Paul Portanier, Content Editor at Time2play: “More Players Are Trying Sweeps Casinos Than Ever Before”
Last Updated on February 19, 2025
More players than ever before are trying their hand at sweepstakes casinos as an alternative to the usual and more widely known gambling concepts that we’re all familiar with—and they’re attracting quite a few new fans, thanks to its innovative and unique approach, ease of use, and the possible chance at bagging some fantastic rewards and prizes without spending real money.
As an experienced writer who’s worked in the gambling industry for a number of years, Time2play’s Paul Portanier has spent a lot of time exploring the reasons why this surge in popularity has occurred. Time2play is an online casino platform that’s a well-known and trusted brand in the iGaming industry. So, this article will share some interesting insights from Paul as an expert on the topic of sweeps casinos and how they could shape the future of gambling.
What Exactly are Sweepstakes Casinos?
Sweepstakes casinos are a very distinct form of online gambling where players can play a range of classics that you’d find in a ‘regular’ casino, like slots and table games. The difference is that no real money is spent on these games. Instead, virtual currencies are used, and these are exclusive to sweepstake casinos. There are several ways that players can receive both these types of coins—either through the signing up process as a welcome bonus, by winning them through completing simple tasks or playing games and tournaments, by exchanging them, or by purchasing specific packages that include them in special bundles.
Below are the two types of these digital currencies to choose from in sweepstakes.
Gold Coins
The first are called Gold Coins, and they are primarily just used for fun and practice rounds as they have no monetary value.
Sweepstakes Coins
Sweeps Coins are special coins that have the potential to win a number of rewards, like prizes or cash, either through specific eligibility requirements or by playing through several game levels.
Why are More Players Choosing Them?
This unique method of gameplay lets players enjoy the same excitement and thrill of a standard casino, but without the higher risks that using real money is normally associated with. Another major advantage of sweepstakes is that they’re completely legal in so many areas where gambling may be restricted or completely banned—making them a fantastic option for players looking for a similar alternative if they’re unable to gain access to the usual gambling games and brands that are offered elsewhere.
Let’s take a closer look at some of these factors in more detail and why players might be drawn to sweepstake casinos.
Ease of Access
Sweepstake casinos tend to be much easier to access than regular casinos as there are no complex rules or harsh legalities to worry about. All that’s needed is a simple sign-up, and you can start playing with virtual currency immediately. They’re also a great place to start for beginners who might not be familiar with casino games, so these types of players can often get started with smaller stake amounts, and an initial deposit isn’t usually needed when starting.
Lower Financial Risks
With sweepstake casinos, players from all types of economic backgrounds have the option to play as they’re free to use and real money isn’t used, making it a more affordable choice and open to all walks of life. For those individuals who may be more vulnerable or at high risk of engaging in addictive behaviors, sweepstakes can be a much better option as there’s no real danger of compulsive spending or making risky financial decisions that may have harmful consequences.
No Real Money Wagering Required
As touched on above, many players are hesitant to gamble with real money, especially when they’re just starting out as new players. As sweepstakes casinos allow users to play for free, it allows them to get more comfortable with the games before committing. So, this low-pressure environment can appeal to beginners as well as the more casual player.
Legal Flexibility
There are many areas around the world where traditional Canadian online casinos are not allowed to operate, so sweepstakes casinos are able to provide somewhat of a loophole, which therefore increases the popularity for those who previously weren’t able to play these types of games before. It opens up the possibility for more people to be involved in similar activities. This is a major factor for players who want to experience online gambling without breaking any laws or being reprimanded in the region where they live.
The Social Aspect
Another reason that players prefer sweepstakes is for the social element, as they have features like leaderboards, chat rooms, and fun tournaments. This creates an exciting and interactive environment that fosters more of a community feel.
How are Sweepstakes Attracting New Audiences?
Sweepstakes casinos are well known for being a warm and welcoming environment for players from all types of playing backgrounds. So, unlike the more standard type of casinos that mainly cater to the more experienced gambler, sweepstakes appeal to a wider range of people. We’ll explore why below.
A Good Range of Games
Sweepstakes casinos offer a diverse variety of games that cater to a large number of people, and they also appeal to many tastes. So, whether it’s classic slots, poker, or table games like blackjack, you’re sure to find something you like and that suits your needs or playing style. Game developers are also aware of the growing popularity of these games, so they’re always keen to churn out new titles with innovative technology to keep players interested.
More Bonuses and Promotions
Sweepstakes often come with exciting promotions, like daily or weekly bonuses, free sweeps coins, or fun tournaments and events. These incentives tend to attract a higher level of participation and keep things fresh and exciting as there’s always something going on and something new around the corner to look forward to.
A More Relaxed and Casual Gaming Experience
Sweepstakes tend to offer more of a laid-back gaming experience as their risk-free nature creates a more relaxed environment for players as the worries that come with playing with real money disappear, which draws more people in.
Popular Sweepstakes Games
Slots
The most commonly played games at sweepstakes casinos are slots as they come in a variety of fun and engaging themes, with cutting-edge graphics and sound effects. Player favorites include Starburst XXXtreme and Pyramid King.
Table Games and Live Dealer Games
These are great as they give players a real feel of traditional casino table games, but without the monetary risks or complicated legal restrictions in certain regions, so players can enjoy classics like blackjack, roulette, and poker. Live dealer games, in particular, are a fantastic way to interact in a casino-like environment and chat with other players, as well as the dealer.
Scratch Cards and Keno
Keno and virtual scratch cards on a PC or mobile screen are a fun twist on paper lottery tickets and can be thrilling if you’re able to uncover some sweepstakes rewards.
Fishing Games
Fishing games are favored with sweepstakes fans as they mimic colorful arcade-style games, and players can earn coins and rewards each time they’re able to catch a fish and other objects. They’re fun and enjoyable for those who love puzzles and an element of skill.
What Does the Future Hold for Sweepstakes Casinos?
We predict that the success of sweepstakes casinos will continue to thrive—and with the increase in mobile use, as well as further advances in technology that are bound to appear over time, I expect to see more players discovering all the unique benefits that sweepstakes casinos have to offer. There’s definitely a growing market for it, and I believe sweepstakes are definitely here to stay as they offer a fresh and unique alternative to the more classic casino experience. So, if you’re still on the fence about trying a sweepstakes casino, I’d say that now would be the perfect time to dive in and try them out, as you’d be joining a vibrant community of players of all abilities who are just there to simply have fun and enjoy the games. And with all the legal advantages and risk-free play with an incredible choice of game types on offer, it’s easy to see why “more players are trying sweeps casinos than ever before!”
