What is Sweepstakes casino?
A sweepstakes casino is an online casino-style platform, mainly in the US, that uses a dual-currency model and sweepstakes law to offer prizes redeemable for cash without a gambling licence.
Players buy packages of a play currency, often called gold coins, and receive a second currency, often called sweeps coins, as a free bonus. Sweeps coins can also be obtained without purchase, for example by post. Winnings in sweeps coins can be redeemed for cash prizes. Operators argue that because no purchase is necessary to enter, the model is a promotional sweepstakes rather than gambling.
Regulators and lawmakers in many states disagree. In 2025, Connecticut, Montana, Nevada and New Jersey moved to ban dual-currency sweepstakes casinos, and California's AB 831, signed in October 2025, banned them from 1 January 2026 and extended liability to suppliers and payment processors. New York enforcement led a number of operators to withdraw.
The model remains a major regulatory battleground in US gambling.
In the news
RegulationFlorida attorney general sues Stake and VGW over sweepstakes casinos
James Uthmeier wants Chumba Casino, Global Poker and Stake.us banned in Florida and players' losses repaid in full.
GuideWhere is online casino gambling legal in the US? A state-by-state guide
Eight states have legalised real-money online casinos, seven of them with live markets, while dozens allow only sports betting and a growing list has banned sweepstakes casinos.