For decades, sweepstakes have been a popular way for individuals in the United States to win prizes from home. Companies use sweepstakes as a marketing tool to bring in consumers to purchase products or services.
Savvy consumers leverage sweepstakes contests from home as a way to win many different types of prizes, including cash and gift cards.
In this guide, we will walk you through the simple steps of playing sweepstakes from home and show you the various ways to win. Once you understand the process, you will feel confident and ready to start playing!
How Do You Play Sweepstakes From Home?
Sweepstakes are contests open to people across the United States. Most states allow online sweepstakes casinos, with various contests and promotions available to players. Most sweepstakes require personal information, such as name and address, to qualify.
There are other stipulations that players must meet to qualify for prizes, but these will vary depending on the type of contest. Below, we provide details on the types of sweepstakes contests available. Review the details to find options that work for you.
Internet Sweepstakes Casinos
One of the more modern and popular formats of this contest type are internet sweepstakes casinos. Sites in this sector will offer a dual currency system, typically consisting of Gold and Sweeps Coins.
Explore slots, table games, and other casino-style content with both coin types. Gold Coins are freeplay and can be used on any game. Sweeps Coins are the coin type you want to use to be eligible for real prizes. SC are considered the sweepstakes element of gaming.
You can purchase Gold Coins to have more coins for gaming, but Sweeps Coins are not eligible for purchase. You must win SC or receive them for free via social media pages, log-in deals, or mail-in requests.
Online sweepstakes casinos are popular because they offer real games with a chance to win real prizes. You are not obligated to purchase anything and can use the free SC you generate and redeem it for prizes.
Call-In
Call-ins are one of the more popular forms of sweepstakes contests. Businesses such as radio stations would offer sweepstakes where you can call in and try to win a prize. For example, you may have to answer a question or be the 10th caller to qualify.
Today, radio stations still offer such events, while podcasts have also started providing call-in contests. It can be quite fun to play trivia or enter a raffle to win physical prizes, such as cash.
Mail-In
Another option for consumers is to participate in mail-in sweepstakes. The type of deal is not as common as it once was, especially in the 1980s. Both service and product-based companies often feature mail-in deals where you provide information to be entered into a raffle.
Such contests may require players to submit a hand-written letter in a specific way to qualify. Since e-mail has become a common form of communication, mail-in sweepstakes are harder to find.
Social Media
Today’s society is glued to social media, so it isn’t surprising to find sweepstakes-style contests on sites like Instagram and Facebook. You have probably participated in a contest such as this and had no idea it was a sweepstakes format.
Companies often offer “giveaways" that involve interacting with a social media post to qualify for a prize. These sweepstakes are fun in the modern world, offering a chance to win gift cards, cash prizes, or other products/services. For companies, they are an essential way to promote their brand.
What Prizes Can You Win From Sweepstakes At Home?
The main reason players compete in sweepstakes from home is to earn prizes. The most common form of prizes are gift cards and cash.
These prizes can range from low to high in value, with the larger rewards sometimes being life-changing.
Gift Cards
Some sweepstakes contest providers offer gift cards, which can vary in type and reward depending on the provider. It’s common to find gift cards from popular retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target. In most cases, the gift card you win will be e-mailed.
Cash Prizes
While gift cards are great, most players would prefer a cash prize. Sweepstakes contests you play from home can offer cash prizes from $10 to $100 or more. The amount depends on the sweepstakes provider and how you win the cash prize.
Online banking, eWallets (like PayPal, Skrill), and cryptocurrency are common methods of payment. Some providers may also include a paper check mailed to your home, but this takes much longer.
Best Play From Home Sweepstakes
Sweepstakes casinos are your best option because they combine mail-in sweepstakes with the fun and excitement of online casino games. Explore slots, table games, live dealers, and more, depending on which site you select.
Other sweepstakes tend to involve drawings and put you against other players. With casino games, you play by yourself to try to win prizes.
Explore a few of the best sweepstakes sites below, with details on game types and prizes. Decide if one of the platforms will work well for your sweepstakes gaming needs.
Chumba Casino
One of the more well-known online sweepstakes gaming sites in the U.S. is Chumba Casino. This operator offers slots, Slingo, scratch cards, table games, and more.
This is a sweepstakes casino that provides new users with a welcome bonus of 2,000,000 Gold Coins and two Sweeps Coins with the Chumba Casino promo, which is perfect for free gaming!
Play with Sweeps Coins to be eligible for real money prizes at Chumba Casino. Please note that every SC you earn has a 1x playthrough requirement. Once you have 10 eligible SCs, you can redeem the coins for a gift card. A total of 100 eligible SCs are required for a real money payout, which is equal to $100.
McLuck Casino
McLuck Casino offers its new members a welcome bonus of 7,500 Gold Coins and 5 Sweeps Coins. Use the coins to play any game you like, including jackpot slots, Slingo, Hold & Win games, and more. The free GC and SC allow you to start playing when you log in.
Use the SC from the welcome bonus (along with other promotions) to play games. All SCs must be played to redeem for prizes. You need 10 eligible SCs for gift cards and 75 SC for a standard payment.
Pulsz Casino
Another well-known name in the sweepstakes sector is Pulsz Casino. New players here earn 5,000 Gold Coins and 2.3 Sweeps Coins for instant gaming. Pulsz has a much larger portfolio of games, including slots, blackjack, arcade, and scratch cards.
Select GC or SC mode to begin playing for free. It’s worth noting that all SCs must be played 1x to be eligible for real prize redemption. Players need 50 SC for gift cards and 100 SCs for a real money payout.
High 5 Casino
My personal favorite when it comes to sweepstakes gaming is High 5 Casino. Once you join, the site adds 250 Game Coins, five Sweeps Coins, and 600 Diamonds to your account due to the High 5 Casino no deposit bonus. The GC and SC are used for gameplay, while the Diamonds allow you to earn in-game incentives, like free spins and multipliers.
Use your SCs to play slots, table games, live dealers, and more at High 5. The site requires SCs to be played 1x before redemption. You need 50 eligible SCs for gift cards and 100 SCs for real money payments.
How to Participate in Sweepstakes
Participating in sweepstakes gaming is easy. Follow the steps below to easily begin playing at any of the top-rated sites above.
- Create a sweepstakes casino account by clicking “Sign Up" or “Join Now."
- Enter your personal information to create your account and log in.
- Once logged in, you are given a welcome bonus, which can consist of Gold and Sweeps Coins.
- Pick GC or SC mode to play. Remember, GC is freeplay and SC gets you real prizes.
- Select a game on your mobile or desktop device.
- Pick a play amount in the game controls and start playing games like slots, table games, and more.
It’s that simple to join a sweepstakes site, as this is a process that will only take about five minutes to complete!
Choosing the Right Internet Sweepstakes at Home
Once you decide to play sweepstakes games from home, you want to consider a few factors before selecting an operator. Below, we will help you learn exactly what to look for in a sweepstakes site, including how to avoid scams.
What to Consider
Gone are the days when sweepstakes participants had to wait weeks to see if they were a winner or have to compete against others to earn a prize.
Today, sweepstakes casinos make it easy for players to enjoy games and win real prizes. The factors below are items you need to consider before joining a site. This will help you select a quality brand for your gaming needs.
- Brand Reputation: Does the gaming provider have a good reputation? Do they pay out prizes promptly?
- Game Selection: What types of games does the operator offer? Are there only slots or other options as well?
- Playthrough Requirements: How many times must SC be played through to be redeemed for a real prize? Look for sites with a 1x playthrough requirement for the best deal. Make sure to note how many SCs you must redeem for a prize.
- Payment Methods: How many payment methods are offered by the brand? Can you easily redeem your prize with a secure payment method?
How to Avoid Sweepstakes Scams
Unfortunately, some bad actors try to pull a fast one over players with sweepstakes scams. Avoid these scams so that you don’t lose money or put your privacy at risk.
Read through our tips below to avoid any type of sweepstakes scam you may encounter.
- No Purchase Necessary: Sweepstakes sites are no-purchase necessary for participation. Do not join a site that requires you to pay money to play.
- Minimal Information: Do not sign up for a new player account with an unfamiliar brand. New sites can pop up from time to time with no rules or details on the operator. We are suspicious of sites that are not forthright with company information.
- Only Play with Legitimate Brands: Always review online sweepstakes sites before you join. Avoid operators with bad reviews and ratings.
Play From Home Sweepstakes Games
Most call-in or mail-in sweepstakes promotions are simple and easy to understand. This section will focus on the games offered by sweepstakes casinos.
Slots
The most common game type found at sweepstakes casinos is slots. Games come in classic format along with modern options with jackpots and special features.
Slots have a random outcome, similar to the action of a sweepstakes drawing — you never know when you might win.
Sweepstakes sites offer slots in GC (freeplay) and SC (redeemable for cash prizes) formats. Jackpots can be large, especially if you play Megaways or Hold & Win titles.
Keno
Online sweepstakes sites also offer Keno, a game similar to playing the lottery from home. In this game, you select numbers and see if they match those in a drawing.
You can find Keno at Stake.us and Pulsz Casino, where you can play with GC or SC, featuring low-to-high stake options.
Table Games
Table games are one of the smaller selections you will find at sweepstakes casinos. Not to worry though because favorites like blackjack, roulette, and baccarat are available in both GC and SC formats.
Play table games at home by creating an account at sweeps sites like Pulsz Casino, Stake.us, or High 5 Casino. Each site includes a table game section with various titles.
Live Dealer
Live dealer games are a player favorite but can be hard to find. Such games are live-streamed, with decisions made in real time, creating a more realistic casino experience from home.
Sites with live dealer titles offer game shows, blackjack, roulette, hold ’em, baccarat, and much more.
Sweepstakes casinos such as High 5 Casino provide live dealers at no cost, with players enjoying titles with both Gold and Sweeps Coins.
Playing Sweepstakes From Home vs. Internet Cafes
Internet cafes are less prevalent today than in the 1990s, though many metropolitan areas of the U.S. are starting to offer LAN gaming centres. While this is an option for sweepstakes gaming, it is best to play from home, where you know that your connection is secure, so you can avoid any security issues.
If you are out and about, feel free to use your mobile smartphone to play sweepstakes games. Many sites include iOS and Android apps, but if that is unavailable, you can easily access games via mobile web browsers.
Is Lottery a Play From Home Sweepstakes?
The lottery is a type of play-from-home sweepstakes that differs from typical contests. Players need to understand the variations to know how each gaming option works.
- Method of Entry: Playing the lottery differs from sweepstakes gaming because you must purchase a ticket to play, whereas sweepstakes offer a no-purchase-necessary format.
- Online Availability: Only a few states allow online U.S. lottery games or ticket sales. Almost every state permit online sweepstakes casinos to operate.
- Prizes and Odds: Prizes are larger with lotteries, but sweepstakes also have opportunities for jackpots. Sweepstakes games are more easily accessible than lotteries, with slots with high return-to-player percentages putting the odds in your favor.
