account, pick a password that is hard to guess, and feel free to change it as often as you like. This is one of the best ways to have a secure experience if you’re wondering how to stay safe when playing sweepstakes casinos.
Make use of responsible gaming tools
Legitimate sweepstakes casinos also offer RG tools to help you manage your gaming sessions. Deposit limiters allow you to put a cap on how many GC packages you can purchase, and self‑exclusion options allow you to exclude yourself from logging on to the site and participating.
Rules for sweepstakes casinos
Here is a full list of the rules you need to know before you sign up and start playing at a sweepstakes casino:
- No purchase is necessary, and you can sign up and start playing for free. Sweepstakes casinos reward you with the welcome bonus consisting of Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins after signing up, and this is what you use to get started.
- Gold Coins are used purely for fun and have no real monetary value. Irrespective of how many Gold Coins you accumulate, you can never redeem them for prizes. Sweeps Coins, on the other hand, can be accumulated and played through until they are eligible for redemption.
- In order to qualify for prize redemption, you must verify your identity by uploading the required documents. These usually include your ID document and a utility bill.
- Sweeps Coins expire if not used for a certain period of time. At most sweepstakes casinos, the period of inactivity is usually 60 days. This means that you should keep playing in order to retain your Sweeps Coins and qualify for redemption.
- You must be located in a legal sweepstakes casino state and be at least 18 years of age to sign up at a sweepstakes casino. This depends on the state you are located in, so always check the local age of majority, which in some instances is 21 years.
- You can only sign up for one account at a sweepstakes casino. If you try to register again at the same sweepstakes casino, you’ll probably be removed and blocked from signing up again.
- You are responsible for reporting and paying taxes on your sweepstakes casino winnings on both the state and federal levels.
Rules for sweepstakes prizes
It is possible to win prizes at sweepstakes casinos, and here’s what you need to know:
- The first step in winning and redeeming tangible rewards like gift cards and cash prizes at sweepstakes casinos is by obtaining SC via welcome bonuses, daily login bonuses, mail‑in SC bonuses, and other promotions.
- Next, you need to meet playthrough the requirements. Most sweepstakes casinos require a 1x playthrough, meaning you must wager your SC at least 1x in games to qualify for redemption. Some sweepstakes casinos have a higher playthrough requirement of 3x, but the same rule applies.
- You must obtain and playthrough a minimum amount of SC to qualify. This is usually between 50 to 100 SC. In most cases, for gift card redemptions, you need 50 SC, and for cash prize redemptions, you need at least 100 SC.
- To meet the minimum SC balance thresholds and playthrough requirements, you need to verify your identity by uploading your ID document and proof of address. This is known as a KYC, or know your customer check, and is standard across most sweepstakes platforms.
- Regarding redemption time limits, a sweepstakes casino usually gives you anywhere between 10 and 30 days to request a redemption, and if you miss this deadline, you may lose out.
- Always read the rules pertaining to SC expiry. As mentioned earlier, it’s usually around 60 days; however, the time frame will differ from one sweepstakes casino to another.
Are sweepstakes casinos legit?
Sweepstakes casinos are legit and legal in many US states. They operate under US sweepstakes laws, not regular gambling rules, so sweepstakes casinos don’t necessarily need a license to operate.
How to verify sweepstakes legitimacy
Legitimate sweepstakes casinos won’t require you to make a deposit of any kind to sign up and start playing. They also have clear rules, terms and conditions, and openly disclosed ownership details.
Legal sweepstakes casinos will also offer responsible gaming tools, self‑exclusion options, deposit limiters, as well as resources to help manage how you play.
All legal sweepstakes casinos clearly disclose, either on their homepage or in various sections of the site, that no purchases are needed to start playing, and they also provide clear, transparent sweepstakes rules for you to follow.
Legitimate sweep sites that are legal and transparent will also have positive reviews on forums like Trustpilot. Read existing reviews to ensure that existing players are having successful redemptions. If a sweepstakes casino pays out, then that’s one sure indicator of a legitimate site.
Sweep casinos that are invested in their players’ overall experience will provide clear customer support channels and respond within reasonable time frames.
Sweepstakes casinos that operate by the book will also include various security protocols, like two‑factor authentication, as well as SSL and TLS encryption.
Regulations governing sweepstakes casinos
The following regulations, laws and rules for sweepstakes casinos govern these platforms in the US:
Federal sweepstakes laws
Sweepstakes casinos are required under the Deceptive Mail Prevention and Enforcement Act and FTC rules to clearly disclose that “no purchase is necessary.” This is because US regulations governing sweepstakes casinos forbid sweepstakes platforms from charging any type of fee or imposing any type of purchase requirements on players to participate.
Age and residency restrictions
US sweepstakes laws also indicate that players should meet sweepstakes eligibility age requirements. This means you must be at least 18 years old before signing up for a sweepstakes casino and being eligible for prize redemptions. Players should also reside in a state that allows sweepstakes casinos to operate.
Common misconceptions surrounding sweeps rules
Here are some of the most common myths and misunderstandings about sweepstakes legality:
You must purchase GC to win SC
No, you don’t need to make a purchase to receive SC, play it through, and redeem it for actual prizes.
SC is real money
No, SC may be redeemed for gift cards and cash prizes once you’ve met redemption requirements, but you cannot spend it like cash.
Sweepstakes casinos are legal in all US states
Sweepstakes casinos are legal in most US states, but not all.
You can sign up for multiple accounts
No, you can only sign up for one account per person at a sweepstakes sites. Multiple accounts will get you banned or blocked from the platform.
FAQ
What are the rules for sweepstakes casinos?
You must be at least 18 years of age or older to sign up and participate at a sweepstakes casino, and no purchase is necessary to sign up. You must reside in a state where sweepstakes casinos are legal and operational.
How can I stay safe while playing sweepstakes?
You can stay safe playing at legitimate sweep casinos that operate under US sweepstakes laws and have clear terms and conditions. For safe sweepstakes play ensure that the site has positive reviews on forums like Trustpilot, and implements various security measures to keep your passwords as well as your personal and financial info private.
Are sweepstakes casinos legal in my state?
There are a few ways in which you can check whether or not sweepstakes casinos are legal in your state. For one, visit your state’s official gaming or lottery site and look for the sweepstakes rules. Before signing up, you can also make your way through the casino’s terms and conditions, which should state whether or not you’re eligible to sign up based on where you reside.
What happens if I win a sweepstakes?
Sweepstakes regulations in the US dictate that if you win a sweepstakes prize, you’ll need to report your winnings to the IRS as well as your state and pay the necessary taxes to remain compliant.
Denise Mathey is a seasoned iGaming writer with over a decade of experience. She started her career in content creation writing detailed business articles for platforms like Chambers of Commerce, where she guided entrepreneurs through starting business entities in various US states.
Denise’s expertise has also focused heavily on iGaming over the last few years, reviewing online casinos, sportsbooks, and sweepstakes platforms for top iGaming publications. Her passion for simplifying complex gambling laws and betting strategies helps players find the best gaming destinations for a safe and enjoyable betting experience.
