Sweepstakes casinos are free-to-play gaming sites, where players can enjoy casino-style games for fun and entertainment. Players can also enter promotional sweepstakes, which give them a chance to redeem real prizes if they meet certain conditions.
To enter the sweepstakes, there’s also an alternative method of entry (AMOE) that evens the playing field. AMOE is a legal obligation that requires all sweepstakes casinos to give everyone a shot to enter. One of the most popular AMOEs is a mail-in bonus, where you will receive free Sweeps Coins for sending a handwritten letter.
To help you get up to speed on how all the
best sweepstakes casinos
work, we’ll walk you through the basics. Here, you will learn all about the virtual currency system and what it all means.
What Does No Purchase Necessary Mean?
For sweepstakes casinos to be compliant, they must operate under a strict no-purchase-necessary model. This means that you are under no obligation to purchase Gold Coin packages. While you can buy Gold Coin bundles, this is 100% optional. Instead, you can pick up free Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins through promotions.
What Are Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins?
Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins are both virtual currencies that are used to play games at free-to-play casinos. Gold Coins give you access to fun gameplay, whereas Sweeps Coins winnings can be redeemed for real-world prizes, including cash and gift cards.
How to Claim Virtual Currencies
While you can purchase bundles of Gold Coins, you can also get your hands on them through various promotions and bonuses. Keep in mind that Sweeps Coins can’t be purchased, meaning that they can only be claimed for free. Both types of virtual currencies are also available to win through gameplay, depending on the mode you turn on.
Laws for US-based Sweepstakes
Sweepstakes casinos are subject to a range of laws and regulations, which keep players safe and ensure trustworthy practices. Here are a few key legalities to keep in mind:
🏷️ No Purchase Necessary
No purchase necessary – Sweepstakes casinos are not allowed to require Gold Coin purchases. While they are available, it’s an added extra that’s entirely optional.
🏛️ State-Based Laws
State-based laws – All 50 US states are allowed to legalize or ban sweepstakes casinos, at their own discretion.
⚖️ Equal Opportunity
Equal opportunity – Players must be given a fair playing field with the option of AMOE. This gives everyone the same chance of entering promotional sweepstakes.
🆔 KYC Checks
KYC checks – Sweepstakes casinos must conduct an in-depth verification that checks the players’ age and identity. You will be asked to provide a copy of your photo ID, such as a passport or driver’s license, and proof of address. You may be required to upload a live selfie, too.
US sweepstakes law requires all sweepstakes casinos to offer an alternative method of entry. This keeps the platform inclusive and accessible for all, where having funds doesn’t give you an advantage. So, not only does an AMOE ensure that the site is compliant with federal and state laws, but it also gives everyone an equal opportunity. Some sweepstakes casinos will permit multiple entries via AMOE, which increases your chances and engagement.
Common AMOE Options: How to Enter Sweepstakes
You will come across multiple AMOE options, with the main one being a mail-in bonus. To give you an idea of the options you might encounter, here are the most common ones:
Mail-in entry:
Send a handwritten postcard or letter, containing certain details
Social media entry:
Enter by liking, sharing, or commenting on social media posts
Online entry:
Share your details in an online form
Email entry:
Submit your information via email
Typical Rules of Entry
When entering sweepstakes, players need meet a few conditions. Here’s what you can expect:
Alternative method of entry
Main requirements of entry
Mail-in
Include a postal request code
Specific size postcard/envelope
Certain postcard/envelope color
Provide return postage and address
Social media
Interact with a post, as per the guidelines
Share a specific post
Online
Provide your username
Share your personal details
Email
Give your full name and other personal details
Enter your account information, such as your username
Pros and Cons of AMOEs
There are many upsides to claiming an alternative method of entry. But, as with everything, there are some downsides to consider, too:
Age
21+. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. Not available in AL, CA, CT, DE, ID, IN, KY, LA, ME, MD, MI, MT, NV, NJ, NY, TN, WA and WV. Additional T&Cs apply.
150% First Purchase Offer: Up to 600K Gold Coins +
303 SC
FREE
Conclusion: Sweepstakes Casinos Stay Compliant with AMOE
No purchase necessary laws seem complex at first, but they are easy to keep in mind. In general, they require all sweepstakes casinos to allow players to get involved without purchasing Gold Coins. Additionally, an alternative method of entry permits all players to claim Sweeps Coins, so they have a chance to enter promotional sweepstakes. One of the most popular types of AMOE is a mail-in bonus, where you can pick up free Sweeps Coins by sending a postcard or letter to the postal address.
Now that you know all about how AMOE works, you can hit the ground running. If you have yet to sign up for a sweepstakes casino, you can get started today by following the promotional banners on this page. Remember, as it’s a legal requirement, you can access an AMOE at all of our recommended free-to-play sites.
FAQs
An alternative method of entry will give you some free Sweeps Coins, so you can play in Sweeps Coins mode. As such, you have a chance to redeem prizes, such as cash and gift cards, with Sweeps Coins winnings.
No, there’s no fee involved with an AMOE. However, there may be minor costs involved, such as postage fees and materials, which varies on the method you choose.
The size of the bonus will vary, depending on the sweepstakes casino. However, on average, you can expect to claim 2-5 Sweeps Coins.
