Gold Coins Compared to Sweeps Coins at a Glance
Both virtual currencies load games, but only one is ever allowed to turn into a prize. Here’s how these two sweepstakes coins are distinguished.
Gold Coins (GC)
Sweeps Coins (SC)
Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins: The Dual Currency System Explained
Top-rated sweepstakes casinos operate with entertainment currency and promotional sweepstakes currency kept in separate balances. With this coin system, free play is purchased with Gold Coins while the Sweeps Coin system rules all ways to real money wins. Unlike real money online casinos where you wager money from your cash balance on every spin or bet, playing slots or other games with regular Gold Coins never costs you real money on each spin.
The two balances technically load the same sweepstakes casino games. However, only one of them holds prize eligibility. This separation allows online sweepstakes casinos to fall under sweepstakes laws instead of gambling licensing in most jurisdictions.
| Sweepstakes Coin Type | How Acquired | Where Used | Monetary Value | Redeemable for Prizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gold Coins (GC) | Bought in packages, login bonus, free bonus | Casino-style games, free play | None | No |
| Sweeps Coins (SC) | Won in promotions, giveaways, packaged with GC, by mail-in | Sweepstakes casino games | Prize value where allowed | Yes, once terms have been met |
What Gold Coins Are and What They Cannot Do
Gold Coins (GC), also called standard Gold Coins, are an entertainment only virtual currency which can be used to play for free and extended play sessions. Gold Coins can be obtained through free play avenues (such as daily login bonus), or purchased. Gold Coins are purchased in tiered increments. Adding GC to your account only increases your entertainment balance for further play.
Gold Coins cannot be redeemed for cash prizes, real money prizes, gift card redemptions or any other type of real prize. If you win with Gold Coins, your GC balance will increase. Coins cannot be cashed out. After a certain period of inactivity, some sweeps casinos will void unused GC.
What Sweeps Coins Are, How to Get Free SC and Why You Can't Buy Directly
Sweeps Coins, also known as sweepstakes coins or SC coins, are promotional coins run under sweepstakes laws instead of gambling laws. Because Sweeps Coins are technically entries into a sweepstakes, how a player gets Sweeps Coins from a business is what keeps the model legal. Players can earn free sweeps coins a few different ways. Also, new sweepstakes casinos typically rely more heavily on welcome bonus SC drops to drive initial registrations prior to their loyalty programs developing.
The methods to acquire Sweeps Coins through sweeps casino bonuses include the following:
- Welcome bonuses/no deposit bonuses for signing up
- First purchase bonuses that reward GC + SC
- Daily login bonuses/free bonus drops
- Promo bonus events/social media contests
- Referral bonuses/reward coins (mail-ins if offered)
The simple rule to remember is that players cannot buy Sweeps Coins directly from an operator. Instead, SC is typically bundled as a free bonus with a Gold Coin purchase. When you pay, you’re paying for GC, and the SC is given to you at no extra cost.
How to Redeem Sweeps Coins for Cash Prizes or Gift Cards
Conversion of an SC balance to cash or gift card processes through the same four step procedure no matter which sweepstakes casino you use.
Step 1
Identity Verification
Perform a one time KYC to verify age and identity. This process must be completed prior to processing any redemption. It usually takes 0-72 hours. KYC is run per account only.
Step 2
Complete Eligible Gameplay
Complete the required playthrough on eligible sweepstakes casino games. Most often, this is 1x the SC balance. Playing on non-eligible games will not clear any of your promotional SC.
Step 3
Confirm Your SC Meets the Threshold
Ensure your balance is above the minimum redemption amount. Anything below this line, as well as accounts marked under a state restriction, will not be able to redeem Sweeps Coins.
Step 4
Choose Your Prize and Submit
Choose your prize to either receive as cash (deposited to your bank account, prepaid card or digital wallet) or gift card. After that, you send it for approval and await moderation by the operator.
Legality, Regulatory Logic, and the Difference From Real Money Online Casinos
Sweeps casinos operate under sweepstakes laws, no-purchase-necessary mechanics and local ordinances rather than gambling licenses. Their legal status may vary by jurisdiction: it all depends on the laws of that country, state or territory. One way they know they can operate is by passing this test: Players should be able to play the promotions without having to pay to play. That’s why there’s mail-in and free drop options.
Gambling law traditionally hinges on three factors: consideration, chance, and prize. Real money online casinos have all three elements present because the wager qualifies as consideration. Sweepstakes casinos attempt to eliminate the element of consideration by providing a free means to enter, essentially placing chance and prize within a promotional shell. Typical measures taken to comply include:
- Posting official rules for each individual sweepstakes
- Verification of age during sign up process
- Region blocking for excluded states
- KYC prior to redemption
Closing Takeaway: Choosing Between Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins by Intended Use
Gold Coins are ideal for play where there is no interest in cashing out, such as when playing free games, trying out casino games, or playing longer sessions with no expectation of winning real money. Whether your balance is in GC or SC is only important to you if you care about redeeming your coins for real world prizes and are willing to comply with all of the redemption rules.
Before you proceed to play with your sweepstakes coins, remember to: check that you know if the balance is GC or SC, learn how free Sweeps Coins are earned without purchase, and read the redemption rules, expiration rules, and location rules that determine if your SC balance will ever be eligible for a prize.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Purchase Sweeps Coins or Do I Only Get Them When I Purchase Gold Coins?
Normally with a standard sweepstakes, you cannot purchase Sweeps Coins. They are awarded to you free of charge, typically when you buy a package of Gold Coins. You pay for the entertainment Gold Coins and the Sweeps Coins are given to you as a free no purchase gift.
Where Can I Get Free Sweeps Coins?
Daily login bonuses and mail-in requests are two ways of getting free Sweeps Coins. They are there to provide a way to meet the no purchase necessary requirement that makes sweepstakes legal under local sweepstakes regulations.
Can Sweeps Coins Expire if the Account Has No Activity?
Coins earned through sweeps can expire prior to being redeemed. Expiration and inactivity rules depend on individual platform policies. Most policies have dormancy windows between 30 and 180 days.
