The best sweepstakes casinos for US players in December 2024

Written by: Kate Matthews

Fact checked by: Nestor Diaz

Do you love the buzz of playing games of chance without the risk of losing money? If that’s you, sweepstakes and social casinos are just for you! Sweepstakes casinos, also known as sweeps cash casinos, offer a completely different free gaming experience. They were initially created for fun, but nowadays you can win cash with them. Which are the best ones? How to use them to spend some amusing time and get advantage of it? Read on to learn this and a lot more.

Best online sweeps casinos

Here we have selected some of the top-rated sweepstakes and social casinos in the US using our stringent criteria. Our experts have sifted through many operators and chosen the best sweeps cash casinos for you.

Top-rated sweepstakes casinos by category

Here we have sorted the best online providers of free gambling according to their main features:

Understanding how sweepstakes casinos work

The original sweepstakes casino concept was to connect users through social media, ensuring great excitement and lucrative wins. Playing online sweepstake games was common with co-workers and friends. You can play casino games for pure entertainment without having to spend any money on social gambling sites and free apps you can access on mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones. Using mobile play on the go wherever you are with online slots, roulette, blackjack, and other types of sweepstakes games is child’s play with these types of gambling operators.

One of the main perks that gamblers enjoy are having access to casino-style games of chance while interacting with others worldwide. Every sweepstakes casino has its unique twists and features. You must be patient when cashing out your winnings without buying coins.

What are sweepstakes and social casinos?

Historically, these gambling providers used to be contests with cash rewards or prizes given to a randomly selected winner. In the US, such an example was the Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes casino, which used to deliver superb rewards to people’s doorsteps. The whole concept of that type of gambling is different. You play the slots, poker, keno, and table games you love using virtual currencies called Sweep Coins or Gold Coins instead of staking your own money. Similar traditional online casino sites, sweeps operators let you enjoy the games you love such as progressive slots, video poker, and other popular types.

But what’s the main differences between sweepstakes and social casinos?

  • With social casinos you can win real money. Using Sweeps Coins you have won, you can play sweepstakes games for real in most US states.
  • Social casinos work with Gold Coins or an equivalent, not Sweeps Coins, which unfortunately don’t let you win any real money.

Know the difference between Sweeps Coins and Gold Coins

Understanding how the two kinds of coins available at such gambling operators differ and how to use them determines how successful you will be. Social and sweepstakes casinos have these virtual currencies:

  • Gold Coins you can get upon registration at sweeps casinos or by buying such at social casinos to use for playing your favorite games of chance just for fun.
  • Sweeps Coins you collect only through bonuses or free rewards you can later redeem for money.

Why are sweeps and social gambling sites so popular?

One of the reasons online sweepstakes casinos are on the rise is that you can have a great time playing with colleagues and friends without risking your own money. Moreover, you stand a chance to win some cash. There are also states where gambling is restricted, which leaves no other option for many players than to use sweepstake casinos. The social element is determining for most users, as many want to have fun while building connections. Most players find social games on internet and social platforms.

The most popular types of social casino games

You can expect to find the trending hits and evergreens among casino games at the sweepstake casino websites we have listed. The most successful software providers like NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, Everi, and the like also have their most popular games at social casinos. This is very beneficial, especially to players from states where online gambling is not legal, such as Iowa, Mississippi, Nevada, and Illinois. They rely mainly on sweepstakes casinos. Some states, namely Connecticut and Tennessee, where online gambling is not legit, have only one or two legal casinos. The two subsidize their offerings with the help of sweepstakes and social gaming.

Sweepstakes casinoGame ratingGame library highlightsNumber of gamesPlay here
4.9/5
  • Mobile-optimized games
  • 500+ casino games
  • Loyalty program
500+Visit here!Terms & Conditions apply
4.9/5
  • Live Casino & Poker
  • Mobile app available
  • MGM Rewards Loyalty program
2500+Visit here!Terms & Conditions apply

Some of the most popular social and sweepstakes games are:

  • Slots
  • Video poker
  • Jackpot games / progressive slots
  • Table games – blackjack, roulette

Usually, there are between 20 and 200 titles, 50 on average, at each online sweepstakes casino. With slots prevailing in all brands, some operators offer the full range of casino games.

The best sweepstakes slot casino games

Saying that slots have the lion’s share in sweepstakes and social casinos is not an exaggeration. They feature in all apps as well. You can typically find classic Vegas slots and animated cartoon ones. You can play the same classics at traditional real money Internet casinos, at sweepstakes casinos, and social casinos. Examples are Dead or Alive, Starburst, and Twin Spin Megawayz at Pulsz Casino.

Sweepstake slots with the highest RTP

You might be surprised that the slots with the highest RTP are not the most popular in iGaming. Nor are they part of the portfolio of big names among software game providers. The top positions of creators of slots with the highest RTP are taken by the brands Habanero, Relax Gaming, and Spadegaming. The winners among slots are Pumpkin Patch, Jump!, Marching Legions, Wizards Want War, and 5 Mariachis, with RTPs of about 98%. These casino games you can’t play at conventional online casinos for real money. They are available at Pulsz Casino and other sweepstakes casinos.

Table games

The selection of table games at sweepstakes online casinos is smaller than online slots’ diversity. You can find titles similar to the table variants in social casinos regarding gameplay. The main difference is that you’ll get virtual currency instead of real money. The table game library is usually filled with video poker variants such as Bonus Poker, Jacks or Better, and Deuces Wild. Chumba Casino stands out amongst online sweepstakes with its in-house made table games and slot selection, which includes blackjack, roulette, and craps versions.


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Sweepstakes casino bonuses

Sweeps casino websites offer a variety of bonus deals in all kinds of forms and amounts, most of which are signup promotions. They also give players Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins, which ensure more chances to win. The welcome bonus deals are in the form of free coins or free spins, and you can get it once every few hours as regular rewards. This is how sweepstakes casino sites differ from traditional online casinos.

The social promotions you can receive from online sweepstakes include:

Free sweeps coins

The most common bonuses given once you register, which require no further action on your side.

Free gold coins

You can use them on all kinds of slots. Since sweepstakes casinos offer gold coins for purchase, free gold coins are not a very common type of promotion you may get. Most often, they will be provided in a bundle with another bonus.

Sweepstakes cash

Many virtual casinos reward with free sweeps cash, which are operator-specific deals, often highlighted as the main feature of the casino.

Welcome bonuses

Usually free coins or free spins.

Other deals you can find at online sweepstakes casinos include:

  • No deposit bonus on free online slots
  • Free signup, no-deposit promotion
  • Prize giveaways
  • Spin the wheel deals
  • Taking part in quests and challenges that reward with free gifts
  • Sending coins to friends and receiving prizes in returns, and more

No-deposit bonuses are much more common in sweeps and social casino sites than in traditional gambling platforms.

Sweepstakes casino apps

Branded casino apps offer great convenience and functionalities, but not all sweepstakes casinos have them. Most provide HTML-based mobile play accessible with any browser. Gamers use mobile web browsers when social casino apps are unavailable or hard to find. Generally, all sweeps platforms run on Android and iOS devices.

Some of the high-quality casino apps you can check out are:

The other two highly rated social casino apps we recommend are WinStar and Hard Rock Social Casino. They have excellent Google Play and App Store rankings and flattering user reviews.

How do purchasing and payment methods at online sweepstakes casinos work?

Unlike traditional platforms, sweepstakes casinos don’t work with real money and use virtual currencies called Gold Coins and Free Coins instead. You cannot redeem the latter for cash. Every time you make a deposit and buy a fresh Free Coins bundle, you receive a sweeps coins bonus – your ticket to getting cash rewards. But you can use sweeps coins in games and trade them for real cash.

Buying coins at sweepstakes and social casinos

You can apply a range of payment methods that vary depending on the website or app you use:

  • Credit and Debit cards
  • E-wallets
  • Skrill
  • PayPal
  • Bank transfers

We recommend you Skrill or PayPal, as both have no fees and offer exceptional security and customer service.

Here’s how to buy coins at a sweeps online casino step by step:

  1. Go to the cashier section.
  2. Choose one of the available gold package options.
  3. Select your desired payment method.
  4. Enter any promotional codes you may have recieved.
  5. Finish the purchase, and your gold coins will be added to your casino account immediately.

Most gold coins are available worldwide, and the coin package prices are always in USD currency. Remember that when you buy such bundles, the prices may vary depending on your local currency and the tax rates.

Redeeming cash prizes

Here’s how to move your cash prizes from your social casino account to your bank account:

  1. Check out the T&C page and meet the minimum requirements for cash-out listed there.
  2. Go to the Wallet or Cashier section of the menu.
  3. Choose the withdrawal method you want to use.
  4. Enter the sum you plan to cash out.
  5. You will be required to provide a photo ID verification and prove your place of residence before your withdrawal is authorized.
  6. Your withdrawal will be processed once you complete all the above steps.

Remember that payouts are usually made to the initial method of payment.

To withdraw your cash prizes from a sweepstakes casino, you have the following options:

  • Skrill – takes up to 3 days;
  • PayPal – takes up to 3 days;
  • Bank transfer – takes up to 14 days (about 2 weeks);

As with any gambling website, the payment and withdrawal method must match the name on your account. You must prove your identity and age with picture identification cards, passports, or driving licenses. Players need to be 18 years or older to have the right to redeem cash rewards at sweeps platforms.

Sweepstakes casinos vs. real money online casinos

The whole concept of Internet sweepstake casinos is somewhat new to iGaming. They operate in a completely different way to the standard ones. That’s why many online gambling laws are not relevant to them. Here are the most significant differences between sweeps and online casinos.

Sweepstakes casinos vs. traditional real money online casinos

Social and sweepstakes casinosReal money online casinos
You don’t play with your money – they are free to play.There’s an element of risk of losing your funds
You can buy real money you can wagerYou bet your money straight away
Social element – you can play in a team with your friendsYou play against others or the computer
You may not be able to play some types of gamesMost websites offer almost all gaming forms, including live casino games
You can practice for free before playing for realMost traditional online casinos have free demo modes of some titles, except for live dealer games, which you can use to learn the rules
A smaller number of gambling websites to choose fromThere are numerous casinos you can pick from
The game library is more limited, yet innovativeRich gaming library and variety
You cannot exceed your budget very easilyYou can easily exceed the limits of your budget
It may take longer for you to win cash prizesWinning real money takes less time
Available in over 40 states.Legal in only 6 states in the USA
Not suitable for high rollersSuitable for ordinary players and high rollers alike
You have the chance to get real cash prizesYou can win money prizes
Available even to players not allowed to use standard online casinosNot accessible and allowed to some players depending on the local laws in the state
You can participate in tournamentsYou can participate in tournaments
There are generous coin promotionsThe best online casinos have generous deals
Slower customer serviceGood customer service at reputable operators
Limited withdrawal optionsMore withdrawal options
The minimum age is 18+Depends on the state’s laws
Limited number of the available mobile appsMore mobile apps to choose from

To sum up, the most significant advantages of real money online casinos are the larger number of games they have. With them, every spin can lead to winning or losing money. Sweepstakes casinos online offer much more surprises, challenges, and promotions. Both are fun, but players who are used to social casinos tend to be more careless with their spending and would lose more money at traditional gambling websites.

Conclusion – Is social gaming worth it?

Sweepstakes platforms provide an excellent experience for those who want to gamble without losing money. There is a wide range of slots and other types of casino games you can choose from, and play from mobile devices. Overall, the best online sweeps casinos provide much more opportunities than traditional websites. The various types of coins and social features ensure a unique time and activities for all players. You can interact with friends and even make new ones. The sweepstakes casino sites we recommend on this page offer some of the best casino games and high level of security.

Kate MatthewsAuthor at Gamezinger.com

Online sweepstakes casinos FAQ

How can I sign up for a sweepstakes casino?

The entire process of creating an account at a sweepstakes casino is simple and hassle-free. One option that may be available with many sweeps casinos is Facebook. This platform is the most convenient way to create a new account without remembering passwords. If the website doesn’t offer FB signup, check out the sweepstakes casinos we recommend and choose one. Then, click the register button, enter your email and other required information, finish and confirm your registration by email. That’s it!

Are sweepstakes casinos safe?

These casinos are as secure as the standard ones. You need to register and purchase Gold Coins and share your financial information with the sweepstakes casino or app you play at if you want to claim the prizes you have won. Before playing, you’ll want to choose a legitimate and safe website. Check out the best online sweepstakes casinos we recommend here.

How old do I need to be to be allowed to play at sweepstake casinos?

You must be 18 years old in most states to play casino games at sweepstake casinos. Some states may have higher age requirements to let you gamble. Check out the legal age in the state where you live.

How can I win real money at a sweepstakes casino?

When using sweepstakes casinos online, you should take the same approach as with their real money counterparts. Check the RTP percentage and the volatility of the games. Use your bonus Sweeps Coins wisely – they are your ticket to redeeming cash prizes. If you have any left at the end of your gaming sessions at a sweepstakes casino, you can exchange them for money rewards.

Are online sweepstakes legit in the USA?

Yes, they are. Sweepstakes casinos legally operate in 48 American states. The only US states where sweepstakes casinos are banned are Washington and Michigan.

Can you turn Gold Coins into Sweep Coins?

No, you cannot do that. You can use Gold Coins on gold coin games only, while sweeps coins are exclusively for sweepstakes games. To get Sweeps Coins buying gold coin packages or claim one of the welcome bonuses of the best online sweeps casinos.

How can I get more free sweeps coins?

Every sweepstakes casino has its own policy regarding free coins. Usually, most gold coin packages have free sweeps coins included as a bonus. You can play popular sweepstakes games with your sweeps coins and gold coins. Then you can enter free sweeps games using the sweeps coins you have left.

Which are the best apps at social casinos?

You can check the most successful and popular sweepstakes casino apps we have summed up. Try them, choose the ones you like, and have a great time. Sweepstake casinos and social casinos let you gamble from mobile devices on the go, so you can use them freely anywhere.

What are social slots?

You can run these free-to-play casino games on social media platforms and casino apps. Social slots with diverse variants, themes, and features are available at sweepstakes casino websites. Popular examples of these games are progressive jackpot slots and Egyptian-themed video slots.