Social casinos, also commonly known as “Sweepstakes Casinos,” are free-to-play platforms that offer all of the same games you’d find at traditional online casinos, including slots, classic table games like blackjack and roulette, and more.
However, unlike real-money online casinos, they operate using virtual currencies (e.g., Gold Coins and Sweepstakes Coins) and do not offer any actual gambling opportunities. As a result, social casinos and sweepstakes casinos are widely available in the United States and are not subject to the same strict gambling regulations as real-money online casinos.
Although they don’t allow you to wager any real money, most social casinos give you a chance to win real cash prizes and other incredible rewards through sweepstakes-style promotions. Therefore, you’ll not only enjoy countless hours of free casino-style entertainment, but you’ll also have an opportunity to turn your virtual success into tangible rewards.
Social casinos also typically offer special social features that allow you to connect and interact with other players who share your passion for slots and casino games. These include chat boards, daily and weekly tournaments, and exciting challenges that add a vibrant social element to your gaming experience.
How It Works: Gold Coins vs Sweepstakes Coins
To help paint a clearer picture of social casinos and help you understand exactly how they work, let’s take a minute to go over the dual-currency system utilized by most social gaming sites and sweepstakes apps.
As previously mentioned, social casinos don’t operate using real money. Instead, players can wager and win two types of virtual currency commonly known as “Gold Coins” and “Sweepstakes Coins.”
Gold Coins are a “play-for-fun” currency. They hold no monetary value and cannot be exchanged for real-world prizes. However, they allow you to explore some of the newest and hottest casino games on the market, practice your skills, and learn the rules of new games without risking a dime.
On the other hand, Sweepstakes Coins (also commonly referred to as “Sweeps Coins” or “Sweeps Cash”) are much more valuable. Sweeps Coins can be wagered and won just like Gold Coins; however, once enough have been collected, they can be redeemed for cash prizes, digital gift cards, and other fantastic prizes.
You can earn Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins for free through no-deposit bonuses, daily login rewards, social media giveaways, and other special promotions offered by the casino. In addition, players can purchase Gold Coins at any time, and free Sweepstakes Coins are typically awarded as well as a bonus.
What is the difference between sweepstakes and social casinos?
The primary difference between sweepstakes casinos and social casinos lies in the potential rewards: sweepstakes casinos allow players to win real cash prizes through games that mimic casino play, using a model where players can win prizes by chance. In contrast, social casinos are purely for entertainment; they offer games where you can win virtual coins that hold no real-world monetary value. Social casinos focus on social interactions and fun, without the possibility of monetary gain.
Can You Win Real Money on Social Casinos?
Yes and no! While social casinos do not allow you to wager real money directly, many offer the opportunity for a chance to win real cash prizes and valuable rewards through sweepstakes-style contests and promotions. Players can turn virtual success into tangible winnings by participating in these promotions, adding an exciting and rewarding dimension to the free-to-play experience.
Are social casinos legal in the US?
Social casinos are legal in the majority of US states. These platforms allow players to engage in casino-style games online where they can win virtual currency or prizes without real-money wagering. Unlike traditional online casinos, social casinos operate under US sweepstakes law, providing a lawful and accessible gaming option nationwide, except in a few states where specific restrictions apply.