Table of Contents
Written by
Mike Waters
Edited by
Matthew Scott
Best Sweeps Casinos in Australia: Complete List
Roo Vegas Bonus
500,000 Roo Coins and 10 Spin Coins
500k RC and 10 SC on signup
1 SC daily through login bonus
Fast prize redemptions
Owner
Zoom Net Services Limited
Online Since
2025
Games
650+
What Are Sweepstakes Casinos?
Sweepstakes casinos are casino-style platforms that operate on a promotional model rather than traditional real-money gambling.
I have played and tested many different sweeps casinos while I was visiting in the US two years ago, and the easiest way to understand them is to think of them as a combination of social and real money casinos – you get the best of both worlds.
The games are exactly the same as in a standard online casino, so expect to see a lot of familiar pokies, table games, live dealer games, instant wins, and maybe even sports betting.
The key difference is the “no purchase necessary” model. Players can access and play games without depositing money, which is one of the reasons sweepstakes casinos operate differently from regular gambling sites. At the same time, they still offer the option to redeem (read withdraw) cash prizes, which makes them more than just social gaming platforms.
As I mentioned, this format has already become hugely popular in the US, where sweepstakes casinos have grown into a major part of online gambling. In Australia, they’re fresh, but I expect the model to gain attention as more operators are launching and more players discover how it works.
Are Sweepstakes Casinos Legal in Australia?
Yes, (for now) sweepstakes casinos are accessible to Australian players, and the reason comes down to how they’re structured. Australia’s Interactive Gambling Act 2001 restricts many forms of real-money online gambling, which is why traditional online casino operators aren’t licensed locally. Sweepstake platforms don’t fall into the same category because they don’t allow real money wagering.
Instead, they operate under trade promotion and sweepstakes laws, which vary from state to state. The “no purchase necessary” model is a key part of this setup, since players can participate without spending money. That’s what separates sweeps casinos from standard gambling sites and allows them to function “legally” within this framework. But they also don’t need licensing, so it’s kind of a loophole.
From my experience, the gameplay itself is identical to regular online casinos, and the difference is in how they’re structured and the promotional rules they follow. As of now, sweepstakes casinos are accessible to Australian players.
Difference Between Social and Sweeps Casinos
| Feature | Social Casinos | Sweepstakes Casinos |
|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Entertainment only | Entertainment + cash prizes |
| Real cash prizes | Nope | Yup! |
| Currency system | Single virtual currency | Dual virtual currency system |
| No purchase necessary | True | True |
| Casino games | Yup | Yup |
| Cash prizes | Nope | Available! |
Sweepstakes casinos are social casinos, right? Well, sort of. Appearance-wise, they do look the same, but you could say the same thing for real money casinos, really. They both offer casino games and both use virtual currencies, so what makes the sweepstakes model unique is the cash prizes.
Social casinos are purely for entertainment. You register, get some tokens (usually named Coins), play, and that’s it. You can only play for fun, and the tokens have no monetary value. You can think of social casino play like demo mode.
On the other hand, sweepstakes casinos add a promotional element, allowing players to potentially redeem prizes if they meet the requirements. And by prizes, I mean cash.
This difference makes sweeps sites closer to real money online casinos, even though they still officially operate under a promotional model.
Sweeps vs Real Money Online Casinos
| Feature | Sweepstakes Casinos | Real Money Online Casinos |
|---|---|---|
| Direct real money betting | Nope | Yes |
| Deposits required to play | Nope | Yes |
| Prize redemptions (Withdrawals) | Yes | Yes |
| Casino Games | Yes | Yes |
| Currency used | Virtual currencies (Gold Coins & Sweeps Coins) | Real money |
| Legality | Yes, under the trade promotion model | No local licences, internationally licensed casinos only |
This is the comparison most of you are interested in, so I’ll start with the similarities.
Yes, you can play all the same types of casino games as sweepstakes casinos, like in real money casinos, like pokies, table games, instant-win games, live dealers, and more. And yes, one of the two virtual currencies (usually the one named Sweeps Coins) has monetary value, so if you win, you can redeem a cash prize, which is much like requesting a casino withdrawal.
Now, the differences. At sweepstakes casinos, you’re not betting directly with cash. You can’t deposit directly, but you need to purchase a promotional Gold Coin package, which (usually) contains Sweeps Coins too, that you can later use for promotional play. So, it’s not necessary to buy coins, and you can play completely for free if you want to – you just won’t have as many coins to play.
In terms of legality, sweepstakes casinos are legal in Australia under the trade promotion model, so they don’t require the same licences as real money casinos do.
No, sweepstakes casinos have been around for years, even if they’re only starting to appear in Australia. The model was first introduced in the US in the late 2010s in an attempt by operators to offer casino gameplay through a promotional legal framework rather than traditional real money gambling (which has been prohibited in much of the US).
Ever since, sweepstakes casinos have grown into a major part of online gambling across the Pacific. There are now hundreds, if not thousands, of sweepstakes casinos in the United States, so there’s a vast choice for players, alongside plenty of promotions, games, and a lot of competition among platforms.
Australia is only starting to see them, so a lot of you probably haven’t even heard about them or are still figuring out what they are, so I’ll explain exactly how they work in the following section.
How Do Sweepstakes Casinos Work?
At most sweepstakes casinos, there are two modes: standard and promotional play.
The first one is played with Gold Coins and is for entertainment only, while in promotional play, you use Sweeps Coins, the promotional currency you can later redeem for a cash prize.
Both of these are virtual currencies, and this dual-currency system separates the two modes.
Most platforms give you both of the currencies on signup (for example, you might get 100,000 GC and 2 SC as a no deposit bonus), and you’ll usually earn more coins through other promotions like daily log-in bonuses, referral programs, social media giveaways, and more.
There’s another way to get coins – through purchases. Every sweeps site allows you to purchase more coins if you want to. There are usually many different packages, ranging from around A$5 to A$1,000 or more, and they’re often offered as bundles that include both types of coins.
Gold Coins are the entertainment currency. They’re used in the Gold Coins mode and don’t have any monetary value.
You can use them to play all types of casino games like pokies, table games, and other casino titles just like you would normally, but winnings from Gold Coin play cannot be redeemed for cash prizes. You can also use them to test strategies and play casually without any pressure.
Sweeps Coins are the promotional currency that sets sweepstakes casinos apart from standard social gaming. These coins are usually awarded through promotions and bonuses, or as part of packages that include them as a free extra. The important thing to remember is that you can’t purchase these directly; you get them as a bonus.
When you play with Sweeps Coins, any winnings you make can potentially be redeemed as cash prizes once the platform’s requirements are met. So, what are those requirements?
In most cases, 1 A$ = 1 SC (although the ratio may differ). So, if you were to win, say, 100 SC, you could redeem A$100. Now, since Sweeps Coins cannot be purchased directly, each coin needs to be played through at least 1x. That’s the norm, and anything above that is a bad deal.
How To Play at Sweepstakes Casinos in Australia?
The setup might sound complicated at first, but it’s far from it. In fact, it’s as intuitive as it gets, and even though it’s a bit different from a traditional online casino, I guarantee that you’ll get the hang of it within minutes. Here’s how it all works, step by step:
1
Pick an Australian sweepstakes casino
You first need to pick a platform that’s available in Australia. You can pick some of my top expert picks, since I’ve done that part for you, and proceed to the next step, or look for sites yourself.
2
Complete the registration process
Next, locate the registration button and tap to begin. The process is usually very intuitive and no different from registering at any platform, so you’ll need to enter your email and password. In some cases, you might need to enter your phone number, too. Optionally, you can register via Google or Facebook if those options are available.
3
Claim your welcome rewards
New players usually receive Gold and Sweeps Coins as a no deposit registration bonus. They’ll either be already credited to your account when you first log in, or you’ll need to verify your email first.
4
Choose the mode you want to play
Decide whether you want to play with Gold Coins for entertainment or Sweeps Coins for promotional play. You can switch between modes as much as you want, and it doesn’t cost anything.
5
Pick your games
Browse the lobby and choose from pokies, table games, live dealer titles, or other casino-style games. The betting range in each game is displayed based on the mode you play (GC or SC mode).
6
Collect ongoing bonuses
Daily logins, promotions, and giveaways are a big part of how these platforms work, so don’t skip these.
7
Coin package purchases are optional
If you run out of coins or simply want more coins to play with, you can choose to buy a Gold Coin package that usually provides Sweeps Coins too.
8
Redeem your winnings
Once you meet the minimum redemption threshold (usually between $50 and $100) and play through the Sweeps Coins you have received, you can usually request a prize redemption. They work exactly like withdrawals at standard online casinos, so you’ll often have payout options like bank transfers, e-wallets, gift cards, and crypto.
Top Expert Picks: Selected Sweeps Casinos
I’ve tested plenty of sweepstakes casinos and narrowed it down to the ones that deliver the most complete experience across game libraries, promotions, and features. These picks are the ones that impressed me the most overall:
Roo Vegas Casino
- No Deposit Bonus: 500,000 Roo Coins and 10 SC
- First Purchase Bonus: 1,000,000 Roo Coins + 30 Sweeps Coins for $9.99
- Number of Casino Games: 600+
- Eligible States: Queensland, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia
Roo Vegas is the first Australian-exclusive sweepstakes casino, and it launched big, with a massive signup bonus of 500,000 Roo Coins and 10 Spin Coins. These are the two virtual currencies here: Roo Coins are for entertainment only, while Spin Coins can be redeemed for cash prizes at 1 SC = A$1.
You notice that Roo Vegas is a very serious operator from the moment you open the website. The Kangaroo design sure is cheeky, but it looks fresh and modern, and I especially like the game library. It currently counts over 600 casino-style games, including plenty of great pokies by providers like NetEnt, Penguin King, and Betsoft, as well as live casino games like blackjack and roulette.
If you run out of coins and want to purchase a pack, there’s a welcome promotional pack that gives you 200% extra coins.
Our Methodology: How To Find The Best Sweepstakes Casinos
When I review sweepstakes casinos, I largely use the same process I follow for any online casino, with a few tweaks. You see, this model is a novelty on the Australian market, so I’m extra careful when checking all the details in the Sweeps Rules pages, T&Cs, and every other part of the platform to ensure that the platform is legitimate and reliable.
This is always my starting point. I personally sign up, play at each site, claim all available free promotions, purchase at least one package, and test the redemption process myself.
My goal is to see if the platform honours redemptions, and if so, how the entire process goes, how long it takes to take your cash prize, whether it is easy or difficult to do it, etc. If a site makes redemptions difficult or slow, it doesn’t make my list.
Promotions are a big part of the sweeps model, so I look at how useful they are. And by useful, I mean how many coins you get. The bonus T&Cs here are usually more lenient than those at standard casinos, so my main goal is the number of coins. A good sweeps casino should offer multiple ways to earn free coins, such as daily login bonuses and loyalty programs.
Also, I checked the value of the Gold Coin packages and how many coins you get. Obviously, you want as much GC and SC for your money as possible, and the best packages are usually the discounted ones, so I check that too.
Note from Australian Gamblers: A legit sweeps casino must offer an Alternative Method of Entry (a mail-in request), which is basically another no deposit bonus. For this one, though, you’ll have to work a bit, as you’ll have to send an actual handwritten letter to ask for some extra Sweeps Coins.
I focus on these three factors when testing casino game libraries: the number of games, the variety of games, and the software providers powering the games. All of these factors are equally important, so I take a combined score of all three when rating the game lobbies of sweepstakes casinos.
The best ones offer a good mix of pokies, table games, live dealer titles, poker, crash, mines, keno, basically every casino game type, so you don’t run out of options after a few hours.
Even though sweepstakes casinos don’t work like traditional gambling sites, a bad payment experience can ruin your day. That’s why I test how easy it is to buy coin packages, what payment options are available, and how clear the redemption process is.
I’m looking for quick, straightforward redemptions and reliable payment systems we all use, like Visa/Mastercard, Apple Pay, PayID, and similar options.
And by everything else, I do mean EVERYTHING else. I check every part of the website, from the UX and speed on both desktop and mobile to the customer support service, filtering options for games, gamification features, additional social elements, and responsible gaming pages… the devil is in the details, and when there are so many good sites, these details usually determine the first few positions on my list.
Sweeps Casino Bonuses
The sweepstakes casino model is built around promotions, so they’re a core part of how these platforms work, and they’re very important. Most platforms offer several regular rewards that help you collect both Gold and Sweeps coins, and below, I’ll explain the main types of bonuses you’ll come across.
Sign-Up Bonus (No Deposit Bonus)
The sign-up bonus is the first reward you’ll receive after creating an account. It’s often referred to as a ‘no deposit bonus ‘because you don’t need to purchase anything to claim it.
Most sweepstakes casinos give new players a bundle of Gold Coins and a small amount of Sweeps Coins just for registering, but the amounts can vary greatly. I’ve seen anything from 0 SC to 10 SC and anything in between, so the ballpark is as wide as it gets.
Obviously, you want as many coins as possible from the sign-up bonus.
Daily Login Bonuses
Many sweeps casinos give players free coins simply for logging in each day, and some increase the reward for consecutive logins.
From my experience, the daily login bonus is usually the best bonus that the casino offers because it’s consistent and can provide great value over time.
Purchase Bonuses
While you can’t buy Sweeps Coins directly, most platforms offer bonus Sweeps Coins when you purchase Gold Coin packages. These deals often change and may include limited-time multipliers and discounts.
For example, a package that usually provides 100,000 GC and 10 SC for $9.99 might be discounted (or get a 200% multiplier), so you’ll get 200,000 GC and 30 SC for the same price of $9.99.
Referral Bonuses
Some sweepstakes casinos run referral programs that reward you (both GC and SC) for inviting friends. For example, if someone signs up through your link and meets the requirements, you may receive bonus coins.
However, the requirement is often for the referral to spend some amount (like $10+) for you to get the reward.
Alternative Method of Entry (AMOE)
The Alternative Method of Entry (AMOE), or mail-in bonus, is a promotion that sweepstakes casinos are mandated to offer. Yes, they MUST offer a free way to top up your Sweeps Coins account in order to remain legal within the framework.
So, how does it work? It’s simple, really. You need to handwrite a letter where you ask for the bonus and send it to the operator (the address is usually provided in the Sweeps Rules page), and once they receive the letter and acknowledge that you, indeed, have run out of coins, they’ll top up your account. You’ll usually get from 1 SC to 5 SC.
Promotional Wheels & Giveaways
The Wheel of Fortune (or similar prize wheels) is a common sight at sweepstakes casinos, and I, like most players, love it. It’s a fun way to offer players a daily promotion and make them want to log in to your site, and most prize wheels usually award both GC and SC.
Giveaways are another common sight, and they’re often run through social media channels like Instagram and Facebook. You would be surprised at how popular sweepstakes casinos are on these platforms, and they run giveaways and contests almost on a daily basis, so they can be a great way to get coins.
VIP & Loyalty Programs
Some sweepstakes casinos run loyalty systems and VIP schemes where you unlock reward tiers. The more active you are, the higher level you reach, and the better the ongoing bonuses become.
You can also get some exclusive bonuses and other perks, but don’t expect to see the same features as in real money casinos.
Sweepstakes Casino Games
The games you’ll find at sweepstakes casinos are basically the same as what you’d expect at a regular online casino, and I mean literally the same lobbies. Well, in some cases, with the addition of software providers you usually don’t see in real money casinos.
The main difference is that you can usually switch between two playing modes, depending on whether you’re using Gold Coins for entertainment or Sweeps Coins for promotional play. You can think of this as demo vs real money play.
Below are the main game categories you’ll come across.
Pokies are the biggest category at most sweepstakes casinos, and the overall experience feels very close to what you’d find at a real money site. You’ll see pretty much the same types of pokies you’re used to, from classic to modern video pokies, bonus features, cascading reels, Bonus Buy, jackpots, and everything in between.
I won’t get into much detail about the number of pokies, but you can expect hundreds, if not thousands, of different titles. Popular providers already appearing on platforms include BGaming, NetEnt, Betsoft, and even though I’m still not sure whether Pragmatic Play will supply games to Australian sweepstakes casinos, the current selection already includes plenty of big names.
The table games sections usually include blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker games. There are usually multiple variants of each, so you can use my blackjack guide or my poker strategies, which include RNG poker games like video poker and Three Card Poker.
Yes, you can even play live casino games. Instead of betting real money, you’re betting Gold or Sweeps Coins (although some sweeps casinos limit live casino games only to promotional play mode), and you can expect several different variants of blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and game show-style games.
This is a broad category that involves many different types of games, and you’ll find most of them at sweepstakes casinos too.
I’m talking about multiple Crash variants, Mines, Keno, Plinko, Bingo, scratchies, fish shooter games, and more.
Sweeps Cashier: Purchasing & Redeeming
The cashier system at sweepstakes casinos works a bit differently from real money casinos. Purchases usually start at a very low entry point, like $1.99, so it’s easy to buy a small Gold Coin. Also, purchases are optional, so you can play with the free promos without making a purchase.
Redemptions, however, normally require you to reach a minimum threshold, which is often around $50 or more, depending on the site. Also, you’ll need to verify your account before you’re able to request a cash prize redemption.
Here’s a general overview of the most common payment methods you’ll see at sweepstakes casinos in Australia and how they’re typically used.
| Payment Method | Purchases | Redemptions | Average Payout Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa/Mastercard | Yes | Yes | 2-5 business days |
| PayPal | Yes | Yes | 0-48 hours |
| Skrill | Yes | Yes | 0-48 hours |
| Apple Pay | Yes | No | – |
| Google Pay | Yes | No | – |
| Bank Transfer | No | Yes | 2-5 business days |
| Cryptocurrencies | Yes | Yes | 0-24 hours |
| PayID | Yes | Yes | 1-3 business days |
| Gift Cards | No | Yes | Instant |
Note from Australian Gamblers: Always compare the available coin bundles before purchasing. The cheapest option often gives you only Gold Coins with no Sweeps Coins included, so checking the value of each bundle can make a big difference.
Reasons to Play at Sweeps Casinos
Because it’s casino fun for free, and you can get real money rewards?
Truth be told, sweepstakes casinos offer a very different experience from traditional online casinos, and that difference is what makes them appealing. Here are the main reasons players choose to play at sweeps casinos:
- No purchase necessary to get started
- Access to casino games without traditional real money wagering
- Chance to redeem cash prizes
- Frequent bonuses and daily rewards
- Low entry cost if you decide to purchase coin bundles
- Familiar casino games like pokies, table games, and live casino
Downsides to Playing at Sweeps Online Casinos
I genuinely believe that sweepstakes casinos have plenty of advantages, but they’re not perfect for everyone. Based on my experience, these are the main downsides of this model:
- The free promotions usually provide small amounts of Sweeps Coins
- Not every bundle includes Sweeps Coins
- Game availability can vary between sites
- The model can be confusing for new players at first
What to Expect From the Sweeps Casino Market in Australia
Right now, the Australian sweeps casino market is in an early phase, but that’s exactly what makes it interesting. I saw the same pattern before in the US, where a small number of operators ‘tested the waters’ before it quickly turned into a very competitive market once more people learned about it.
I firmly believe that the next phase will almost certainly bring more casinos into the market. When that happens, competition usually improves everything from bigger bonuses and better daily promotions to more (and quicker!) redemption options and more flexible payment methods.
We’ll also likely see larger game libraries, including titles and formats that don’t always show up at Australian online casinos, so we’re in for exciting times.
Now is a good time for Australians to get familiar with how sweepstakes casinos work, see how you like this model, and if growth follows the same direction as the US market, you’ll be in a great position to get a head start.
FAQ
Yes. Sweepstakes casinos operate under a promotional model rather than traditional real-money gambling, which is why they are accessible to Australian players.
Yes, through cash prize redemptions. While you can’t gamble directly with cash, you can redeem prizes when playing with Sweeps Coins. Note that you’ll have to meet the platform’s redemption requirements first, which usually include a 1x playthrough and a minimum redemption threshold.
No. Sweepstakes casinos follow a “no purchase necessary” model, which means that all players can access games and promotions without spending any money. There are different ways to earn coins for free that you can use to play at the site.
They’re both virtual currencies used at sweeps sites. Gold Coins are used for entertainment play and have no cash value, while Sweeps Coins are used for promotional play and can be redeemed for prizes.
Not really. Most sweepstakes casinos offer hundreds of pokies, table games, live dealer titles, and instant-win games, similar to those found at traditional online casinos.
It depends on the platform and payment method, but most sweepstakes casinos process redemptions within a few hours to a few business days once verification is completed.
Disclaimer: Gambling in Australia is strictly for individuals aged 18+. Our editorial team adheres to a strict policy to ensure that our reviews, recommendations, and content remain objective and free from external influence. We strongly encourage responsible gambling at all times. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling addiction, visit the following gambling resources:
- https://responsiblewagering.com.au/
- https://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au/
- https://gamblershelp.com.au/get-help/
