Why the model looks like this

A sweepstakes casino holds no gambling licence in any state. It runs under promotional law, the framework covering prize draws and competitions, where the governing rule is that entry cannot be conditional on payment. Everything downstream of that rule exists to satisfy it.

Because entry has to be free, the operator cannot sell a chance to win. It sells Gold Coins, an entertainment currency with no cash value, and attaches the promotional currency as a bonus. The bonus is the half that pays.

The lobby currency

Gold Coins arrive in vast quantities because issuing them costs almost nothing and they exist to keep the games running. Play anything with them, win more, lose the lot and ask for more. What cannot happen at any brand is conversion into money. When a banner leads with six figures, it is leading with gold.

The currency that pays

The second currency, usually Sweeps Coins, is the product. It arrives with coin purchases, as daily drops, or by free post. Staked the required number of times it becomes redeemable for cash, gift cards or prizes depending on the operator.

That is why our table puts the redeemable figure first. A package of 250,000 GC plus 25 SC is a 25 SC offer.

Play-through without the jargon

The promotional balance arrives locked and the play-through multiple sets how much staking releases it. One-times on 50 SC means 50 SC of stakes in total, counted by stakes rather than results, so wins and losses simply move you along.

Two-times doubles the distance and gives the house edge a second full run at the balance. It predicts whether a balance reaches the cashier better than any other figure we record.

Filing for a payout

Cleared and above the operator minimum, the balance can be filed. The first filing triggers identity verification, meaning a photo document and proof of address, adding a day or two once and never again. After that the only variable is the cashier.

Our figures measure a verified, filed request through to money landing, taken three times per brand and published as the middle result.