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The growth of online casinos has been nothing short of remarkable in recent years. However, there is a sub-section of the industry gaining popularity in its own right as more and more players turn to sweepstakes casinos.
These specialist platforms allow players to enjoy traditional casino games with the thrill of winning real prizes but without wagering real money to do so. Instead, an entirely different way of playing that requires a different legal framework is on offer, opening doors to online casinos in places where the industry is very strictly regulated.
An informed player is the best player, so just what exactly do sweepstakes casinos offer, how do they work and why might you want to get involved?
How Sweepstakes Casinos Work
Traditional online casinos work by letting players deposit real money into their account, which is then used to wager on different games. The difference with sweepstakes casinos is that while real money is used, it’s not used to wager on games but rather to buy tokens such as gold coins or sweeps coins.
It is these coins that are then wagered on games. Gold coins have no monetary value and are only for entertainment purposes, while sweeps coins can be redeemed for real cash prizes. How and when you can redeem these coins will vary by casino.
The good news for players is that many sweepstakes casinos offer gold and sweeps coins bonuses when they sign up to different sites. To find out which sites offer the best signup bonuses, as well as comparing other aspects of different platforms, players can use reputable sources such as WSN.com, which reviews many of the top sweepstakes casinos. WSNs review of Legendz Casino stands out for clearly laying out the site’s pros and cons in an easy to understand way. It’s also mentioned early on that there is a no deposit bonus available on the site without players needing a code, a tactic that is proving popular as players look to get more for play for less outlay.
Due to the fact that players aren’t wagering money directly in games, they fall under sweepstakes regulations, meaning that sweepstakes casinos will be available in countries and US states where traditional online casinos are tightly regulated or even prohibited.
Types of Games Available at Sweepstakes Casinos
Sweepstakes casinos offer a huge range of games similar to those found at their traditional counterparts, so you don’t need to miss out on your favorite game to give sweepstakes casinos a go.
By far the biggest range of games comes in the form of slots. Slots are hugely popular in the online casino world and offer an engaging experience through exciting visuals, interesting themes and of course, plenty of chances to win. Slots have become much more sophisticated in the online world, with many titles now including elements from traditional video games, such as narratives and levels. Slots also generally offer a higher Return to Player than other online casino games, which in theory at least means your chances of winning on these games are greater.
Sweepstakes casinos offer many classic table games as well. Casino staples such as blackjack, roulette and baccarat are still popular as they let players test their own strategies against the house. By playing these games on sweepstakes casinos, players can avoid the financial risk that can be associated with their traditional online counterparts.
Poker is a perennial favorite with many players in online casinos and they won’t miss out on the action at sweepstakes casinos. Many platforms allow you to play against other real players, while video poker is also available, giving an even more immersive and interactive gaming experience.
And if it’s immersive games you’re after, then the rise of live dealer games might be for you. Players can interact with real-life dealers in real time through video streams, taking you straight to the heart of the casino floor.
Benefits of Sweepstakes Casinos
One of the biggest benefits of sweepstakes casinos is their accessibility. Since players aren’t directly wagering real money, they can operate in places where online casinos aren’t usually an option. This means more players than ever can enjoy the excitement of gaming online without any legal concerns.
Another key advantage is the chance to play without financial risk. Many platforms offer attractive promotions for gold coins, allowing you to game without spending on a purchase at all. Players still have to be mindful of responsible gaming practices and not exceed any budget should they wish to buy more gold or sweeps coins to play.
For slots players especially, sweepstakes casinos offer a competitive range of games compared to their traditional counterparts. This gives players choices when playing, which is vital to keep players engaged and remaining on a particular platform, while also providing convenience, as they don’t have to trawl through site after site to find games they want to play.
Potential Drawbacks
It’s clear there are advantages to sweepstakes casinos but players need to know about any potential drawbacks as well.
The biggest of these is the redemption process at many sweepstakes casinos. Many platforms insist that players meet certain conditions before they can cash out any winnings. Minimum withdrawal amounts are common, as is having to complete identity verification. All of this can slow down the redemption process. Some platforms can then take several days to approve withdrawals and process requests. This can prove frustrating if you’re trying to cash out winnings quickly.
While sweepstakes casinos are more accessible, they’re still not available everywhere. Some US states have specific laws preventing even these platforms from operating.
Maximizing the Sweepstakes Casino Experience
So, you like something a bit alternative online and have signed up for a sweepstakes casino – how do you make the most of this new world of wonder and excitement?
Take advantage of absolutely every offer, bonus and promotion available. Many platforms will offer daily login bonuses as well as referral bonuses, and even social media promotions. The more you play, the greater the range of bonuses likely to be on offer, allowing you to claim gold or sweeps coins, thus extending your gameplay and increasing your chances of winning.
Like any online casino, it’s important that players understand the rules. Every platform will have slightly different redemption rules, whether they be wagering requirements or ID verification, so read the terms to make sure you know exactly what you’re getting into. This is where review sites can prove to be so useful, as they lay out many of these issues clearly so you can compare them between different sites.
Safe and responsible play is just as important for sweepstakes casinos as it is for other online casinos. Responsible gaming is vital and players should use deposit limits and time outs just as they might elsewhere to make sure gaming remains fun. Always make sure you are using a reputable platform as well. Sites with positive reviews from other players, fair and transparent rules, and secure payment methods are the ones to stick with.
Final Thoughts
Online sweepstakes casinos are a great way for players to enjoy an exciting and legal gaming experience. There are plenty of ways to win without breaking the bank, and that appeals to both seasoned veterans and rookies trying their hand at online casinos.
Players should take up the bonuses, do their research and play responsibly, and no doubt they’ll enjoy every minute of gaming at sweepstakes casinos.
