Sweepstakes casinos are illegal in California effective Jan. 1, 2026. These sites allow you to play for fun and redeem Sweeps Coins for cash prizes and gift cards.
This page will explain how sweepstakes casinos function and discuss how the dual currency system works.
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How sweepstakes casinos work
Sweepstakes casinos feature the same games found at real-money online casinos in states like Pennsylvania and Michigan. Here are some great resources at PlayCA to help you navigate everything you need to know about social and sweepstakes casinos:
- Sweepstakes Casino FAQ
- Sweepstakes Casino Terms (a glossary)
- Key Differences Between Social and Sweepstakes Casinos
Social casino games you will find at sweepstakes sites include:
- Online slots, including progressive jackpot slots
- Virtual table games, such as blackjack, baccarat, and roulette
- Live dealer games, including blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker-style games
- Video poker games, variety games, scratchcards, bingo, and keno
These games are sourced from highly-regarded providers such as NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, Hacksaw Gaming, and Relax Gaming. The games are thoroughly tested and verified to ensure fair and accurate results. You can play the games online, and some sweepstakes casinos offer mobile apps, as well.
Sweepstakes casinos typically use two forms of currency:
- Gold Coins: These coins can only be used for entertainment purposes. Depending on the site, they may be referred to by other names, such as WOW Coins, Lucky Coins, or Game Coins. At Vegas Gems Casino, for example, they call their non-redeemable currency Shards and their redeemable currency Gems to fit their theme.
- Sweeps Coins: Sites will give you free free Sweeps Coins, which will convert to withdrawable cash, gift cards, or crypto prizes if successfully played through during sweepstakes mode. These tokens may be referred to as Fortune Coins, Stake Cash, or Premium Funzpoints, but the concept remains the same.
Sweepstakes casinos must adhere to the local sweepstakes laws in each state. They are essentially sweepstakes contests rendered in the form of casino games, which allows these sites to operate legally in most states. Learn more about how sweepstakes casinos make money and the legal framework they operate under here.
There are two ways to collect Gold Coins at sweepstakes casinos:
- Earn them for free via bonuses and promotions.
- Purchase them via a debit card, credit card, online banking, or web wallet.
To be clear, there is never any obligation to make a purchase. You can simply enjoy casino games for fun using free Gold Coins earned via sweepstakes casino bonuses.
As for the sweepstakes currency, Sweeps Coins can never be sold; they can only be given away for free. You will often receive free Sweeps Coins through bonuses, and you will also be given free Sweeps Coins if you purchase Gold Coins.
You will normally receive a small amount of free Sweeps Coins via the sweepstakes casino’s sign-up bonus. After that, there are various ways to unlock additional free coins:
- Take part in social media contests to win free Sweeps Coins.
- Claim daily login bonuses that provide players with free Sweeps Coins.
- Write to the site and get free Sweeps Coins by mail.
- Complete tasks and missions, such as posting on social media or referring friends.
- Earn free Sweeps Coins via leaderboard contests or bingo games.
However, the easiest way to get more free Sweeps Coins is to buy Gold Coins. When you make a purchase, the sweepstakes casino will essentially reward you with free Sweeps Coins. The more Gold Coins you buy, the more Sweeps Coins you get. If you decide to purchase Gold Coins at a sweepstakes casino, make sure to play responsibly.
In states where sweepstakes casinos are legal (not including California), you need to earn free Sweeps Coins and then win while playing with those coins to redeem cash prizes.
Some sweepstakes casinos impose only a 1x rollover requirement on their Sweeps Coins. That means you just need to play them through once, and they will convert to prizes. Others impose a higher wagering requirement. For example, you need to play your Stake Cash through 3x at Stake.us before redeeming it for crypto prizes.
When the playthrough requirement has been completed, you can request a prize redemption. Just bear in mind that there is normally a minimum redemption amount. It’s typically 100 SC (for $100)
The site will present you with a list of available redemption methods. Select one, enter your amount, and request your prize. On the sweepstakes casino’s end, this process can take anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of days. The funds will then arrive in your bank account or your digital wallet.
You can also request a gift card if you successfully play through your Sweeps Coins. The minimum redemption is often lower if you select a gift card as opposed to a cash prize.
Just head to the site’s redemption page and select a gift card redemption. You will then receive details on how to claim your gift card via email.
They are often issued via the Prizeout platform. When the email arrives, click “Claim My Gift Card” and you will be taken to the Prizeout lobby, which will present you with a choice of retailers. They include Amazon, Uber Eats, Domino’s, and many more. You will then receive a digital gift card to use at your chosen retailer.
Sweepstakes casinos vs. real money casinos
Real-money online casinos are more straightforward than sweepstakes casinos. You can make a cash deposit and then play your favorite games. Your cash balance will increase or decrease after each bet, and you can then withdraw whenever you like.
Sweepstakes casinos require a slightly more complex process, which involves earning (never buying) free Sweeps Coins and then redeeming them for cash prizes.
Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between sweepstakes vs. real money casinos:
| Category | Sweepstakes Casinos | Real-Money Online Casinos |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Operate in all but few states. | Operational only in Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and West Virginia. |
| Currency | Play for fun with Gold Coins or vie for cash prizes or gift cards with Sweeps Coins. | Play games for fun in demo mode and switch to real-money play whenever you like. |
| Withdrawals | The process of redeeming cash prizes can be slightly complex, as you need to unlock free Sweeps Coins and play them through. | Make straightforward cash deposits, and you can then win or lose real money on every single bet you place. Request a cash withdrawal at any time. |
| Games | Most sweepstakes casinos offer hundreds of slots, but table games are not always available, and live dealer games are rare. | Some real-money sites offer thousands of slots and a huge variety of table games, while almost all real-money casinos have live dealer lobbies. |
| Mobile apps | You can always play online, but only a few sweepstakes casinos offer a native app. | Most real-money online casinos offer native apps for download via Google Play or the App Store. |
| Bonuses | Earn Gold Coins and unlock free Sweeps Coins via a range of bonuses. | Receive a deposit match welcome bonus and regular promotions. |
| Age requirements | The minimum age varies on a state-by-state basis, but it is often 18. Some sites require you to be at least 21 to play. (Check the terms and conditions.) | You must be 21 or older to play at a real-money online casino. |
Terms and conditions for prize redemptions
- You need to win with your Sweeps Coins before they convert to redeemable cash prizes.
- Check the site’s terms for the playthrough requirements and contact customer service if you are unsure.
- Sweeps Coins normally convert to cash at a rate of 1 SC to $1, but the rates are different at some sites. For example, 100 Fortune Coins convert to $1 at Fortune Coins.
- You must also meet a minimum redemption limit to cash out a prize. It is typically $100, but this can vary, too. The minimum redemption limits are normally lower for gift cards.
- You will be required to verify your identity, your age, and your home address before you can redeem a prize.
- Some payout methods will only be available if you previously used them when making a purchase.
Overview of how purchase and redemptions work
To purchase Gold Coins at a sweepstakes casino, just click “Buy Coins,” and you will be presented with a list of options. It will explain the price, the number of Gold Coins you will receive, and the number of free Sweeps Coins that will come along with the GC purchase.
Click one of the options and then select one of the payment methods. Options typically include Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Skrill, and online banking. Enter your details and confirm the payment. You will receive a confirmation message, and the coins will be reflected in your account balance.
If you complete the wagering requirements attached to your Sweeps Coins, you can redeem them for a cash prize. Click the “Redeem” button and follow the simple steps provided. Remember that there is always a minimum withdrawal, which is typically $100, so you will only be able to cash out after playing through at least 100 Sweeps Coins. It can take around three days for the funds to arrive in your account, but payout speeds vary from one site to the next.
Verification
You will also need to verify your sweeps account before making a purchase or redeeming cash prizes at a sweepstakes casino. To do so, you will need to provide your full name and address, and you will also need to upload a scanned copy of a government-issued form of ID, such as your driver’s license or passport. A team member must approve your account before you can purchase or redeem a prize.
Final thoughts on sweepstakes casinos in California
Although sweepstakes casinos are no longer legal in California, you can still find valuable information on this market. We explain how sweepstakes casinos work and their currency system. Bookmark this page and check back often, especially to view our regularly updated list of social casinos in California.
California sweepstakes casino FAQ
No, and they are not expected to be legalized in California any time in the near future. Gambling expansion in the state has been focused on sports betting over the last several years, though it, too, still remains off-limits in the Golden State.
Social casinos are legal in California. While they do not use real money, they are free to play.