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Sweepstakes Casino Glossary

Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting out, this glossary is designed to help you navigate sweepstakes casino terminology, making your experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Justin Koch By: Justin Koch
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Table of contents

Sweepstakes casinos are a fun alternative experience much like traditional online casinos. Unlike traditional online casinos, though, you can win cash prizes at these casinos for absolutely free.

Sweeps casinos operate under United States sweepstakes laws. These laws require each Sweepstakes Casino to offer players ways to earn free Sweeps Coins, which can be played and then redeemed for cash prizes.

Whether you have played at sweepstakes casinos previously or you are brand new, we have created this glossary of frequently used terminology in the Sweepstakes world which will hopefully be helpful to you as a player.

Glossary

Below are some of the most frequently used terms in the sweepstakes casino industry and their definitions. As a new player, you may find this information particularly helpful for learning the lingo.

  • Sweepstakes Casino: A legal online casino model where players can win real prizes without having to make any purchases to participate.
  • Virtual Currency: Non-monetary tokens used in sweepstakes casinos for gameplay, most often divided into types like Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins.
  • Gold Coins: A virtual currency used for playing games purely for fun without the potential to redeem real-life or cash prizes.
  • Sweeps Coins: A redeemable virtual currency that can be used to enter promotional sweepstakes for a chance to win real prizes. These can only be obtained for free and can’t be purchased.
  • Social Casino: An online casino platform that emphasizes social interaction and free-to-play games.
  • Free-to-Play: A mode of gameplay where players use free virtual currencies without making any purchases.
  • Promotional Sweepstakes: Special contests run by sweepstakes casinos where players use Sweeps Coins to win prizes.
  • RNG (Random Number Generator): The technology ensuring fair and random outcomes in sweepstakes casino games.
  • Bonus Coins: Extra virtual currency awarded to players through promotions, daily rewards, or other incentives. Often, Sweeps Coins are included as bonus coins when purchasing Gold Coin packages.
  • Redemption: The process of exchanging Sweeps Coins for real prizes, such as cash or gift cards.
  • Cash Prizes: Real money rewards that can be won through sweepstakes gameplay and deposited directly in your bank.
  • No Purchase Necessary: A policy allowing players to acquire Sweeps Coins without spending money, ensuring compliance with legal standards.
  • Daily Login Bonus: A reward system granting players free virtual currency for logging in each day. Players can typically earn between 0.25 Sweeps Coins and 3 Sweeps Coins per day as daily login bonuses.
  • Play-for-Fun: A gameplay mode where players use Gold Coins without the chance to win real prizes.
  • Slots: Digital games featuring spinning reels and symbols, commonly found in sweepstakes casinos.
  • Jackpot: The highest possible prizes available in a game, often tied to rare outcomes.
  • Progressive Jackpot: A jackpot that increases over time as players make wagers.
  • Paylines: The lines on a slot game’s reels that determine winning combinations.
  • Wild Symbol: A special slot symbol that can substitute for others to create winning combinations.
  • Scatter Symbol: A slot symbol that often triggers bonus features, such as free spins, regardless of its position.
  • Bonus Round: A unique feature in games offering additional opportunities to win, which is often triggered by getting enough of the aforementioned scatter symbols.
  • Free Spins: Complimentary spins awarded in slot games, often through promotions or special symbols.
  • RTP (Return to Player): The percentage of wagers that a game is programmed to return to players over time. This is often measured over hundreds of thousands of plays and will vary wildly in short-term play.
  • Volatility: A measure of risk in a game, indicating how often and how much players can win. Lower volatility typically means frequent, smaller wins. Higher volatility usually means less frequent, more significant wins.
  • Multiplier: A feature that increases winnings by a specified number.
  • Coin Value: The monetary worth assigned to each virtual coin in gameplay.
  • Wagering Requirement: The number of times sweeps coins must be played before they can be redeemed.
  • Sweepstakes Promotion: A marketing campaign that allows players to earn free Sweeps Coins.
  • Loyalty Program: A system rewarding players for consistent gameplay with perks and bonuses.
  • VIP Program: Typically similar to a loyalty program where a tier system is used to offer enhanced benefits for high-level players.
  • Free Coins: Complimentary virtual currency given to players through promotions or daily bonuses.
  • Daily Sweepstakes: Regular contests where players can win prizes by participating daily.
  • Prize Draw: A lottery-style event where winners are randomly selected from participants.
  • Virtual Wallet: A digital account used to store virtual currencies and track balances such as Skrill.
  • Redeemable Coins: Sweeps Coins which have met the playthrough requirement and can be exchanged for real-world prizes.
  • Cashout Process: The steps required to redeem your Sweeps Coins into real-world prizes.
  • Sweepstakes Rules: Guidelines that dictate how promotions for free Sweeps Coins and prize redemptions are conducted.
  • Social Sweepstakes Casino: A platform combining social interaction with sweepstakes-based gaming.
  • Sweepstakes Laws: Regulations governing the operation of sweepstakes casinos in specific regions.
  • Prize Eligibility: The criteria players must meet to redeem prizes, such as age and location.
  • Withdrawal Limits: Restrictions on the amount that can be redeemed within a specific timeframe.
  • Playthrough Requirements: How much you must play through Sweeps Coins before redeeming for cash prizes.
  • Instant Win: A game feature offering immediate prizes without extended gameplay. Often comparable to “scratch offs”.
  • Promo Codes: Special codes that unlock bonuses or free coins.
  • Leaderboard: A ranking system showcasing top-performing players.
  • Game Credits: A general term for virtual currency used in gameplay.
  • Bonus Codes: Codes provided by the casino to grant additional virtual currency or perks.
  • Deposit Bonus: A reward given for making a deposit, often matching a percentage of the amount.
  • No Deposit Bonus: A bonus awarded without requiring a deposit, often for signing up.
  • Refer-a-Friend Bonus: Rewards given for referring new players to the casino.
  • Reload Bonus: A bonus offered for subsequent deposits after the initial one.
  • VIP Tiers: Levels in a VIP program which offer varying rewards and perks.
  • Responsible Gambling: Measures and tools provided by the casino to promote safe and controlled gaming.
  • Geolocation Restrictions: Limitations on gameplay based on the player’s physical location.

Conclusion

Sweepstakes Casinos offer a familiar casino experience with a slight twist. Unlike traditional casinos, you can play at a sweeps casino at no cost and still win cash prizes. Hopefully, now that you are familiar with the general concept and jargon, you can enjoy the sweepstakes casino experience yourself! If you are new to the sweepstakes casino we encourage you to read our other articles which cover many of these topics in depth.

Author Details

Justin Koch

Justin Koch

Justin Koch is a seasoned gambling writer with extensive experience in the sweepstakes casino industry. As part of the team at SweepsCasinos.US, he specializes in creating comprehensive guides tailored for beginners.