US Online Sweepstakes Casino Map: Where Are Sweeps Available?

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Jan 23, 2025 7 min read Last updated Feb 12, 2025

With much of the United States yet to regulate real money online casino wagering, sweepstakes casinos have emerged as a popular alternative for players across the majority of US states.

Unlike traditional gambling sites, sweepstakes casinos and social casinos offer a unique approach where players don’t need to spend their own money to play casino-style games. Instead, they operate on a sweepstakes model, using virtual "coins" that enable free participation in games. Certain types of coins can even be redeemed for prizes, often without requiring any purchase.

This innovative approach makes casino-style games available in 47 states (and Washington, D.C.), with only Michigan, Washington, and Idaho currently restricting sweepstakes casinos entirely.

However, the legal landscape surrounding sweepstakes casinos continues to evolve. To keep players informed, we at PokerNews have compiled a regularly updated list of states where sweepstakes casinos are available, along with the top sweepstakes casinos you can legally explore.

Sweeps Availability by State: US Map

Sweepstakes Casinos Available for US Players

Below is a list of recommended sweepstakes casinos available to US players in eligible states. Our experts have thoroughly reviewed each site to ensure it is safe, responsible, and compliant, offering a top-tier selection of casino-style games.

Sweepstakes Poker Available for US Players

Looking to play sweepstakes poker rather than casino games? Below are our top-rated sweepstakes poker sites:

Which States Allow Sweepstakes Casinos?

The table below outlines the legal status of sweepstakes casinos across the US, along with any specific restrictions in certain states. Please note that while not listed in the table, sweepstakes are permitted in Washington D.C.

This table is regularly updated to reflect the latest legal information regarding sweepstakes casinos in the US. Be sure to check specific state laws for any updates or changes.

Are Sweepstakes Casinos Legal?

Sweepstakes casinos, or similar forms of sweepstakes gaming, are legal in most US states, thanks to their unique operating models that distinguish them from real money casino sites.

As of now, sweepstakes gaming is accessible in 47 states across the country.

How Do Sweepstakes Casinos Work?

Sweepstakes casinos provide an experience similar to traditional real money online casinos, offering a wide selection of games, including slots, blackjack, and roulette. However, the key difference is that sweepstakes casinos operate using a unique token system and do not involve real money wagers or direct cash wins.

These platforms allow players to enjoy the same games found at conventional casinos, but they play for free using two types of virtual coins: Gold Coins (GC) and Sweeps Coins (SC) or some variation on this concept.

• Gold Coins (GC): Virtual currency used to play games for free, with no real money involved.
• Sweeps Coins (SC): Earned through gameplay and can be redeemed for real prizes, such as cash or merchandise.

By using this structure, sweepstakes casinos provide a legal way for players to enjoy casino-style gaming with the potential for real prizes.

Are Sweepstakes Casinos Safe to Play?

Yes, sweepstakes casinos are generally safe to play, as long as they are licensed and regulated. Players should choose reputable platforms that prioritize security to protect their personal and financial information.

All sites listed on PokerNews are reviewed and checked by our experts to ensure they are fair, trustworthy, and meet industry standards for player safety.

What Are Social Casinos?

Social casinos are online platforms where you can play casino games like slots, poker, and bingo using virtual currency instead of real money.

These games are purely for fun and don't offer any real-world prizes. They focus on providing an entertaining and engaging experience, often with social features like leaderboards, achievements, and the ability to play with friends.

Unlike real money casinos or sweepstakes casinos, social casinos are generally available everywhere.

A popular example we recommend is Slotomania.

Social Casinos vs. Sweepstakes Casinos: What's the Difference?

Social casinos and sweepstakes casinos both offer free-to-play casino-style gaming but differ in key ways.

Social casinos focus on entertainment, allowing players to enjoy games like slots and poker using virtual coins that cannot be redeemed for real prizes. Sweepstakes casinos, on the other hand, use a dual currency system, including Sweeps Coins, which can often be redeemed for real cash or rewards.

What is the Future of Sweepstakes Casinos?

The sweepstakes model for online casinos and poker has sparked considerable debate in certain circles, primarily due to the perception that it circumvents established gambling laws. However, despite varying responses from individual states in addressing the sweepstakes framework, the industry is experiencing rapid growth and shows no indications of slowing down anytime soon.

New sweepstakes casinos continue to emerge, while sweepstakes poker is anticipated to become a significant growth segment in the future, driven by a demand for high liquidity and ever-expanding player communities.

Sweepstakes casinos face challenges from two fronts: regulators who are eager to curtail the model, and states that are moving towards the regulation of online casinos, which may pave the way for traditional real-money gambling options.

Ultimately, as both regulatory processes are expected to unfold gradually amidst protracted legal disputes, the sweepstakes model appears poised to both survive and thrive for the foreseeable future.

US Sweepstakes Casino Map - FAQs

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