Best Sweepstakes Casinos in New Jersey
If you’re from the Garden State, then you’re in luck. Sweepstakes casinos are legal in the state which means New Jerseyans only need to register an account to play their favorite games. Sweepstakes gaming sites allow all players to try different casino-like titles without making a purchase.
These platforms use a digital currency, usually called Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins (although the casino can choose to name them differently). Gold Coins are used for free play, while the Sweeps Coins you win while playing can later be redeemed for cash prizes.
While there are no real-money bonuses you can grab, at a sweepstake casino, you always have the chance to claim a sign-up offer with a few GC and SC - courtesy of the need to comply with the alternative method of entry policy. Another similar thing to regular online casinos is the chance to join tournaments and refer friends.
For New Jerseyans who want to explore more of the sweepstakes world, we suggest you start with WOW Vegas, Zula, Yay Casino, Spree, or Stake.us. Sadly, B2 sites are no longer available in the state of NJ.
Are sweepstakes social casinos legal in New Jersey?
Yes, sweepstakes social casinos are legal in New Jersey. Under the newly proposed amendments of bill A5196, online sweepstakes and online casinos will be regulated the same way.
Can I win real money playing New Jersey social sweepstake casinos?
No, winning real money when playing in New Jersey social sweepstake casinos is not possible. However, you can use Sweeps Coins to redeem real money prizes and vouchers.
Can I claim bonuses for New Jersey sweepstakes casinos?
Real-money bonuses are not available in sweepstakes casinos in the Garden State. But you can claim a sign-up bonus with Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins, join tournaments, and refer your friends, among other things.
New Jersey Sweepstakes Social Casinos: Regulations and History
New Jersey has always been in step with everything new in the iGaming world. That can, yet again, be seen in the realm of sweepstakes, where Assemblyman Clinton Calabrese introduced Assembly No. 5196 (A5196) on January 16, 2025.
The new proposal is an amendment to the current laws allowing sweepstakes online casinos within the state. The amendments propose that this type of entertainment be regulated on the same level as online casinos, meaning it will solidify the legality of sweepstakes in the Garden State.
This article gives more details about A5196, as well as information on the history and the top sweepstakes and social casinos in New Jersey.
Sweepstakes Regulations in New Jersey
According to federal laws, sweepstakes are legal in the US. However, it is left to every state to determine the level of legality. Although some states have entirely banned this pastime and some have proposed bills with such goals (for example, Maryland’s new SB860), New Jersey continues to build its legal framework around the protection of players.
Right now, the Garden State allows all New Jerseyans to register at online sweepstakes casinos as long as they’re:
• Above 18 years old
• In the state of New Jersey (although there are international social casinos that allow players from this stat
Sponsors of such activities also have some legal restrictions. They are required by consumer protection laws to provide clear and accurate information about the sweepstakes casino, including every promotion, rules, and eligibility criteria.
Despite this, regulatory bodies felt the need to strengthen the current laws further. Thus, in January 2025, Assemblyman Clinton Calabrese proposed a few amendments to the current framework.
These new changes, called A5196, set a clear definition of several terms related to online sweepstakes casinos, including what these entertainment hubs are, stating, “Online sweepstakes casino means any platform available via an Internet website or mobile application that provides participants with an opportunity to play authorized gambling games… except that the game does not require any initial monetary investment on behalf of the participants to play and instead is played primarily with free currency; and awards to participants at random… currency or promotional gaming credits which can be wagered on games and are redeemable for cash, prizes, or other things of value…”
As such, the wording leaves no room for personal interpretation, making it easier for casinos to license their services. Speaking of licensing, A5196 also requires all sweepstakes social casinos to obtain a Casino Service Industry Enterprise License from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, as well as conduct third-party audits and submit them bi-annually. Finally, every operator must partner with a licensed brick-and-mortar casino.
On the other hand, the bill appoints the Division of Gaming Enforcement as the investigative body of any unlawful activities. If a company fails to follow these rules, the already-present fines still apply:
• $1,000 per day for every player unlawfully permitted to enter the casino
• $10,000 for advertising that the casino accepts such players.
Essentially, this new bill will even the field in the New Jersey iGaming world, setting sweepstake casinos on the same level as online casinos.
The History of Sweepstakes in the Garden State
The history of sweepstakes in the Garden State started around 1970 when the New Jersey lottery was established. Although online sweepstakes, as we know them, didn’t directly stem from the lottery, it’s undeniable that this way of entertainment contributed to the development of online casinos, sports-books, and sweepstakes gaming platforms.
The general idea of this initial legal form of gambling was for New Jerseyans to generate funds for educational and social programs. As the years passed by and the lottery became more integrated into people’s lives, other forms of online entertainment, like online casinos and sweepstakes, started showing up.
It was in the early 2000s that online sweepstakes started gaining traction in the state. In 2013, opening the first legal online casino in New Jersey meant that the government was serious about legalizing this type of entertainment - something that is evident even today.
