Sweepstakes casinos: iGaming buzzwords for 2024.

Sweepstakes and social casinos have emerged as a force for legal online gambling thanks to the inventive application of sweepstakes laws in an era when digital entertainment and gaming are at their peak.

These casinos use sweepstakes logic to provide games with cash prizes lawfully, especially in areas where traditional gaming may meet regulatory challenges.

Various studies have painted a picture of a huge genre of gaming, worth 鈧?bn in 2021 and expected to grow to $12bn by 2031, with an estimated 85m daily players worldwide of which 60% are in the United States.

LuckyStreak, an established iGaming software provider recognized for its high-quality live casino solutions, advanced content-rich aggregation solution, and cutting-edge, robust and secure gambling technology, is a significant participant in this space.

In late 2023, we developed and introduced seamless support for multiple wallets and virtual currencies like sweepstakes and social casino coins, alongside our existing support for all FIAT currencies and major cryptocurrencies.

LuckyStreak鈥檚 proposition is currency-agnostic, allowing for standardization in our API configuration and integration. I.e. no change for the operator.

Understanding Sweepstakes Casinos

What are Sweepstakes Casinos?

Sweepstakes casinos are online gaming platforms that mirror the casino gaming experience but operate under sweepstakes law, which allows them to offer games legally across many gambling-regulated and restricted jurisdictions, including parts of the United States.

Unlike traditional casinos, where real money betting is mandatory, sweepstakes casinos use virtual currencies. They also allow players to play for free if they wish.

And What Are Social Casinos?

Whilst sweepstakes and social casinos are terms that may be used interchangeably, it鈥檚 worth noting that social casinos are different in that they are purely about fun-play entertainment, using only gold coins (see later) that have no value whatsoever, and do not offer players the chance to win prizes or cash.

How Do Sweepstakes Casinos Work?

At sweepstakes casinos, players purchase virtual coins or tokens (often called gold coins) that can be used to play games. These coins do not hold monetary value and cannot be withdrawn. Some sweepstakes casinos offer players an amount of gold coins (GC) for free upon sign-up.

In addition another virtual coin, sweepstakes or sweeps coins (SC) are often gifted as part of welcome packages, as bonuses for gold coin purchases or as rewards for play, in leaderboard promotions and completing social tasks and sharing their experiences, for instance.

These sweepstakes coins can often be redeemed for real-world prizes or cash, thus making this gaming concept appealing to players favouring social casino experiences, and real-money gaming fans particularly where real-money gambling may be limited.

This helps to bridge the gap between online gaming and gambling, providing a legal alternative that avoids the complexities of gambling regulations.

Winning at Sweepstakes Casinos

Sweepstakes casinos often have very attractive welcome offers, or packages, of gold coins with sweeps coins gifted as bonuses. Players can top-up their balance by purchasing additional GC, and larger purchases are often made more attractive with extra SC.

Sweepstakes casinos are further distinguished from real-money casinos certain phrases are changed in sweepstakes casinos, such as “spin” (replaces “bet”), “coins” (“balance”) and “spin” (“stake”).

Winning at sweepstakes casinos involves accumulating enough SC to redeem for prizes. When a player meets a set threshold of accumulated SCs, they can request a prize, for example a cash, a gift, or merchandise. Similar to how loyalty points are accumulated and redeemed for something of value.

To access funds or winnings as cash, a player must meet several criteria crafted to align with legal requirements, to “redeem” their sweepstake coins. These criteria include ID verification (similar to traditional KYC checks), minimum and maximum SC balance and sometimes wagering requirements on SCs. Redemption rates are advertised on the sites, for instance 1 SC = $1 USD.

Exploring the Popularity of Sweepstakes Casinos

The allure of sweepstakes casinos is fundamentally rooted in their capacity to deliver the thrilling essence of gambling, alongside an often more social and play-for-fun experience, whilst avoiding the stringent legal constraints typical of traditional betting environments. This unique approach democratizes access to casino-style entertainment and significantly broadens its appeal鈥攆rom everyday internet surfers seeking casual fun to serious gamers looking for engaging, risk-mitigated gambling experiences.

As these platforms legally operate under sweepstakes laws, they skillfully combine the excitement of winning real prizes with the safety of a legally-compliant structure, making them especially attractive in regions where conventional gambling is restricted or outright banned.

This model鈥檚 appeal is further enhanced by the social dynamics it encourages. Many sweepstakes casinos are designed to build a sense of community among gamers through interactive elements such as live chats, socially-shared gaming experiences, and collaborative competitions. This community aspect, coupled with the thrilling, risk-free casino gameplay and the legal protections offered by the sweepstakes format, retains existing participants and continuously attracts new users.

Alongside the free-to-play element, which qualifies them under sweepstakes law, these benefits have resulted in some casinos boasting millions of players. This itself helps boost the range and regularity of promotions and the value on offer.

The growing popularity of these platforms is a testament to their ability to meet the diverse needs of a broad audience, providing an accessible, safe, and engaging gaming environment that resonates with a wide demographic.

LuckyStreak鈥檚 Unique Approach to Sweepstakes Casinos

LuckyStreak is at the forefront of sweepstakes casinos, elevating the standard with its advanced software technology that supports sweepstakes and social coins, and virtual currencies. We provide solutions for the dual demands of legal compliance and superior user experience by offering high-definition, real-time streaming and gaming products that captures the essence of engaging and dynamic casino gameplay.

Sweepstakes casino players can enjoy a vivid, immersive experience that rivals traditional casinos, facilitated by state-of-the-art technology that streams every game in crisp, clear high-definition.

How LuckyStreak Supports Sweepstake Casinos and Currencies

Sweepstakes casinos operate on a 鈥渇reemium鈥?model and employ two virtual currency/ coin types. They may have a variety of names but are generally known as gold coins, and sweepstakes (or sweeps) coins:

• Gold coins (GC) are purchased for cash (or equivalent) and have no monetary value. They are great for enjoying the social aspect of an online casino. And obtaining sweepstakes coins!
• Sweepstake coins (SC) cannot be purchased but can be used to win cash, obtained as free bonuses, social promotions, leaderboards, in compliance with 鈥渘o purchase necessary鈥?laws
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With LuckyStreak鈥檚 virtual currency solution, players have two wallets, one for each type of coin, and can switch between playing for fun with GC and playing for cash prizes with SC. This dual-currency system ensures legal compliance as well as introducing the unique play dynamic of sweepstakes casinos.

LuckyStreak鈥檚 live games and aggregated slots are now available to play on sweepstakes casinos. LuckyStreak uses 4-letter currencies (traditional online casinos use 3) to enable sweepstake and social/ virtual coins.

According to LuckyStreak CTO and Co-founder Erez Cywier, 鈥淲e are currently totally agnostic, whether it鈥檚 a FIAT currency, and major cryptocurrency, social casino virtual currency or sweepstake currency. The process is the same, we are a ubiquitous solution in that regard and the level of support and service we can offer any iGaming operator is effectively the same.鈥?/p>

鈥淭he way we developed this solution would make sweepstakes integrations almost identical to the standard integrations with traditional casino operators and/ or platforms.鈥?/p>

LuckyStreak Games For Sweepstakes Casinos

The diversity in gaming options offered by LuckyStreak is another cornerstone of our success as a top-tier sweepstakes software provider. Our array includes everything from classic slots and table games to specialty games, all curated to cater to various player preferences.

Our live casino game softwares offer a high-quality, high-stakes and authentic experience that mirrors the thrilling atmosphere of a real casino. The advance user-interface, players features and controls, and chat options make the games more engaging and help cultivate a loyal player base driven by the exhilarating, communal experiences provided by LuckyStreak鈥檚 casino games and lobby.

LuckyStreak understands the importance of interactivity in modern online and sweepstakes gaming. Features such as live chats enable gamers to communicate with one another and form a feeling of community. And with emojis, players can communicate their moods and feelings. Our games are now built for mobiles first.

Premier sweepstakes software provider LuckyStreak鈥檚 key offers:

• Wide Assortment of Games: Players have access to an extensive portfolio of games, which includes a selection of table games, and over 4000 aggregated RNG slots, instant and table games.
• High-Definition Real-Time Streaming: LuckyStreak prioritizes the visual experience with high-definition streaming, ensuring every game is presented with unparalleled clarity and detail, in 1080p HD.
• Interactive Play: Features like live chats and tournaments help establish and nurture a community of dedicated players. And our slots have innovative, diverse and engaging features and promotions developed by our provider partners.

Future Prospects of Sweepstakes Gaming

The future of sweepstakes gaming is bright, with continuous growth anticipated as more players 鈥?and many casino operators –  seek legal alternatives to traditional online gambling and restrictive regulations.

As technology evolves and more jurisdictions recognize the legality of sweepstakes models, games providers like LuckyStreak are at the forefront of innovation and quality, and will drive growth in player volumes and revenues. The potential for expansion into new markets and the continuous enhancement of gaming technology bodes well for the sustainability and dynamic nature of the sweepstakes casinos.

Expanding Market Opportunities

As sweepstakes laws continue to evolve, we are well-positioned to capitalize on new opportunities. Our currency-agnostic support is designed to meet diverse regulatory requirements, making it easier to enter different markets with minimal adjustments. This adaptability and our established reputation allow us to expand our footprint globally, providing thrilling and compliant gaming experiences to a broader audience.

Embracing New Technologies

Looking ahead, LuckyStreak will evaluate even more advanced technology, such as VR (virtual reality) and AR (augmented reality), for the opportunity to create an even more immersive gaming experience that matches conventional casinos. These technologies will create more engaging and interactive experiences, attracting a younger demographic and providing current players with new ways to enjoy casino games.

LuckyStreak: The Leading Casino Sweepstakes Provider

LuckyStreak鈥檚 casino sweepstake and social currency solutions exemplify our commitment to quality, innovation and the very best player experience.

We recognized the growing need, and moved quickly to design, test and release our virtual currency solution.

鈥渋Gaming is a fast moving, consumer- and technology-led sector, and game developers that don鈥檛 accommodate, anticipate or exploit this will find themselves left behind,鈥?Cywier says. 鈥淭he more agile, progressive and flexible providers will take their place with these emerging businesses and platforms.鈥?/p>

This is no more evidenced than in LuckyStreak’s pioneering partnership with emerging sweepstakes platform Sweepium.

By providing 1080p high-definition streaming of our live blackjack, baccarat and roulette games, a huge variety of feature-rich RNG games and slots, and superior customer interaction through robust community features, we offer a compelling product that meets the needs of today鈥檚 online casino players, both real-money, sweepstakes and social.

With solid security and technology foundations and continuous efforts to push the envelope in gaming experiences, LuckyStreak is not just keeping up with the casino sweepstakes industry but setting the way forward. Whether players seek an engaging way to play or online casino operators seek reliable sweepstakes solutions, LuckyStreak offers an unmatched proposition that promises growth, innovation, and compliance.

For more information about LuckyStreak鈥檚 sweepstakes and social casino solutions please contact LuckyStreak , Head of Marketing, Mark O鈥橠onnell:

• Email: mark@velki365live.com 
• Skype: //join.skype.com/invite/dGmzZxfPSz7q
• Telegram: //t.me/markotel70

For iGaming content suppliers, a new battle is being fought to engage players.

With the array of choice out there, developers now have to think outside the box with their mechanics, themes and storylines, as well as with their bonusing and jackpot structure.

Fruitful Partnerships

New titles, features and variants are a central pillar of game development, but partnerships between companies can also create fresh ideas and move the sector forward.

Now a deal between聽established live casino provider聽LuckyStreak and聽sweepstakes platform solution聽Sweepium is seeing the former offer its games following the launch of new capability to support sweepstakes and sweepstake coins.

LuckyStreak CTO Erez Cywier says “With the launch of Sweepium as a player in the developing iGaming and sweepstake sectors, they were looking for an established live casino provider with high quality games to add to their customer offering, but also one that was able to work with sweepstake currencies – or at least was flexible and adaptable enough to implement this.”

鈥淭he key steps included adding support for non-FIAT/ cryptocurrencies and being able to support any customised currency our customers use on their platforms.鈥?/p>

Cywier says LuckyStreak learned to “rethink the way we viewed the players’ currencies to be somewhat more abstract.鈥?/p>

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Sweepium’s technology which supports all social and sweepstakes requirements, was developed internally over a period of two years. And while the company has introduced itself to the market in the past six months, it already hosts a variety of B2B social brands on its platform.

“Sweepium provides an array of sweepstakes and social models, catering to diverse strategic brand launches” says Daniel Mitton, the company’s Chief Business Development Officer and Co-founder.

“Our platform offers a multitude of commercial models including turnkey self-service and full white label solutions. Furthermore, we boast one of the most extensive and diverse game aggregator APIs in the market.”

Boosting Innovation

New titles can add significantly more engagement potential for operators and suppliers, but Cywier and Mitton believe that the integration between LuckyStreak and Sweepium is an example of why adding new strings to a company’s bow is “crucial” in accommodating all types of customers.

鈥渋Gaming is a fast moving, consumer- and technology-led sector, and game developers that don鈥檛 accommodate, anticipate or exploit this will find themselves left behind,” Cywier says.

“The more agile, progressive and flexible providers will take their place with these emerging businesses and platforms.”

Mitton says “staying pertinent demands ongoing innovation,” adding: “The introduction of new games or features to a portfolio not only ensures a company’s competitiveness but also distinguishes it in a saturated market.

“Sweepstakes and social gaming presents a distinctive gaming experience that can attract a novel player demographic for both B2B providers and operators.”

As for the 2024 ambitions of LuckyStreak and Sweepium, Mitton says the “ease of integration” involved unveils “numerous distinctive opportunities within our partnerships.”

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“The integration procedure closely mirrors that of real-money gambling, allowing the utilization of existing APIs for a smooth integration, as demonstrated in the case of LuckyStreak.

“While certain requirements such as handling product conversion issues like currency and social language need to be addressed, overall, the process is relatively straightforward.”

“The way we developed this solution would make such integrations almost identical to the standard integrations with traditional casino operators and/ or platforms,” LuckyStreak’s Cywier says.

“We are currently totally agnostic, whether it’s a FIAT currency, and major cryptocurrency, social casino virtual currency or sweepstake currency. The process is the same, we are a ubiquitous solution in that regard and the level of support and service we can offer any iGaming operator is effectively the same.”

For Mitton, the social and sweepstakes terrain “offers boundless opportunities” under the model of the deal with LuckyStreak.

While Sweepium’s initial focus is on North America and Asia, “considerable interest has surfaced” from central Europe, South America and Africa, Mitton says.

“The fundamental principle remains that wherever the interest is expressed, both Sweepium and LuckyStreak will adhere to the requirements and make inroads into the respective markets.

“At Sweepium, we aim to broaden our reach in every dimension. This involves establishing partnerships with leading real-money brands for sweepstakes initiatives, focusing on transforming the player bases of brick-and-mortar casinos into digital users, introducing brands in promising new geographical areas and consistently enhancing our technology, products and tools.

“The journey ahead for 2024 is extensive, but it promises to be an exciting adventure for both Sweepium and LuckyStreak.”

How LuckyStreak Supports Sweepstake Casinos and Currencies

Sweepstakes casinos operate on a “freemium” model and employ two virtual currency/ coin types. They may have a variety of names but are generally known as gold coins, and sweepstakes (or sweeps) coins.

Gold coins (GC) are purchased for cash (or equivalent), have no monetary value, and cannot be redeemed for cash, prizes or withdrawn. They are great for enjoying the social aspect of an online casino. And obtaining sweepstakes coins!

Sweepstake coins (SC) cannot be purchased but are used to play games with the potential to win cash. They can be obtained as free bonuses, social promotions, leaderboards, in compliance with “no purchase necessary” laws. They are held until they are in sufficient numbers to be redeemed for cash.

Players have two wallets, one for each type of coin, and can switch between playing for fun with GC and playing for cash prizes with SC. This dual-currency system ensures legal compliance as well as introducing the unique play dynamic of sweepstakes casinos.

LuckyStreak’s live games and aggregated slots are now available to play on sweepstakes casinos. LuckyStreak uses 4-letter currencies (traditional online casinos use 3) to enable sweepstake and social/ virtual coins.

Wider Development Trends

“Sweepstakes are significantly influencing game studios, with some recognising the substantial opportunity they present compared with real-money gambling,” Mitton says.

“As a result, there is a trend of developing games tailored for specific localised regions within the sweepstakes domain. I genuinely anticipate that, in the next nine to 12 months, a broad spectrum of studios and providers will consider the setup of social/ sweepstakes products as a standard and commonplace aspect of their offerings.”.

For more information on LuckyStreak鈥檚 products and services, contact please contact Mark O鈥橠onnell, Head of Marketing:

• Email: hello@velki365live.com
• Skype: //join.skype.com/invite/dGmzZxfPSz7q
• Telegram: //t.me/markotel70

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This interview was originally published in iNTERGAMINGi