The Best Sweepstakes Casinos in Nevada
What sets sweepstakes casinos apart from regular online casinos is the free-to-play model. Nevadans who are 21 years old and within the state can join these social casinos and play slots, table games, and even live dealer games without making a purchase.
Sweepstakes casinos work with their own currencies, usually called Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins. These can also have different names if the operator wants to distinguish themselves from the rest. But, regardless of the name, the significance of these currencies remains the same on all platforms.
Namely, Gold Coins have no monetary value and are simply used to play games, while Sweeps Coins you’ve won can be redeemed for different real-money prizes. What’s more, Gold and Sweeps Coins aren’t transferable or convertible.
To comply with the policy of the alternative method of entry, sweepstakes casinos in Nevada offer players various bonuses with GC and free SC. Players can also purchase packages to get more coins, join loyalty programs, refer friends, and even play tournaments and win rewards.
FAQ
Are sweepstakes social casinos legal in Nevada?
Yes, sweepstakes social casinos are legal in Nevada, although not directly regulated. As long as they stick to the free-to-play model and consumer protection laws, Nevadans who are 21 years old can join these platforms.
Can I win real money playing at Nevada social sweepstake casinos?
No, you can’t win real money while playing at a Nevada social sweepstakes casino since these platforms offer free gaming. However, Sweeps Coins you’ve won while playing are redeemable as long as you’ve reached the minimum redemption threshold.
Can I claim bonuses for Nevada sweepstakes casinos?
No, Nevada sweepstakes casinos don’t offer real-money bonuses. However, players from this state can claim the regular sign-up and daily bonuses with Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins or buy coin packages, among other things.
Nevada Sweepstakes Social Casinos: Regulations and History
Being the leader of the casino legalization movement, Nevada is one of the US states that allow in-person gambling as long as it is properly licensed. Since its legalization, the state has kept a close eye on offline gaming activities, constructing a legal framework that helps eradicate any illegal activities.
Yet, that can’t be said for its online counterpart. The Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) sets forth all rules concerning gaming within the Silver State, including definitions that pertain to online sweepstakes.
To paint a better picture, we’ve created this article. In it, you’ll find more information about the regulations of Nevada sweepstakes, the history of this type of entertainment, as well the best casinos where you can enjoy free-play gaming.
Sweepstakes Regulations in Nevada
Housing the world’s casino capital, it comes as no surprise that Nevada has firmly stood behind its initial choice - legalizing offline gambling within the state. As said by the Nevada state legislature, “the gaming industry is vitally important to the economy of the State and the general welfare of the inhabitants.”
As such, the Silver State has developed a detailed set of rules indicating when certain forms of gambling are legal. The primary source is the Nevada Gaming Control Act, also known as Chapter 463 of NRS. This act addresses everything related to legal gaming—from licensing to ownership, operations, taxes, and more.
When it comes to online sweepstakes, the legal framework doesn’t explicitly regulate them. The only regulation that can be linked to such platforms is Chapter 465.086 of NRS, which states, “...it is unlawful for a person to receive, directly or indirectly, any compensation or reward, or any percentage or share of the money or property played…” and “it is unlawful for a person to transmit or deliver anything of value resulting from a bet or wager” that is placed in unlawful venues.
Since sweepstakes casinos don’t require money to play and provide players with Sweeps Coins through various free bonuses, they are technically outside of this wording, i.e., legal. That being said, there are a few additional rules that must be followed:
• Players must be 21 years old to join.
• Players must be residents of the state (although international platforms accept Nevada residents).
• Every sweepstakes casino must adhere to the general consumer protection laws and be transparent about their offers, rules, and eligibility criteria.
Nevada Sweepstakes History
To see the history of sweepstakes in the Silver State, we have to go over the general gambling background.
Nevada was the first state to legalize gambling back in 1931. In fact, throughout history, different types of gaming could be recognized within state lines. During the frontier days, this pastime was popular with miners. But that soon spread among the local people, climbing up to the point where the role of a “gambler” was considered a respected position in society.
The following decades were filled with ups and downs regarding the acceptance of gaming. In 1861, the Territorial Legislature prohibited it, setting up hefty fines for both players and parlors. Eight years later, gaming was legalized again, only to be flipped in 1913, leading to a criminalized gaming era in Nevada that lasted for 18 years.
Finally, in 1931, gambling was reinstated due to a severe drought, and slowly, tourists started flocking to Las Vegas. Over the years, the state expanded its legal framework, creating and organizing different bodies that would oversee offline venues - the Nevada Gaming Commission and the Nevada Gaming Control Board.
As for online gaming, the start of the 2000s saw a rise in demand as technology improved. Today, online poker, betting, and fantasy betting are the only forms accepted and controlled by the regulatory bodies. However, since online sweepstakes casinos offer free-play entertainment, they were never (and still aren’t) banned. Hence, Nevadans can join social casinos and try out their favorite casino-like games.
