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Not sure which type of online casino is right for you? We break down the key differences between sweepstakes casinos and real money casinos to help you choose the best option for your state and playstyle.
| Category | Sweepstakes | Real Money |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Availability | Available in 48+ US states (except WA, ID) | Only 6 states (NJ, PA, MI, WV, CT, DE) |
| Deposit Required | No - play free with Gold Coins, purchase optional | Yes - must deposit real money to play |
| Cash Prizes | Yes - redeem Sweeps Coins for cash prizes | Yes - withdraw winnings directly |
| Welcome Bonuses | Free coins on signup (typically $10-50 worth) | Deposit match bonuses (100-200% up to $1000+) |
| Wagering Requirements | Usually 1x playthrough on SC | Typically 10x-35x on bonus funds |
| Game Variety | Slots, table games, some live dealer | Full selection including live dealer, poker rooms |
| Payout Speed | 1-5 business days after verification | 1-3 business days for most methods |
| Risk Level | Low - can play entirely for free | Higher - requires financial investment |
Legal in all US states except Washington and Idaho. No gambling license required as they operate under sweepstakes law using virtual currencies.
Only legal in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, West Virginia, Connecticut, and Delaware. Requires state gambling license and player verification.