Head-to-head comparison to help you choose the best sweepstakes casino
Choosing between Golden Hearts and Stake US can be challenging since both are legitimate sweepstakes casinos offering free-to-play games with real prize redemption opportunities. This detailed comparison analyzes welcome bonuses, trust scores, game selection, payout speeds, and player experiences to help you decide which platform best suits your gaming preferences. Currently, Stake US leads with a trust score of 92.0/100 compared to Golden Hearts's 77.0/100, winning 6 out of 15 comparison categories.
Golden Hearts and Stake US both operate under the sweepstakes casino model, where players can win real money prizes through free-to-play games. However, each platform has unique strengths that may appeal to different types of players. This comparison examines key factors including bonus structures, game variety, redemption processes, and overall player satisfaction to help you make an informed decision.
Both casinos use a dual-currency system with Gold Coins (entertainment currency) and Sweeps Coins (prize currency). You can play games using Gold Coins without spending money, and win Sweeps Coins that can be redeemed for real cash prizes. The key differences lie in bonus offerings, game selection, and operational efficiency.
Use the detailed comparison table below to see how these casinos stack up across all major categories. Each casino is evaluated based on our rigorous testing methodology, including bonus verification, game functionality testing, and payout processing verification.
Stake US edges out Golden Hearts in this comparison, winning 6 categories. Stake US offers better bonuses, while Stake US has a higher trust score.
Stake US is better for most features
Bonus Offer
The welcome bonus of 250K GC + 500 SC is competitive for the sweepstakes space, but the daily bonus wheel averages only ~0.1–0.2 SC per spin by user reports, meaning it would take months of daily logins alone to reach the 50 SC minimum redemption threshold.
Trust Score
77.0/100 -
Game Types
Slots, Bingo
Bonus Offer
Trust Score
92.0/100 -
Game Types
Slots, Live Dealer, Poker, Originals
Our casino comparison methodology evaluates platforms across multiple dimensions to help you make informed decisions. We don't just look at surface-level features—we dig into the details that matter: actual payout speeds based on player reports, bonus terms including hidden wagering requirements, game variety from different providers, and long-term player satisfaction trends.
The comparison between Golden Hearts and Stake US above reflects our objective scoring across these categories. Our trust scores (out of 100) synthesize months of player feedback, independent testing, and operational transparency assessments. A casino might have a flashy bonus but lose points for slow redemptions or restrictive terms.
Welcome Bonuses: We compare not just the headline numbers (gold coins, sweeps coins) but the actual terms. A 100,000 gold coin bonus with 1x playthrough beats 200,000 coins with 30x playthrough every time. We factor in daily login bonuses, promotional frequency, and referral rewards.
Redemption Speed: How quickly can you convert sweeps coins to cash? Top-tier casinos process requests within 24-48 hours. Others take up to two weeks. We've tested redemption speeds at both Golden Hearts and Stake US with real money on the line.
Game Selection: Slot count matters, but so does variety. We look at provider partnerships (High 5 Games, Pragmatic Play, NetEnt), game categories (slots, table games, live dealers, jackpots), and exclusive titles. Mobile game availability is now essential—both casinos above support full mobile play.
Customer Support: We test live chat response times, email resolution rates, and phone availability. A casino that takes 3 days to answer emails loses points. We also verify support hours—24/7 availability matters when you need help with a redemption at midnight.
Casino preference is personal. Some players prioritize bonus size—they want the biggest welcome package regardless of wagering requirements. Others care most about redemption speed—they want winnings in their bank account fast. Still others focus on game selection, especially if they have favorite slot providers or prefer live dealer games.
Use our comparison data as a starting point, but consider your own priorities. If you're new to sweepstakes casinos, lean toward higher-trust-score platforms like the winner above. If you're experienced and willing to chase bonuses, you might accept lower scores for better promotional terms. Either way, start with small redemptions to verify the casino delivers before committing significant play time.
Trust scores reflect our comprehensive evaluation including payout reliability, customer service quality, bonus fairness, and player feedback. A casino might excel in bonuses but have slower redemptions, affecting its overall score.
Not necessarily. The "winner" is based on aggregate scoring. If the "loser" has better bonuses and that's your priority, it might be the better choice for you. Both casinos in our comparisons meet our minimum verification standards.
We update casino data monthly and refresh comparisons whenever significant changes occur—new bonus offers, payment method additions, or trust score adjustments based on recent player feedback.
SweepState contains affiliate links. When you register at a casino through our links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. This helps fund our editorial work, casino testing, and ongoing website maintenance.
Important: Our editorial independence remains uncompromised. We only recommend casinos that pass our rigorous verification process. Affiliate commissions do not influence our rankings, reviews, or recommendations.
Read full disclosureSweepstakes casinos should be viewed as entertainment, not a source of income. Set limits on time and spending before you play. Never chase losses or play with money you cannot afford to lose.
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling-related issues, help is available:
Age Requirement: You must be 18 years or older (or the legal gambling age in your state) to participate in sweepstakes casino promotions. No purchase necessary to play.
