Buying coins? Redeeming prizes? Here’s how it all works.
Sweepstakes casinos in the US work a bit differently from traditional online casinos.
You don’t deposit real money to gamble – instead, you purchase virtual coins (usually Gold Coins) for entertainment, and get Sweeps Coins as a bonus that can be used in sweepstakes-style games.
And if you win? You can redeem Sweeps Coins for real prizes or cash equivalents – depending on the site.
Buying Gold Coins
When you’re buying Gold Coins (for fun gameplay), most sweepstakes sites accept safe, everyday payment methods like:
- Credit & Debit Cards: Visa, Mastercard, sometimes Amex – the most common way to buy coin packages.
- PayPal: Fast, secure, and often available on top platforms.
- Online Banking / ACH Transfers: Linked directly to your bank account – used on more established sites.
- Cryptocurrency (on some sites): A few platforms now accept Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other crypto – especially ones targeting tech-savvy users.
- Gift Cards: Some sweepstakes casinos accept prepaid gift cards or branded cards (especially Visa/Mastercard gift cards).
Redeeming Prizes & Sweeps Coins
When it comes to claiming rewards, most platforms let you redeem Sweeps Coins for real prizes or cash equivalents – once you meet their minimum redemption threshold (like 50 SC or 100 SC, depending on the site).
Common payout options include:
- Bank Transfer / ACH: Direct deposit into your checking account. Takes a few business days.
- Check by Mail: Some sites still mail old-school checks – if that’s your thing.
- PayPal / E-wallets: Fast, easy, and usually the quickest way to cash out if supported.
- Gift Cards / Store Credit: Some sites let you redeem for specific gift cards or shopping credits instead of cash.
Things to Know
- Always verify your identity before your first redemption (KYC = Know Your Customer process).
- Make sure the name on your account matches your payment method.
- Not all methods are available in every state or on every platform.
- Some payment processors might block “sweepstakes” purchases – so PayPal or crypto might be safer bets on certain platforms.