When you’re new to sweepstakes casinos, the two currency system that is used on many of these platforms may seem like something completely different than what you’ve ever seen or heard about in your life. All of these platforms give you 2 different virtual coin types when you register. While both types can be used for play on every site with this type of system, they have many differences. By learning how Gold Coins (GC) and Sweeps Coins (SC) differ before you begin playing, you’ll be able to avoid much frustration and get a head start on making money with your account right away.
The Short Version
Free-to-play sweepstakes casinos run on a legal model where they can give out prizes as sweepstakes entries. Instead of a gambling license, they use two different types of currency. They have one type of currency that has no monetary value (for “fun” only) and another type that you can redeem for prizes or gift cards. You will receive both currencies at no cost to you and you will never pay to play.
What Are Gold Coins?
Gold coins are the “fun money” or the “free money” which players can earn or purchase to gamble on all sweeps casinos. Sweep Pulse covers over 50 sweeps casinos where gold coins are used and they all operate the same way. With the gold coins and no deposit casino offers you will be able to play the slot machine, video poker, table games, etc., for free to try out a new game or simply to play while gambling with no risk.
Key Facts About Gold Coins
- The gold coins have no cash value and will not be exchanged for prizes or cash.
- Due to how many gold coins are awarded (daily) there will always be enough to gamble with.
- Sign-up to any sweeps casino will award gold coins. Daily logins will also award additional gold coins. Promotions will also reward gold coins.
- Platforms that allow you to purchase gold coin packages do so to make money off their website. It is completely optional to make purchases on these websites.
- When purchasing a gold coin package you normally receive an allotment of free sweeps coins as well.
To think of it another way, the gold coins act like your virtual bankroll. This is where you are allowed to gamble with no risk.
What Are Sweeps Coins?
Sweeps Coins (the Sweepstakes money) are what make sweepstakes casino games really fun. The Sweepstakes money cannot be redeemed for real money; however, it can be used to win real prizes like Cash via PayPal/Bank Transfer, Gift Cards etc.
Platforms have more control over how they distribute Sweepstakes money because of its ability to be redeemed.
You won’t get as many Sweepstakes coins as Gold Coins. There are usually minimum thresholds on the amount of Sweepstakes money required to redeem for a prize.
- Sweepstakes money can be redeemed for cash prizes or gift cards after meeting your chosen platform’s minimum redemption requirements.
- Sweepstakes money is given away Free from Platforms including but limited to: Sign up Bonuses, Mail-in Requests, Promotions, Social Media Giveaways etc.
- They can be earned as a free bonus if you purchase Gold Coin Packages.
- Purchase of sweeps money is prohibited under the laws governing sweepstakes.
- All platforms generally require some form of identification prior to process any redemptions.
Gold Coins vs Sweeps Coins: Side-by-Side
| Feature | Gold Coins | Sweeps Coins |
| Real-world value | None | Yes, redeemable for prizes |
| Can be purchased | Yes, in packages | No (received as bonus only) |
| Free to obtain | Yes | Yes |
| Used to play games | Yes | Yes |
| Redemption possible | No | Yes, subject to minimums |
| Quantity distributed | High volume | Lower, more controlled |
| Identity verification needed | No | Yes, to redeem |
| Legal framework | Social/fun play | Sweepstakes law |
How to Get Sweeps Coins for Free
You will never have to put down money to increase your Sweeps Coins in this regard as platforms MUST give you access to them for free. Free ways to get Sweeps Coins typically involve:
- Bonus offers when signing up, with most of these including an offer of Sweeps Coins to play with.
- A reward each day to encourage players to log in (Sweeps Coins drip in over time).
- The opportunity to send in a letter requesting Sweeps Coins by mail and receive them for free.
- Giveaways run through social media from the platform itself.
- Game launch promotions and seasonally based promotional events
How Redemption Works
Once you collect enough Sweeps Coins to make a redemption request (minimum redemption amounts are approximately 50 – 100 Sweeps Coins on each platform) you will be able to request that the coins be redeemed. You’ll be required to confirm your identity prior to the sweepstakes coin redemption process. Confirming your identity is done by verifying identification with a government issued I.D. and verification of your current address.
Most sweepstakes casino redemption options consist of PayPal; Bank Transfer; and/or Gift Cards. Each type of redemption option takes varying lengths of time for processing; however, generally speaking it takes anywhere from 1 day to 5 business days after you submit your redemption request. The conversion ratio remains constant throughout all online sweepstakes casinos. Therefore, every single Sweepstakes Coin has an equal equivalent monetary value in U.S. dollars ($US).
Final Takeaway
The two currency model of sweepstakes casinos can be less complicated than what it may appear after spending some time in the games at any sweepstakes casino. Using gold coins makes for a fun way to get started and allows players to begin their gaming journey with lower risk stakes. It’s the use of sweeps coins that have made the two currency model so popular since they provide an opportunity to enter into a variety of prize drawings and win actual cash prizes without making any money purchases. Once you’ve taken advantage of all the free welcome bonuses available to you, learned which games you like best and developed your account into a steady flow of sweeps coins you’ll be ready to start entering contests and winning.
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