Online casinos have risen in popularity in the last 20 years. Though they have always been part of the online landscape, changing legislation has introduced the format to more players than ever before. But there are alternatives within the landscape that provide more options for players along the way.
The rising popularity of sites like Horseplay Casino for sweepstakes, as an alternative for players located in restricted jurisdictions, bears noting. Learn more about how sweepstakes casinos work, why to play at them versus a traditional casino, and more.
Traditional Casinos vs. Sweepstakes Casinos
Before we can learn more about what a sweepstake casino is, we must first know the differences between it and traditional online casinos. The fact of the matter is that there is only one major difference between the two, and that is the ability to play for real money.
Traditional casinos allow players to make deposits and place bets on casino games. But that requires specific legislation allowing players to partake. Sweepstakes casinos offer all the same games and even the same presentation, but without the ability to make real-money bets.
Sweepstakes casinos fall under lottery rules, which is why they are more widely available. It is possible to win real money through the various contests held at these casinos, but players don’t need to wager real money on the outcome of a sweepstakes casino game.
How a Sweepstake Casino Works
Playing at a sweepstakes casino may seem like a foreign concept, but it is quite simple. For starters, you would sign up to play at a sweepstakes casino and verify your email. You can then deposit money into them, but here’s where the similarities end.
The basis of these casinos is digital currency. You earn coins of some sort by playing various casino games. But those coins are generally used to either enter contests or purchase prizes. The prizes can include real cash, but players may not wager on the outcome of these games.
Players can make deposits to purchase digital coins if they choose. Each sweepstakes casino can be a bit different, but the overall method is generally the same. Many casinos also offer things like gold coins and sweepstakes coins. The latter can only be used for entry into specific contests where prizes and cash are awarded to top players. The simplest explanation is that a traditional casino requires money to play, while a sweepstakes casino does not.
Legality Issues
Playing at a sweepstake casino is different than a traditional casino because of the legality of the format. Because of the gambling aspect involving real money, traditional casinos are regulated in states where it is currently legal. In states where legislation has yet to be passed, players don’t have access to legal options.
Because sweepstakes casinos fall under lottery rules, they become more available to play. More importantly, it doesn’t require the use of real money, making them more widely available than any of the real money options out there.