How to play at online casino games for free
As more companies aim to pierce their way into a rejuvenated and burgeoning global casino industry, many have had to find new ways to try and get their foot in the door. Given that it is such a competitive space, with many of the world’s top names establishing themselves decades ago, it is becoming increasingly difficult for new companies to make a name for themselves. However, where there’s room for profit, there will be no shortage of companies wanting some of the action, and sweepstakes casinos are one area where new companies have had some success.
Free casino games vs real money casino games
Ultimately, the difference between real money, traditional casinos, and free, sweepstake casino games comes down to one deciding factor — cost. A traditional casino operates in the conventional sense:
- You deposit your cash.
- You place your bets on slots or table games.
- You can withdraw your money accordingly if you win.
A sweepstakes casino, also known as a social casino, operates differently, and they’re appealing to a new type of customer who wants the same thrill of playing slot machine games with the added incentive of not having to lose any money while doing so.
Sweepstakes explained
For those of you who are unaware of how free casino games operate, the model is relatively simple. Instead of using cash, you are provided with a specific token or gold coin that you can only use on the sweepstakes casino site. You cannot withdraw or use it as a payment method on any other site. As it is a virtual currency, these free-to-play casino games aren’t subject to the same legislation as standard casino gaming platforms.
The next logical question to ask is: “How do sweepstake casino companies make money?” It costs a lot of money, time and effort to put together a working website. There are overhead maintenance costs, such as staff, cybersecurity and startup fees, so running an entirely non-profit model isn’t sustainable. Just like classic, traditional online casinos, many sweepstakes will leverage advertising space, so the goal is to bring in as many new customers as they possibly can so that they’re able to charge more for this space on their website or mobile app.
In addition to the conventional route, sweepstakes casinos usually offer a certain amount of free in-game currency before charging people to purchase more. Although you need to use your card to do so, this still doesn’t cause the sweepstake casino to be regulated in the same way as a conventional casino as you are not required to pay out any currency in order to play. Many sweepstake casinos offer prizes or additional gold tokens on some games.
Tips for playing at sweepstakes casinos
Although the payment method differs considerably, if you’re looking for tips on how to play at sweepstakes casinos, there is a lot of crossover advice. If you were to play at a traditional casino, the integral component is to practice safe gambling. While managing your finances might not seem as important at a sweepstakes casino, managing your time correctly is. Just because you spend less money at a casino doesn’t mean you need to overcompensate by spending more time playing free games.
Finding a balance in life is healthy, and if you can balance your finances correctly when playing games online, you can enjoy them responsibly in the same manner. In addition to applying these measures, you can sample more games as the stakes are lower. Traditional casino players aren’t able to sample the hundreds of slot games available at a traditional provider because it can prove too costly, but sweepstakes players don’t have the same problem, so they can give you a better idea of what you might like.
If you don’t feel confident playing poker, blackjack or roulette because you’re not too sure how the rules work, sweepstakes casinos can help you develop your knowledge without incurring any considerable expenditure. Gaining in-game experience without having to play with real money can be an ideal way to build valuable knowledge before playing casino games for real. They’re also a great way to unwind without the financial stress, so there’s plenty to consider.
Which games can I play at a sweepstakes casino?
Slot games have found a strong audience among sweepstake casino fans. There’s also a broader appeal for general gamers who are intrigued by the mechanics of casino gaming but want to avoid losing money while playing games. Gaming consoles like the new PlayStation 5 allow easy access to the internet for people to check out sweepstakes casino games.
In short, you can play the same games at a sweepstakes casino as you can at a traditional one. Poker, blackjack, roulette and especially slots are immensely popular at sweepstakes casinos. Social gaming allows you to connect with other people online who prefer the idea of sweepstakes over traditional routes of gambling.
Free games FAQs
Can I play sweepstakes casino games on my mobile?
Dozens of mobile apps and websites accommodate those looking to play sweepstakes games, so if it’s an Android device you use or an iOS tablet or smartphone, you won’t encounter any problems.
Are there real money prizes available at sweepstakes casinos?
Many providers will allow you to exchange one type of virtual currency for prizes. Prizes can include a variety of physical items or gifts and may even include the option to redeem cash.
Are sweepstakes casinos legal in the US?
Yes, as there are no cash wagers, the regulation is much more lenient for these providers. As a general rule, sweepstakes casinos are legal in all states with the exception of Washington state.
