Sweepstakes casinos and real money casinos differ in how they operate and in legal availability. In sweepstakes casinos, players use virtual currency like Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins. Players can win real money prizes using Sweeps Coins, but the currency is awarded through free methods or by purchasing Gold Coin bundles, rather than through direct deposits. In contrast, real money casinos require players to deposit actual funds and are only legal in a handful of US states like New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Sweepstakes casinos offer an alternative, legal method of winning cash prizes in states where traditional online gambling is restricted.
