What is the difference between Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins?
Last verified: · By Emma B., Senior Content Writer · How we rank
Gold Coins (GC) are free play-money coins: you receive them when you register and each day you log in, you can buy more, and they can never be redeemed for prizes. Sweeps Coins (SC) are promotional sweepstakes entries given away free with Gold Coin purchases, daily logins, social media giveaways and a free mail-in request; prizes won with Sweeps Coins can be redeemed for cash or gift cards once you meet the playthrough requirement, usually one to three times the amount. Because Sweeps Coins are always available free, these sites operate under US sweepstakes law rather than gambling law.
| Gold Coins (GC) | Sweeps Coins (SC) | |
|---|---|---|
| What they are for | Entertainment play only | Promotional entries that can win redeemable prizes |
| How you get them | Free at sign-up and every daily login; packages can be bought | Free with Gold Coin purchases, daily logins, social giveaways and a mail-in request |
| Can be redeemed? | Never | Yes, for cash prizes or gift cards after playthrough and identity verification |
| Playthrough | None | Usually one to three times the amount won |
What each site calls its coins
| Casino | Play currency | Redeemable currency |
|---|---|---|
| Mega Bonanza | Gold Coins (GC) | Sweeps Coins (SC) |
| Lonestar | Gold Coins (GC) | Sweeps Coins (SC) |
| SpinBlitz | Gold Coins (GC) | Sweeps Coins (SC) |
| Crown Coins Casino | Gold Coins (GC) | Sweeps Coins (SC) |
| Taofortune | Gold Coins (GC) | Sweeps Coins (SC) |
| HelloMillions | Gold Coins (GC) | Sweeps Coins (SC) |
| PlayFame | Gold Coins (GC) | Sweeps Coins (SC) |
| Spree | Gold Coins (GC) | Sweeps Coins (SC) |
| McLuck Casino | Gold Coins (GC) | Sweeps Coins (SC) |
| Baba Casino | Gold Coins (GC) | Sweeps Coins (SC) |
| Social Free Spins | Gold Coins (GC) | Sweeps Coins (SC) |
| Top10 Fun Casino | Gold Coins (GC) | Sweeps Coins (SC) |
| FreeFun | Gold Coins (GC) | Sweeps Coins (SC) |
From our guide
Social and sweepstakes casinos use two virtual currencies, and understanding the difference is the key to getting value from them.
Gold Coins (GC) are play-money coins. You receive them free when you register and log in each day, and you can buy more. Gold Coins are for entertainment only and can never be redeemed for prizes.
Sweeps Coins (SC), sometimes called Sweepstakes Coins, Fortune Coins or similar, are promotional entries. They are given away free with Gold Coin purchases, as daily login bonuses, through social media promotions and through a free mail-in method. Prizes won with Sweeps Coins can be redeemed for cash prizes or gift cards once you meet the playthrough requirement, usually one to three times the amount.
Because Sweeps Coins are always available for free and no purchase is necessary to play or win, these sites operate under US sweepstakes law rather than gambling law. That is why they are available in most states where traditional online casinos are not.
Frequently asked questions
What is a social casino?
A social casino lets you play slots and table games online with virtual Gold Coins. Sweepstakes casinos add a second currency, Sweeps Coins, which you receive free and can redeem for cash prizes or gift cards. No purchase is ever necessary.
Do I need to buy coins to win prizes?
No. Sweeps Coins are given away free through welcome bonuses, daily logins, social media giveaways and a free mail-in request, and any of them can be used to win redeemable prizes.
Can I redeem Gold Coins for cash?
No. Gold Coins are for entertainment only and can never be redeemed. Only prizes won with Sweeps Coins can be redeemed, after the playthrough requirement and identity verification.
How do I get Sweeps Coins without buying anything?
Claim the welcome offer, log in daily, follow each casino on social media for free codes, and use the free mail-in entry method described in its sweepstakes rules.
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