Sweepstakes casino gaming is on the rise like never before. With millions of Americans getting involved, there’s never been a better time to find the best live sweepstakes casino.
Playing sweepstakes games represents a free, fair and legal way to enjoy casino action without gambling. Read our guide to learn about sweepstakes casino sites. Discover how gameplay works, how to redeem real prizes, and how to claim bonuses. We’ve got all you need to know before playing, so read on to learn more in our guide to top live sweepstakes casinos in 2025.
What Is a Live Sweepstakes Casino?
Live sweepstakes sites allow US players a way to play some of the best games online, without gambling real money. They look like online casinos but work differently. Live sweepstakes casinos support live casino games alongside RNG tables, slots and other games.
Sweepstakes casinos use virtual currencies, which you can win and receive or buy directly from the site. You can use Gold Coins to play online for free. Because you aren’t depositing and wagering real money on games at any point in the procedure, most US states do not consider sweepstakes sites to be gambling. They aren’t, therefore, required to obtain gambling licenses or outlawed.
Occasionally, it is possible to win real-life prizes, by exchanging any Sweeps Coins you build up. You cannot purchase these; they can only be acquired (for free) via the site. Again, as no real money is bet, no gambling has taken place, even if real-world prizes are involved. This makes sweepstake sites an appealing alternative for anyone who doesn’t want to or can’t engage in gambling.
How Live Sweepstakes Casinos Work
Sweepstakes casinos support two forms of gameplay – both free. The first uses Gold Coins, which are available purely for entertainment purposes. The second involves Sweeps Coins, which you can use to win and redeem real prizes. As you’re not wagering real money, neither form of gameplay constitutes gambling, which is a key aspect of how sweepstake sites stay legal in many US states.
After registering, you’ll receive a Gold Coin welcome bonus with a few Sweeps Coins, which you can use to play free games. While you can always receive free coins via promotions and other means, many players purchase Gold Coin packages to prolong gameplay. Aside from boosting their “for fun balance” in this way, coin packages will also provide you with a small number of Sweeps Coins. Because live sweepstakes casinos legally offer gameplay by ensuring that there is “no purchase necessary” and that free gameplay is available for all, you cannot buy SC in the same way as GC.
Gold Coins vs Sweeps Coins
A typical online casino live sweepstakes casino supports the two types of coins mentioned, and you’ll choose which you play with at any time, often via a switch-like button at the top or on the side of the screen.
The first, Gold Coins, allows free gameplay. You can bag Gold Coins when you sign up, but also daily through promotions, and you can purchase them directly in packages from the sweepstakes site. You cannot win any real prizes with Gold Coins.
The second coin may go by several different names. They are commonly called Sweeps Coins, but each operator may rename them to fit their brand or theme more.
While you cannot purchase Sweeps Coins, you can snap them up as free add-ons to any GC packages you buy via promotions or tournaments or by winning them via gameplay (when you select SC as your currency). The value of Sweeps Coins may vary from site to site.
Redeeming Prizes
Gold Coins have no tangible value. The same isn’t true of Sweeps Coins, which you can use to redeem prizes. Once you’ve built up an SC balance, it’s possible to exchange your Sweeps Coins balance for real-world goodies, a process known as redeeming. They include gifts, vouchers, merchandise, and, in many cases, cash.
There is often a minimum requirement for redeeming prizes at sweepstakes websites, and it can range from 50 SC up to 100 SC. The redemption rate may also differ based on the real-world value of the prize you want to claim.
Are Live Sweepstakes Casinos Legal in the USA?
Compared to real money live online casinos, which only operate in a handful of states, the best live sweepstakes casinos are legal and above board in most US states. It is up to each state to determine its own laws on the legality of this form of entertainment.
Most territories permit live sweepstakes casinos as, on paper, they don’t constitute gambling. Some permit free-play games only, and some states outright prohibit them. This may come down to state regulators, class actions, or excessive lobbying to lawmakers.
Other states may legalize sweepstakes casinos but implement caps on prizes. If a sweeps casino site were to offer prizes over that sum, they’d be legally required to register in those states.
It is important to note that this is an ever-changing landscape. In New Jersey, Bill A5196 is currently aiming to prohibit sweepstakes casinos, while in Mississippi, Senate Bill 2510 seeks to do the same. Hawaii is looking at a different approach, effectively producing a state-backed sweepstakes site. Naturally, we’ll keep you updated if anything dramatic changes.
States That Allow Live Sweepstakes Casinos
At present (and subject to change), the following states permit sweepstakes casinos in some form or another with no special restrictions:
- Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming
Live sweepstakes casinos are legal in the following states, albeit with some conditions:
- Delaware (the Delaware Division of Gaming Enforcement prohibits some sites)
- Florida (prizes capped at $5,000)
- Idaho (only Gold Coin gameplay is permitted)
- Kentucky (some operators are prohibited)
- Montana (quite a few operators are prohibited)
- Nevada (quite a few operators are prohibited)
- New York (prizes capped at $5,000)
The following states prohibit sweepstakes gameplay:
- Michigan and Washington
Staying within your state’s laws regarding live sweepstakes casinos and gaming sites is essential. We do not recommend playing at any authorized in your state.
Why Play at Live Sweepstakes Casinos?
Online sweepstakes casinos are appealing if you live in a state where online gambling is illegal but still wish to experience the excitement of casino games. Many of these titles include the same great games you’d expect to see in real money casinos. Alternatively, you might decide that live sweepstakes casinos are for you because many support original, in-house exclusives found nowhere else.
You may have scruples with gambling as a concept but enjoy casino games, and sweepstakes casinos with live games are also ideal for this. The fact that there is no risk involved in gameplay is another alluring factor. Live sweepstakes sites also foster a strong social atmosphere, unlike real money casinos, where everyone is out for themselves.
Best Bonuses and Promotions
Since bonuses and promotions are the chief way operators distribute GC and, in some cases, SC, the best live sweepstakes casino sites will always support a sizable number of these options.
You’ll typically receive no-deposit bonuses upon sign-up, accompanied by first-purchase bonuses. Additional daily login offers, social media-based promos, tournaments, and giveaways can regularly appear to keep your Gold Coin balance healthy. Promos are also a great way to snap up free SC without purchasing Gold Coins. Amongst the most popular bonuses and promotions are:
No-Deposit Bonuses
You can claim casino sweepstakes offers with these offers without purchasing Gold Coins. You can frequently claim GC or SC, free spins, spins on a bonus wheel and other perks. Because no purchase is necessary, you have nothing to lose by claiming them. No deposit bonuses may include daily login bonuses, loyalty offers, tournament prizes and more.
Welcome Bonuses
Newbies can claim welcome bonuses. Initially, a live sweepstakes casino may offer you a batch of Gold Coins and a small sum of Sweeps Coins just for registering. They may also require you to verify your Social Security Number or address to claim additional perks. Some sweepstakes sites even offer an additional welcome bonus when you purchase your first coins.
Tips
- #1 Log in daily to take advantage of Gold Coin promos
- #2 The legal status of USA sweepstakes casinos may differ from state to state
- #3 Analyze all the coin packages before settling on one with the best value
- #4 Choose low-volatility games to clear the playthrough rate (usually once) associated with a bonus
- #5 Cash out SC prizes as soon as you’ve cleared any playthrough rates
Best Live Sweepstakes Casino Games
The best live sweepstakes sites mimic their real money casino counterparts by featuring ample games. In the biggest sites, you’ll encounter hundreds, if not thousands, of games, many of which come from established casino software providers, and they include slots, RNG table games, and instant win titles.
Smaller sites favor a homegrown approach, with in-house exclusives and homebrew games developed. These have perks, such as ensuring an operator is unique and that it is your only option to play specific titles. While the content may vary based on your preferred operator, here’s what you should expect:
It isn’t just RNG tables found at sweepstakes sites. Most of the best social casinos also support live dealer games. These may include table games, game shows, money wheel games, dice, and number betting options. Moreover, streams come from a live studio floor or a real brick-and-mortar casino. For the most part, these live sweepstakes games come from Pragmatic Play, Evolution Gaming and other top-tier live casino providers.
Payment Methods/Banking
Even though live sweepstakes online casinos are not real money gambling sites, you can supplement your free Gold Coin balance by purchasing coin packages. This allows you to pick up Sweeps Coins for free as part of those packages.
Ordinarily, sweepstakes sites with live games accept credit and debit cards alongside bank transfers. Prepaid cards and e-wallets may also be available, though this varies from site to site. Redemptions may feature a similar or a smaller array of payment options.
While purchasing coin packages is generally instantaneous, redemption times can vary. Sites may process redemptions of gift cards and vouchers within 24 hours, but cash prizes and gifts can take as long as a week to ten days to arrive. You’ll want to explore each site’s options here, as they can differ.
Mobile Compatibility and Apps
Many live sweepstakes casinos won’t support dedicated mobile apps, but they don’t need to. Instead, they feature HTML5, which allows you to visit and play games on each platform using your phone or tablet’s web browser. This also makes them both iOS and Android-friendly, or you can play via your PC.
Responsible Gambling at Live Sweepstakes Casino Sites
You don’t need the same level of responsible gambling tools when you play online sweepstakes for money as you would at a real money live casino. Just because they aren’t required doesn’t mean they aren’t offered, though, with some sweepstakes live casinos notable for featuring purchase limits and offering customer support.
Are Live Sweepstakes Casinos Safe and Secure?
Live sweepstakes casinos aren’t regulated to the same degree as real money sites, aren’t required to support responsible gambling tools, and there’s no need for licenses. You aren’t risking real money, so such stringent requirements aren’t necessary. Even so, the sweepstakes sites with live games featured on this page go further than most in ensuring that they look after their players and selected sites even support a few rudimentary tools and limits.
Final Thoughts
The surge in popularity of live sweepstakes sites isn’t an anomaly. Strict regulations at state-licensed casinos and, perhaps, an uneasiness surrounding real money gambling make playing at the best sweepstakes live casinos practical, fun, and relatively risk-free. Many Americans are taking advantage of this exciting craze.
We encourage you to explore several sweepstakes casinos. Unlike real money casinos, you’ve nothing to lose by signing up and exploring what live sweepstakes sites offer. The best place to start is with our five recommended live sweepstake casinos at the top of this page.
Sweepstakes Casino FAQS
Are live sweepstakes casinos legal in my state?
Most likely. Only Michigan and Washington have completely prohibited sweepstakes casinos, and they are legal in most sites.
How do I redeem money at live sweepstakes casinos?
To redeem real money at live sweepstakes sites, head to the redemption page, enter the amount of SC you wish to redeem and choose your method of payment. Most sites have a minimum redemption limit in place.
Can I trust live sweepstakes sites?
Yes. US sweepstakes sites with live casino games aren’t licensed but don’t need to be. You’re not wagering real money, and you’re not gambling. You’re playing risk-free games, so there’s nothing to fear.
How old do I have to be to play at a sweepstakes live casino?
Most live sweepstakes casinos have set an age limit of 18 years old. Some may raise this limit to 19, 20 or even 21.
Do sweepstakes live casino bonuses come with wagering requirements?
Not normally. The general proviso is that you play through each bonus once. Most T&Cs associated with sweepstakes live casino bonuses are considerably more relaxed than those in traditional live casino sites.
