The legal framework that allows sweepstakes casinos to operate by giving away prizes through a promotional sweepstakes mechanism.
The sweepstakes model is a promotional framework used by operators that offer prize-eligible gameplay without asking players to place direct cash wagers on every spin or hand. Operators typically pair entertainment currency with promotional prize currency and must also present free-entry methods such as AMOE instructions or recurring no-purchase bonuses. Whether a specific product is available still depends on the operator's terms, the player's location, and current state policy risk, so the model should not be treated as a universal legality guarantee.
The sweepstakes model works because players receive Sweep Coins as 'bonus' entries with their Gold Coin purchases (or free via mail-in), rather than directly wagering money. This falls under sweepstakes law rather than gambling law in most US states.
Most states allow sweepstakes casinos, but Washington, Idaho, and some others have restrictions. Always check our state-by-state guide for the latest information on legal availability in your jurisdiction.
An online gaming platform that uses a sweepstakes-style promotional model with separate entertainment and prize-play currencies instead of direct cash wagering.
The two-currency model used by sweepstakes casinos with Gold Coins for play money and Sweep Coins for prize-eligible play.
The free-play virtual currency at sweepstakes casinos used for entertainment purposes only, with no real cash value.
The prize-eligible virtual currency at sweepstakes casinos that can be redeemed for real cash prizes after meeting playthrough requirements.