About Us
Who We Are and What We Do
Sweepstakes at herstoria.com is an independent comparison site focused on new sweepstakes casinos and social casinos operating in the United States. We research, review and rank platforms that use the promotional sweepstakes model — the dual-currency system where Gold Coins power free-play entertainment and Sweepstakes Coins open the door to prize redemption — so that readers can make informed decisions before they register anywhere.
Our editorial team does not work for any of the platforms we cover. We are not a casino, we do not take deposits, and we do not host any games. What we do is read the terms carefully, assess welcome offers against their conditions, examine game libraries, check redemption processes, and weigh all of that against what US players actually need to know.
Why Sweepstakes Casinos, and Why Now
Millions of adults in the US live in states where licensed real-money online casino gambling is unavailable. Sweepstakes casinos exist in a separate legal category: they operate under a promotional sweepstakes model, meaning participation generally does not require a purchase. A free alternative method of entry (AMOE) — typically a mail-in request — is available at legitimate platforms, which distinguishes them from traditional gambling under US law.
That legal distinction matters, but it is also one of the most misunderstood things about this space. Sweepstakes casinos are not the same as licensed online casinos. They differ in their legal framework, the way winnings are structured, consumer protections, and the obligations they carry. We explain those differences plainly rather than glossing over them.
The market is also growing quickly. New platforms launch regularly, welcome bonuses change, and state-level rules shift. Our focus on new sweepstakes casinos reflects that pace — we aim to cover recently launched or recently updated platforms so readers are not working from outdated information.
How We Research and Rank Platforms
Every platform that appears on this site has been reviewed against the same criteria. Commercial relationships do not determine position — a site cannot buy a higher ranking. Our editorial ratings reflect our independent assessment of each platform across the factors below.
- Welcome offer value and conditions — the headline bonus alongside the terms that actually govern it, including any purchase requirements, coin ratios and redemption restrictions.
- Game library breadth — the range of slots, table games and live-dealer options available, and whether the selection is genuinely varied or thin.
- Sweepstakes Coin mechanics — how SC are earned, the minimum redemption threshold, supported redemption methods and any verification requirements.
- Daily rewards and ongoing promotions — login bonuses, loyalty programmes, tournaments and seasonal events that give players reasons to return.
- State availability and eligibility — which states the platform serves, which are excluded, and whether age requirements are clearly stated.
- Responsible play resources — whether the platform offers tools and signposting for players who want to manage their activity.
We review each platform through primary research: reading terms and conditions, examining the published game catalogue, reviewing redemption and payment documentation, and checking state eligibility lists. We do not claim to have deposited, played or withdrawn on any platform — those would be testing claims we cannot support. Where information is unclear or unverified, we say so rather than filling the gap with an assumption.
The Platforms We Currently Cover
Our current rankings include ten platforms, rated on the 0–10 editorial scale described above. The highest-rated options in our current list are summarised below to give a sense of what we cover and how we differentiate them.
Spinblitz
Spinblitz carries our highest editorial rating at 10.0, reflecting a strong overall package across offer structure, game range and platform experience. Its current welcome promotion centres on 100 Million Gold Coins tied to the Blitz Jackpot mechanic — a format that distinguishes it from the standard deposit-match or flat-coin bundle approaches used by most competitors. The sheer volume of Gold Coins in the headline offer is eye-catching, but readers should review the full terms before treating GC totals as a direct measure of value, since Gold Coins are a free-play currency and cannot themselves be redeemed for prizes. Sweepstakes Coins, which are the redeemable currency, operate under separate terms.
One genuine limitation: A very high GC headline figure can obscure the SC component, which is what actually matters for prize redemption. Verify how SC are awarded alongside the GC bundle before deciding.
MegaBonanza
MegaBonanza sits at 9.9 in our editorial rankings. Its welcome offer — 303 Free SC plus 600,000 GC — stands out for leading with a meaningful Sweepstakes Coin figure rather than burying SC behind a large GC headline. For players whose primary interest is prize redemption, a front-loaded SC allocation is a practical advantage. The platform's ongoing promotion structure and game selection contributed to its near-top rating.
One genuine limitation: As a newer platform, its track record on redemption processing and customer support response times is shorter than some more established competitors. Readers should check current user feedback and review the redemption terms carefully.
Lone Star
Lone Star earns a 9.8 editorial rating and offers a welcome package of up to 500,000 GC and 105 Free SC. The 105 SC component is one of the more substantial free SC allocations at sign-up among the platforms we cover, making it particularly relevant for players who want to explore prize redemption without an initial purchase. The platform is notable for its regional identity, which may appeal to players looking for something distinct from generic casino-style branding.
One genuine limitation: State availability should be confirmed before registering — sweepstakes platforms vary in which states they serve, and Lone Star is no exception. Check the platform's current eligibility list directly.
Free Spins
Free Spins holds a 9.7 editorial rating. Its welcome package — 950,000 GC, 75 SC and 20 Free Spins on Gorilla Slot — combines three distinct components, which gives players a taste of the slot experience alongside the standard coin allocation. The Free Spins element is relatively uncommon at sign-up among sweepstakes platforms and may appeal to slot-focused players who want immediate game access without spending their SC balance.
One genuine limitation: Free Spins tied to a single named slot mean the promotional value depends on whether that game suits the player's preferences. If the designated slot is not to your taste, that portion of the welcome offer is less useful.
SplashCoins
SplashCoins carries a 9.6 rating. Its 200% Welcome Offer uses a percentage-match structure, which scales with the first purchase rather than offering a flat bundle. This format rewards players who opt to make an initial coin purchase, but it also means the offer's headline value is conditional on spending. The free entry route via AMOE remains available — no purchase is required to participate in sweepstakes play.
One genuine limitation: Percentage-match offers require a purchase to unlock their full value. Players who prefer to participate exclusively through the free AMOE route will receive a different, typically smaller, SC allocation at sign-up.
How the Sweepstakes Model Works
Every platform we cover uses a dual-currency system. Understanding it is essential before engaging with any welcome offer or redemption process.
| Currency type | Common name | What it does | Can it be redeemed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free-play currency | Gold Coins (GC) | Used to play games for entertainment; no prize value | No |
| Sweepstakes currency | Sweepstakes Coins (SC) | Used to play sweepstakes-mode games; eligible for prize redemption if terms are met | Yes, subject to conditions |
Sweepstakes Coins can generally be redeemed for prizes — typically cash equivalents or gift cards — once a minimum threshold is met and identity has been verified. Most platforms require a government-issued photo ID and matching personal details before processing any redemption. Processing times and supported redemption methods (ACH bank transfer, online payment services, gift cards) vary by platform and are covered in our individual reviews.
Prize redemptions may be taxable under federal and state rules. Players are responsible for understanding their own tax obligations, and keeping records of SC earned and redeemed is advisable. We recommend consulting official guidance or a tax professional if you are unsure.
Legal Standing and Who Can Participate
Sweepstakes casinos operate under US promotional sweepstakes law rather than state gambling law, which is why they are available in many states where licensed online casinos are not. However, they are not legal everywhere. Some states restrict or prohibit sweepstakes gaming, and individual operators also choose which states they serve based on their own legal assessment. That list changes as laws evolve.
Before registering on any platform, readers should:
- Check the platform's current list of eligible and excluded states.
- Confirm the minimum age requirement — most platforms require players to be at least 18, but some set the threshold at 21 in certain states or across all states.
- Review the platform's terms of service, particularly the sections covering SC redemption, identity verification and responsible play.
We do not provide legal advice and cannot confirm that any specific platform is available to you. State laws change frequently, and the reader's own verification is always the final step.
Responsible Play
Sweepstakes casino platforms are designed as entertainment products, but they involve chance-based games, and some players may find the format hard to manage. No outcome is guaranteed. We encourage readers to treat any SC redemption as a possibility, not an expectation, and to set time and spend limits before playing.
Our responsible gambling resources cover the practical tools available — self-exclusion, deposit limits, time controls — and signpost organisations that offer support. We take this seriously and do not treat it as a footnote.
Commercial Disclosure
herstoria.com may earn a commission if a reader registers with one of the platforms we link to. That commercial relationship does not influence our editorial ratings or the order in which platforms are ranked. Our assessments are based on the research criteria described above. We identify commissioned relationships transparently, and no operator can purchase a higher position on our site.
Get in Touch
If you have a question about one of our reviews, want to report a factual error, or have feedback on the site, we welcome it. Accurate, up-to-date information is the point of what we do, and reader input helps us keep it that way.
You can reach us via our contact page. You can also review our terms and conditions for full details on how this site operates.