Sweepstakes Casino Coins Explained

Playing casino games with virtual coins is simple, but it can get confusing, especially for new players. Some sites use variations of Gold and Sweepstakes Coins, which makes understanding the virtual currency more difficult. To streamline the overall experience, players should learn more about each brand and how sweepstakes sites function in general.

Below, we provide more insight into each currency type used by sweepstakes casinos. Learn more about how the coins work so you can easily join and start playing games at no cost to you!

Types of Sweepstakes Casino Currencies

The typical currency type used by an online sweepstakes site is Gold Coins (GC) and Sweeps Coins (SC). Some operators like to create their own variations of GCs and SCs, so it’s important to review any How to Play section to see the available currencies. An example of this would be High 5 Casino. Instead of Gold Coins, the site uses Game Coins. They act the same as Gold Coins but are called something slightly different.

Review each currency type below to understand what to expect from sweepstakes sites. We also include a table detailing various providers’ GC and SC options. This will show you how to use freeplay and Sweeps Play coins.

• Gold Coins: Players will use Gold Coins or their equivalent for freeplay at sweepstakes sites. Gold Coins have no value and do not include any wagering requirements. I like to practice games with GCs first, then move on to SCs so I can build up my redeemable coin total for real prizes.
• Sweeps Coins: For Sweeps Play, you must use Sweeps Coins or their equivalent at a sweepstakes site. The SCs must be played 1-5x based on the site’s rules. Once the SCs are played, they become redeemable. After you have gained enough redeemable SCs, you can claim a gift card or real money prize.
• Other Currency: Few sites offer alternative currency you can use for in-game incentives or extra gaming. High 5 Casino includes Diamonds, which can be used to add free spins or multipliers to games. Luckybird includes treasure chests that offer incentives to boost gaming sessions. Taking advantage of these options ensures you have more free gaming to explore.

How Gold Coins Work

Gold Coins are the freeplay currency available at sweepstakes sites that have zero playthrough requirements. You simply earn the GCs and start playing. Below, we provide details on how to receive the GCs and play games.

How to Get Gold Coins

Gold Coins are available from online sweepstakes sites in at least three ways. First, I like to join these sites and take advantage of welcome bonuses. These deals will include Gold Coins and sometimes Sweeps Coins as well.

Daily log-in deals are another way I like to add GCs to my account. Most sites allow you to log in daily to receive an automatic bonus, or you spin a wheel to see what you win. I try to log in most days to my favorite sites to build up my bankroll.

You can also choose to purchase Gold Coin packages to add more coins to your account. This is not necessary but an option players have, with packages starting at around $1-$2.

Advantages and Limitations of Gold Coins

The advantage of using Gold Coins is that there are no wagering requirements. You can play the coins as you like on any game. I like to use my Gold Coins to play games, and if I enjoy the title, I can switch to SCs. If I don’t like a game, I didnt lose any valuable currency.

How Sweepstakes Coins Work

Sweepstakes Coins, also known as Sweeps Coins, are completely different. These coins are only provided for free by sweepstakes sites and cannot be purchased. Depending on the site, the coins can be played and exchanged for gift cards or real money prizes. Read on to discover how to earn free sweeps coins and build up a larger account total for prize potential.

Earning Sweepstakes Coins

For starters, players can typically earn sweepstakes coins from welcome deals. I have found that most online sweepstakes sites include free SCs with a signup deal. If not, you can add SCs once you verify your account or purchase Gold Coins. Sometimes, these steps are required to unlock the Sweeps Coin element.

Speaking of Gold Coin packages, there are options where the casino platform will offer free Sweeps Coins in the deal. I always take advantage of GC packages with free SCs to add both coin types.

Daily log-in deals are another great way to add free SCs. I log in to the sites with higher SC totals daily to earn more coins. Some sites offer daily log-in bonuses every 24 hours, 12 hours, or 3-4 hours.

Redeeming and Cashing Out Sweepstakes Coins

Sweepstakes Coins are the only way players can redeem prizes at sweepstakes gaming sites. Each online casino will require players to play through SCs a certain number of times, typically 1-5x. A set number of eligible SCs will also be required to redeem a prize.

If gift cards are an option for prize redemption, players can have from 10-50 eligible SCs to claim the card via email, depending on the provider. With real money payouts, players must have 50-100 eligible SCs to claim their prize.

It’s best to review each online sweepstakes site you plan to join and check their requirements. A 1x playthrough is best for SCs as it makes it easy to clear the coins once you earn them. It’s important to note how many SCs you must clear to claim a prize and what banking methods are available. Most sites include online banking, while some may also offer PayPal or Skrill.

Once you know how many times to play SCs and how many eligible SCs you need to redeem a prize, it’s time to start the prize redemption. Use the steps below to complete the process.

1. Log in to your online sweepstakes account.
2. Locate the Redeem button and click it.
3. Select how many SCs to redeem and the banking method for the transaction.
4. Follow the steps provided to redeem your prize.
5. Depending on the payment method selected, prizes can be awarded within 24 hours or up to 10 days.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Sweepstakes Coins

Sweepstakes gaming is a perfect alternative for players who want access to casino gaming options in states where real-money online gaming is not allowed. However, there are benefits and drawbacks to consider. Below, we cover the pros and cons so you can decide if sweepstakes coin gaming is right for you.

Benefits

• Player accessibility: Most US states allow sweepstakes gaming so that players can access sites in their state or a neighboring state. Games can be played on a mobile device or desktop.
• User Experience: The user experience with top-rated brands is second to none. The most popular providers offer a seamless platform with large game portfolios and plenty of promotions to explore.
• Real Prizes: With SC gaming, players are eligible for real prizes. Start redeeming gift cards from 10-50 eligible SCs and real money prizes from 50-100 eligible SCs.
• Mobile Options: Most sweepstakes sites include a mobile option with a web browser or app. You can easily play from anywhere with an iOS or Android device.

Disadvantages

• Restricted States: Some states in the US are restricted from accessing gaming, including Idaho, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, and Washington. Players in such states will be unable to participate.
• High Playthrough Requirements: Some sites have higher playthrough requirements for SCs, making it harder to redeem prizes.
• Support Concerns: Some sweepstakes sites do not offer quick access to support. If you have an issue with Sweeps Coins, you may be unable to access support in less than 24 hours.

Tips for Managing Sweepstakes Coins

Once you have sweepstakes coins in your account, you want to manage them wisely. Below are a few tips to help you use the coins effectively to your benefit.

1. Play the Coins: SCs can expire, typically after 60 days. Play your coins quickly to move them to the redeemable section and avoid forfeiture.
2. Select Lower Limits: If you want to stretch your SC budget, be sure to play lower-limit games. Some buy-ins can start as low as 0.20 SCs, which helps you play less and enjoy longer sessions.
3. Find Feature-Rich and High RTP Slots: Every sweepstakes casino includes slot games. Open a title and look for features and the return to player percentage. The more features a game has, plus with RTPs of 96% or higher, you put the odds in your favor for a win!
4. Know the Playthrough Requirements: Every sweepstake site will have playthrough requirements for SCs. It’s important to know how many times you must play SCs before you can redeem a prize. Look for sites with a 1x playthrough, as it is the easiest way to complete the requirement.
5. Review Banking Methods: Check the online casino site’s banking methods to learn how to redeem SCs. You want to be sure you understand how many eligible SCs are needed and how to remove your prize, whether it is a gift card or real money payout.

Other Currencies

It is rare for online sweepstakes sites to offer another currency other than Gold or Sweeps Coins, but there are options available. Typically, other currencies are used as a type of reward or incentive. We have two sites on our list that fit this criteria:

• High 5 Casino: Enjoy Diamonds here, with the option to cash in the currency type for free spins and in-game multipliers.
• Luckybird.io: Here, you can earn treasure chests with incentives as part of the online sweepstakes experience. The chests are a great way to boost your account with more coins, letter cards, bonuses, and more.