Sweepstakes casinos operate under a different set of rules than traditional online gambling. Ignore these rules and you could lose your balance, get locked out of your account, or run into legal trouble depending on your state.
I've seen all of these happen to other players. Here's everything you need to know to stay on the right side of the rules.
The Legal Framework
Sweepstakes casinos are not classified as gambling under US federal law. They operate under the same promotional sweepstakes framework used by McDonald's Monopoly, Publishers Clearing House, and countless "enter to win" promotions.
Three legal pillars make this work:
- Prize, Real prizes must be available (Sweeps Coins redeemable for cash)
- Chance, Outcomes are determined by chance (random number generators)
- No purchase necessary, A free entry method (AMOE) must exist
Traditional gambling has all three elements plus requires consideration (payment). By offering AMOE, sweepstakes casinos remove the "consideration" element, making it a sweepstakes rather than gambling.
This legal distinction is why sweepstakes casinos can operate in 45+ states while traditional online casinos are limited to roughly 6-7 states.
Age Requirements
The minimum age is trending upward. While some platforms still allow 18+, the industry is moving toward 21+ as the standard. VGW Holdings (Chumba, Global Poker) raised their minimum to 21. Stake.us, McLuck, and Pulsz all require 21+.
This is strictly enforced during KYC verification. If you're under the age requirement and somehow register, your account will be terminated and any winnings forfeited when you try to verify for your first cashout.
State-specific nuances: Some states have their own age requirements for sweepstakes participation that may differ from the platform's default. The platform will enforce whichever age requirement is higher.
State Restrictions
The availability landscape has changed dramatically. As of March 2026, sweepstakes casinos operate in roughly 35-40 states, down from 45+ just two years ago.
States With Full Bans
Washington, Explicitly prohibits online sweepstakes casinos under some of the strictest gambling laws in the country.
Idaho, Prohibits cash prizes from sweepstakes gaming platforms.
California, Banned effective January 1, 2026 (AB 831). The biggest blow to the industry, eliminating roughly 12% of the US market. Criminal liability extends to payment processors, geolocation providers, and media affiliates.
Montana, Banned effective October 1, 2025 (SB 555).
Connecticut, Banned effective February 2026 (SB 1235).
New York, Banned effective late 2025 (SB 5935, signed by the governor in December 2025).
Nevada, Existing gambling regulations conflict with the sweepstakes model.
Michigan, New Jersey, Louisiana, Various bans and restrictions in effect.
States With Pending Bans
Indiana, HB 1052 effective July 1, 2026.
Maryland, HB 295 passed the House 105-24 on March 23, 2026.
Active legislation is progressing in Oklahoma, Tennessee, Virginia, Iowa, Florida, Hawaii, and Maine.
Enforcement Actions
Several states have issued cease-and-desist orders against sweepstakes operators without formal legislation: Illinois, Pennsylvania, Arizona, and others.
The Big Picture
2025 was the year the regulatory tide turned. The sweepstakes casino industry is contracting, and the trend shows no signs of slowing. Always check a platform's current state availability before signing up, the list changes monthly.
AMOE Rules (Alternative Method of Entry)
AMOE is the legal backbone of sweepstakes casinos. Without it, the platform would be classified as gambling.
What platforms must offer:
- A completely free way to receive Sweeps Coins
- No purchase required whatsoever
- Equal chance of winning regardless of entry method (paid or free)
Standard AMOE process:
- Handwrite your request on a 4x6 postcard or letter
- Include: full legal name, account email address, mailing address
- One request per stamped envelope (don't bundle multiple requests)
- Mail to the address listed in the official sweepstakes rules
- Receive free SC credited to your account (7-14 days typical)
Limits: Most platforms cap AMOE at one request per day. Some limit total monthly AMOE entries.
Why this matters to you: AMOE isn't just a legal technicality, it's free money. Players who consistently use AMOE accumulate meaningful SC balances over time. See our bonuses guide for how to maximize this.
Account Rules
One Account Per Person
Every sweepstakes casino enforces a strict one-account-per-person policy. Creating multiple accounts is the fastest way to get permanently banned and forfeit all your coins.
They detect this through:
- Email and phone number matching
- IP address tracking
- Device fingerprinting
- KYC document matching
- Payment method linking
You must register with your real legal name and address. Why? Because you'll need to verify your identity before your first redemption. If your account info doesn't match your ID, you're locked out of cashing out.
Account Sharing and Transfer Prohibited
You cannot let someone else play on your account, transfer coins to another player, or sell your account. Violations result in immediate termination.
Playthrough and Wagering Requirements
Sweeps Coins received as bonuses usually come with playthrough requirements:
Standard: 1x playthrough, wager the SC amount once before redemption. This is the norm across most platforms and is extremely player-friendly compared to traditional casino bonuses (which commonly require 20-50x).
How it works: You receive 10 SC as a bonus. You must place at least 10 SC worth of total bets before those coins become "redeemable." You don't have to win, just wager the amount.
Game contribution rates: Not all games contribute equally to playthrough. Slots typically count 100%. Table games (blackjack, roulette) may count at reduced rates (10-50%). Check each platform's terms for specific contribution percentages.
Redemption Rules
- Minimum redemption thresholds vary by platform (50-100 SC)
- Maximum daily/weekly/monthly redemption limits may apply, especially for new accounts or large balances
- KYC verification is mandatory before first redemption
- Processing times range from minutes (crypto) to 7 business days (bank transfer)
- No fees, legitimate platforms never charge redemption fees
For the complete redemption walkthrough, see our how to redeem guide.
Responsible Gaming Requirements
Legitimate sweepstakes casinos provide responsible gaming tools:
- Deposit limits, Set daily, weekly, or monthly caps on Gold Coin purchases
- Session time limits, Alerts or automatic logouts after extended play
- Self-exclusion, Voluntarily ban yourself from the platform for a set period (30 days to permanent)
- Cool-off periods, Short-term breaks (24 hours to 7 days)
If you find yourself chasing losses, spending beyond your means, or feeling anxious about your play, use these tools. They exist for a reason.
For help: call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700 or visit ncpgambling.org.
Terms & Conditions: What to Actually Read
Nobody reads T&Cs. I get it. But skim these sections before playing at any new casino:
- Excluded states, Make sure you're eligible
- AMOE details, Know the mailing address and limits
- Playthrough requirements, Confirm the 1x standard
- Redemption minimums and limits, Know before you play
- Account inactivity policy, Some platforms void inactive accounts after 6-12 months
- Dispute resolution, How to escalate issues if support doesn't help
Rule Violations That Get You Banned
These will get your account terminated and your balance forfeited:
- Multiple accounts
- Using a VPN to play from a restricted state
- Providing false identity information
- Account sharing or selling
- Underage play
- Exploiting software bugs or glitches
- Abusing bonus systems (multi-accounting for welcome bonuses)
- Chargebacks on Gold Coin purchases
The bans are permanent and your coins are gone. Don't test it.
