Let’s talk about sweepstakes casinos.
As an iGaming writer, I already cover a lot of different subjects. Casino game reviews, poker strategy and sportsbook analysis make up the bulk of the content I work on.
However, for the past 18 months or so, sweepstakes writing has become increasingly prevalent.
What is Sweepstakes Gaming?
Sweepstakes casinos allow you to play slots and table games using virtual currency, which has no value in the real world.
These digital tokens, which are normally called “Gold Coins”, are just there to facilitate gameplay. Choose your stake, spin the reels and have fun. Any prizes are also paid using the same play money currency.
No Purchase Necessary
All sweepstakes sites give you a bundle of free Gold Coins upon registration, plus daily login rewards and countless other promos. As such, you can quite happily play for free, for as long as you like.
Most sweepstakes casinos feature active communities. They encourage you to take part in slots tournaments, social media contests and even on-site chat rooms. It’s all just for fun.
Sweepstakes Coins
That’s all well and good. But there’s a second part to sweepstakes gaming sites that’s a little more controversial. A second virtual currency can also be acquired, usually dubbed “Sweepstakes Coins” or simply “Sweeps Coins”.
These are redeemable for real money prizes, once you’ve gathered enough. The exchange rate is always 1 SC to 1 US dollar, and that’s not a coincidence.
Bonuses and Promotions
Now, you can’t buy these things. They’re only available through promotional activities. What you can do, however, is buy packs of Gold Coins, which include Sweeps Coins as a “bonus”.
You might want to do that if you’ve spent all your Gold Coins and don’t want to wait for tomorrow’s freebies. But, you know, it’s also possible to buy the coins, play casino games and convert any winnings to real money.
Can You Also Bet on Sports?
Absolutely. I’m aware of several sweepstakes sportsbooks.
I wrote a review of Sportzino, for instance, which primarily offers sports betting, but also features a casino.
In fact, it’s possible to play online poker using this model, too. Global Poker is perhaps the best-known site offering “social poker” using Sweeps Coins.
Why Play at Sweepstakes Casinos?
If it all sounds like traditional online casino gambling with extra steps, that’s because is it.
The operators will deny this, focusing on the free-to-play element and discussing how most players never move away from Gold Coins.
Fine. But the business model is still set up to try and funnel players into purchasing bundles and playing casino games.
Even if that weren’t true, if you live in a jurisdiction where there’s a ban on online casinos – like most of the United States – you can easily circumvent the law with Sweeps Coins.
Legality of Sweepstakes Gaming
Now, I have no beef with sweepstakes casinos. I’m just calling it how I see it, as a gambling industry professional of more than 15 years.
These things are legal until they’re not.
However, the way things are going lately, they may not be around for much longer.
In Connecticut, High 5 Games is in serious legal trouble, charged with over a thousand counts of conducting illegal gambling. As a result, the developer can no longer supply its games – even to properly regulated casinos.
Clamping Down
Brian O’Dwyer, Chair of the New York State Gaming Commission, said last week: “I am concerned by the rise in the so-called sweepstakes casinos, wherein it may appear that online prizes are being offered for free when they are not.”
He warned that, “the commission is addressing this issue“. Sounds ominous.
Litigation
Meanwhile, litigation is ongoing in several states, including California. Washington and Michigan already issued a blanket ban on sweepstakes gaming a long time ago.
Even Apple and Google are now involved. A recent class action lawsuit in New Jersey, concerning the distribution of “illegal gambling apps”, has explicitly named the pair.
Writing Sweepstakes Casino Content
As I said, I’m no hater when it comes to sweepstakes gaming. It is what it is. A number of casino affiliates have asked me to provide engaging content on this subject, and I’m always very happy to do so.
Sweepsy.com is just one of my regular customers. My Sweepsy author profile already contains several sweepstakes casino reviews and guides that explain exactly how it all works.
Get In Touch
Do you need a sweepstakes casino writer? Send me a message through my contact form and let’s see how I can help.