What Are Sweeps Coins and Do They Expire?
If you’ve ever tried a sweepstakes casino, you’ve probably come across Sweeps Coins (SC) and wondered how they work or even if they expire. Sweeps Coins are the special tokens that give you a shot at winning real cash or prizes, unlike Gold Coins (GC), which are just for fun play.
On this page, you’ll learn all about Sweeps Coins. I’ll explain the difference between Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins, how you can get them, where you can use them, and what to expect when it comes to expiration rules.
By the end, you’ll know exactly how to make the most of SC and avoid letting them go to waste.
Types of Coins in Sweepstakes Casinos
All social casinos include two types of currency, Gold Coins (GC) and Sweeps Coins (SC). Both offer a free-to-play social casino experience, but each type functions differently. Below, we break down both currencies and how you can use them at social casinos.
Gold Coins (GC)
Gold Coins (GC) are the primary currency of Sweepstakes Casinos. They are similar to currencies used for standard mobile games.
- Function: Gold Coins are the main way that players can play for free at social casinos. Some casinos also let GC help you progress in VIP programs, but it’s a slower path compared to SC.
- Limitations: Gold Coins cannot be exchanged or redeemed for prizes. They’re strictly for fun.
- How to Get Them: Gold Coins can be redeemed in free prize drops, earned in tournaments, or purchased. Nearly all free coin drops include a generous amount of GC, such as daily login rewards. They can also be purchased, similar to purchasing coins in standard mobile games. Most sweepstakes casinos hold regular tournaments that award GC to top players.
- Where You Can Use Them: You can use GC for all games at social casinos. They can be used to play slots, blackjack, live games, video poker, and more.
- Summary:
- Primary currency of the casino
- Meant for fun play and cannot be exchanged for cash or prizes
- Can be purchased similarly to mobile game add-ons
- Some sites allow you to move up in VIP with GC, but much slower than SC
Sweeps Coins (SC)
Sweeps Coins (SC) are the bonus currency of Sweepstakes Casinos. They allow you a chance to play for real prizes, such as cash or gift cards.
- Function: Sweeps Coins are bonus coins that are used for sweepstakes casino games. They can be exchanged for real cash prizes, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.
- Limitations: These coins cannot be purchased directly and are only awarded as bonuses or giveaways.
- How to Get Them: You can get SC in several ways. The most common way is as a free bonus when you buy GC. You can also earn them through daily logins, social media promos, or by requesting them via mail.
- Where You Can Use Them: You can use SC for any sweepstake casino game at a social casino. They can be used for slots, table games, and live games.
- Summary:
- Only given to players as bonuses when you purchase GC or through giveaways, such as daily login bonuses.
- Can be redeemed for cash rewards, cryptocurrency, or gift cards
- Best way to move up through VIP or loyalty rewards programs
Do Sweeps Coins Expire?
Yes, Sweeps Coins can expire if you stop using your account for too long. Each sweepstakes casino sets its own rules, but the most common timeframe is 60 to 90 days of inactivity. If you don’t log in or play during that window, your unused SC balance may be removed.
For example:
- Chumba Casino and LuckyLand Slots both state that Sweeps Coins expire after 60 days without activity.
- Global Poker gives players a little more time, with SC expiring after 90 days of inactivity.
The good news is that expiration is easy to avoid. Simply logging in, claiming a daily bonus, or playing even a single hand of poker or spin on the slots is usually enough to reset the timer.
Pro tip: If you’ve built up a balance of SC, make sure to redeem or use them before long breaks. Treat them like real money, because once they expire, they’re gone for good.
Legal Requirements of Sweeps Coins and Why This System Exists
Sweeps coins are used at sweepstakes casinos or social casinos as a way to offer online gambling in states where traditional online casino gambling is not allowed. For example, in Virginia, you can bet on sports online, but you cannot gamble at online casinos. Sweepstakes casinos allow online gambling without violating state laws.
In most states, three elements define gambling: consideration, chance, and prize. The most important thing is consideration. To be considered gambling, a player has to put up something of value in exchange for something of value.
Sweeps coins are free rewards, and wagering them is not considered gambling in most states.
However, in states where online casino gambling is legal, such as Michigan, they have expanded their laws to prohibit sweepstakes casinos. We encourage you to verify that sweepstakes casinos are legal in your state before gambling at them.
Common Misconceptions About Sweeps Coins
- Myth: Buying Gold Coins means buying SC.
- Fact: You can’t purchase Sweeps Coins directly. They’re always given as a bonus when you buy Gold Coins or through free promotions.
- Myth: The only way to get SC is by making a purchase.
- Fact: You don’t have to spend money to get SC. Many casinos give them away through daily login rewards, social media promotions, or even mail-in offers.
- Myth: You can only get virtual prizes for SC, not real money
- Fact: Sweeps Coins can be redeemed for real cash, gift cards, or cryptocurrency, depending on the casino.
- Myth: SC casino games are rigged, and you will never win.
- Fact: SC casino games use the same RNG as traditional casino games, meaning you will have the same odds of winning.
- Myth: If I don’t play, my SC will always be there.
- Fact: SC balances can expire due to inactivity, usually after 60–90 days. A simple log-in or quick spin keeps them safe.
Why Sweeps Coins Matter for Players
What are sweeps coins? They are an innovative way to earn real rewards at sweepstakes casinos. While GC offers you a way to play for fun, SC gives you a way to play for real and earn real prizes, such as cash rewards and gift cards.
The key thing to remember is that SC aren’t something you can buy outright. You’ll collect them as bonuses through GC purchases, promotions, or free offers. And since they can expire after 60–90 days of inactivity, it’s worth logging in regularly to keep your balance safe.
If you’re new, start with GC to get a feel for the games. Once you’re comfortable, switch to SC play to unlock the chance at real prizes. That mix of casual fun and real-world rewards is what makes sweepstakes casinos so unique.
FAQ
We understand that you may have more questions about Sweeps Coins. Here are some of the most common questions asked about SC.
Are Sweeps Coins legal in my state?
Sweeps coins are legal in many US states, but not all. In most cases, sweepstakes casinos will block registrations from states where SC play is illegal.
Can I transfer SC to another player?
No. Sweepstakes casinos do not allow transfers to other players.
Can I play at Sweepstakes casinos without spending money?
Absolutely. Sweepstakes casinos offer a variety of ways to earn SC, including registration bonuses, daily login bonuses, social media promotions, and more. Many players have been able to run up SC to a redemption without having to spend money.
