Meta: When you first sign up to a sweepstakes casino, here is everything you can expect to encounter, from the sign-up process to the gaming selection and beyond.
Signing up to a sweepstakes casino for the first time can be exciting but also overwhelming, especially if you haven’t ever played at one before and don’t know what to expect.
Here is a simple guide for anyone who is looking to play at a sweepstakes casino, covering everything you will most likely encounter from the moment you visit one, from the initial sign-up process to the bonuses and promotions, gaming selection and beyond.
What are sweepstakes casinos?
Sweepstakes casinos are online gaming websites where you can play a wide range of classic casino games and online slot machines. They are like regular online casinos, except no real money gambling is involved.
They can be accessed from almost any modern Wi-Fi/internet-connected mobile device or desktop computer, provided you are of legal age in your country (which is generally 18, but can be 19 or 21).
Instead of using real money to play any of the games at a sweepstake casino, you use that website’s native digital currency, which has no real monetary value in the real world.
For a list of sweepstake casinos known for having the best games and bonuses, check out the globally renowned Time2Play iGaming review site. Their dedicated team of researchers have carefully handpicked and expertly reviewed the world’s best online sweepstakes casino sites.
What to expect from a sweepstakes casinos
Every sweepstakes casino or social casino is different. However, the fundamental products, features and services are basically the same wherever you decide to join. The most common things to expect at any trustworthy sweepstakes casino today are the following:
- Online registration form – anyone who wants to play at a casino must register a free account by filling out the online registration form (which takes under a minute)
- Games – most sweepstakes casinos will have anywhere from 100 to 500 or more fast-loading games that can be launched in most web browsers by tapping or clicking on the game. You can find slots, table & card games, and various other instant win games, such as online scratchcards
- Payment methods/cashier – each sweepstakes casino will have a cashier section that accepts a range of secure online payment methods, which can be used to purchase more ‘sweeps coins’
- Player support – to get in touch with your chosen sweepstakes casino and ask them a question about your account, or perhaps get a technical issue resolved, go to the player support section, which should have live chat, email, and telephone support options
- Bonuses and promotions – When you sign up to a sweepstakes casino, you can generally claim some kind of guaranteed new player welcome bonus (usually X amount of free coins, gold coins or sweep coins)
- Safety and security – the most trusted sweepstakes casinos will use 128-bit or higher SSL encryption software to protect your account and may have 2FA (two-factor authentication) login systems for enhanced security
The website may take a little getting used to, most sweepstakes casinos today are relatively easy to navigate thanks to the user-friendly website designs that make it easy for everyone to find what they’re looking for in no time.
Final thoughts
After deciding which top-rated sweepstakes casino you want to join and registering your free account, remember to have fun looking around the website to get your bearings.
Don’t forget that you can also top up your sweepstakes casino’s native digital currency to extend your gameplay without having to physically purchase more. Keep an eye on your email inbox for information about how you can get more coins for free.
You can also normally get extra free coins by claiming daily login bonuses, taking part in tournaments on your chosen sweepstakes casino, and from various social media promotional offers and raffles, or by receiving them as part of the loyalty rewards program.
Sweepstakes casinos are basically the same as regular casino sites, but without the real money gambling part, and they are no more popular than ever.
