What is a Social Casino?
Social Casinos, also known as Sweepstakes Casinos, are online platforms that enable fans of casino games to engage with their favorite pastime without risking their hard-earned cash. Over thе past several years, these sweeps casinos have gained enormous popularity on social media and mobile devices. These can be websites or free apps which provide a simulated casino experience where players can enjoy online games like slots, table games, roulette, keno, scratch-offs and more. Instead of real money, you are using virtual coins or tokens.
The Social Aspect
This is where the social part of the equation comes into play. Customers don’t only play against the computer, but also it’s also about connecting with others. In sweepstakes casinos you can chat with others, invite your friends (or challenge strangers from all around the country), compete in leaderboards and more.
Virtual Currencies Explained
The tokens that are being used by these social platforms are often given as daily bonuses or rewards and players can purchase more if they run out. Sweepstakes Casinos usually use two types of coins: Gold Coins and Sweepstakes Coins. Sometimes, they may be named differently on various apps, but it will be easy to distinguish them both.
Gold Coins (GC)
Gold Coins ensure the play-for-fun element of the sweepstakes model. There are two ways of obtaining them – through purchasing them or receiving them as a bonus from the sweeps casino. It is very important to remember that GC cannot be exchanged for real-life prizes.
Sweepstakes Coins (SC)
Sweepstakes coins represent a unique form of virtual currency, exclusively attainable through complimentary bonuses and giveaways offered by the sweepstakes casinos. Their purpose is quite specific – they help you participate in various contests and giveaways and can be exchanged for tangible real-world rewards.
Bonuses
Sweepscash Casinos are well known for their regular freebies as daily bonuses, hourly rewards and special events. They provide players with virtual prizes, used to unlock new games or enhance their gaming experience. As an example, a common reward on these types of casinos is the no deposit bonus. This sweeps casino, called Carnival Citi, for example, showers its new players with 10,000,000 Gold Coins and 5,000 Sweeps Coins upon registration:
Oftentimes, you will be rewarded with a bonus Sweeps Cash, when purchasing Gold Coins. As another example, the gaming website Scratchful gifts its players an enticing First Purchase Bonus. For just $9.99, you will receive 50,000 Gold Coins paired with 25 Free Sweeps Coins.
Additionally, it’s always a good idea to follow the casinos on social media in order to participate in various giveaways and promotions that they organize.
Are Sweepstakes Casinos legal in the US?
For those residing in the United States with an interest in gaming, it’s common knowledge that online gambling is subject to strict regulations and limitations nationwide. In fact, the majority of states still prohibit the provision of online casino games for real money, preventing many individuals from accessing such games legally.
Yet, a different perspective emerges when considering social gaming and social casino platforms. According to the U.S. government, social gaming is not classified as gambling because it involves no financial risk or transactions. Consequently, social casinos are entirely lawful to partake in within every state, except for Washington.
An Alternative to Real Casinos
Social casinos serve as an excellent alternative for players who wish to engage in slot machines, table games, keno and more, without the option of using real currency. Social casinos are legally accessible, allowing players to relish the experience without any legal concerns.
