Sweepstakes Glossary
From launching a new sweepstakes casino platform to testing the waters, evaluating legal risks, or just trying to understand how these systems work, it’s essential to understand the key terminologies of the niche.
TRUEiGTECH has compiled a glossary built to help you get familiar with the key terms of sweepstakes casino. We have compiled key terms that every operator, investor, regulator, and player should know in the world of sweepstakes casinos.
Whether you are working with a platform provider like TRUEiGTECH or planning to build your own solution, this glossary will help you understand the industry language that matters.
How are Sweepstakes Casinos Different from Traditional Online Casinos?
A sweepstakes casino is different from a real-money casino. Both operate on a different legal model even though the structure is the same. But this legal difference creates a lot of diversification technically and operationally.
| Traditional Casino | Sweepstakes Casino |
| Players deposit real money and wager it directly on games. | Players use virtual currencies (e.g., Gold Coins, Sweeps Coins) that simulate gameplay. |
| Requires a gambling license in most jurisdictions. | Often operates under sweepstakes laws, which vary by state in the USA. |
| All winnings are paid in real money, transferred to the player’s pre-verified account. | All winnings are paid in terms of rewards redeemed through the platform after verification. |
Sweepstakes Casino Glossary - All Key Terms to Know
A | |
| Admin Panel (Back Office) | It’s the control center for operators and providers to manage users, rewards, game configurations, profits, customizations, lobby, and all kinds of data. Admin panel is essential for real-time platform management. |
| Age Verification | Legal requirements and processes to ensure players meet the legal age requirement, which is between 18 and 21 years, at a minimum, depending on the jurisdiction. Age verification is done via ID checks or third-party tools to stay compliant. |
| Affiliate Program | A dedicated program for referral systems where marketers earn commissions for bringing in new players. The marketer’s earnings depend on the guidelines and rules set in the Affiliate program. |
| Anti-Money Laundering (AML) | A dedicated system to help detect and prevent financial crimes through suspicious transactions. Today, AML systems are becoming more relevant in the sweepstakes ecosystem. |
| Autoplay / Auto-Spin | An in-game feature allowing users to automate gameplay for multiple rounds. Players can set the auto-play or auto-spin limit for better convenience. |
| Alternate Method of Entry (AMOE) | AMOE is a legally compliant and, more importantly, a required method for sweepstakes casinos to let users obtain free Sweep coins. |
B | |
| Back Office | Refer to Admin Panel. |
| Bonus Rounds | These are interactive in-game elements that reward players with free spins, multipliers, or mini-games. The Bonus elements add to the overall gameplay fun and excitement while keeping players engaged. |
| Bonus Coins | Additional virtual currency players can acquire in the form of Gold or Sweep Coins. Generally, they are awarded through bonus rounds, tasks, and promotions. |
| Buy-in | The amount of virtual currency required by players to sign in, enter, and play a specific game. |
C | |
| Cash Prize Redemption | This refers to the process of converting redeemable Sweep coins into cash or prizes. Sweepstakes casinos ensure to make this process smooth to enhance the player experience. |
| Casino Style Games | Games that resemble casino games, including Slots, Blackjack, and Roulette. These games are usually modelled after real casino games, but without the real money involved. |
| Chargeback Protection | A safeguard system has been put in place to prevent abuse of the refund system. This is essential to maintain the casino’s financial stability and control losses. |
| Chance to Win Mechanics | This is the core mechanism for sweepstake casinos, where the outcomes rely purely on chance and not on skill or purchasing anything. |
| Class Action Risk | Refers to the legal exposure Sweepstakes casinos can face if they violate the set norms, rules, and when users sue them for misleading terms. |
| Coin Package | A bundle of coin packages of Gold and Sweep Coins that users can purchase from the Sweepstakes Casinos using different payment options. |
| Coin Value | The equivalent amount of real value coins or a virtual coin is often referred to during gameplay, conversion, and redeeming coins. |
| Converted | A synonym used for Redeem in the casino industry, this refers to the exchange of sweep coins in sweepstakes casinos for real-world prizes and rewards. |
| Compliance | Compliance is an umbrella term used to denote the rules and regulations sweepstakes casinos must follow to stay legally operational. |
| COPPA | Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act is a US-based law restricting data collection from users under the age of 13. |
D | |
| Daily Login Rewards | The regular incentives for users require they need to login and play the games for a longer duration. This can be anything from free spins to bonus coins. |
| Demo Play | The users can play the games in demo mode without using any sweep or gold coins. Used to introduce new games or ignite the player’s interest. |
E | |
| Enter | In Sweepstakes casinos, Enter is used in place of spin or play. This is equivalent to betting, gambling, or wagering on making a sweepstakes entry. |
| Entry Method | Refers to the way users can enter the Sweepstakes casino and start playing games, and enter conquests. Entry methods can include purchasing coin packages or using AMOE. |
| Engagement Mechanics | An umbrella term for different in-game elements like Streak bonuses, Missions, and Timed Events. These are designed to ensure player retention and increase session length. |
F | |
| Fair Play | A technical concept ensuring all games operate without any bias. It ensures the RNG and RTP metrics support the platform’s transparency, further increasing user trust. |
| Free Coins | Complimentary gold and sweep coins are shared in the form of bonuses and promotional campaigns. |
| Free spins | The additional spins players receive and can use without any extra charge. Players earn free spins through bonuses and in-game features. |
| Free Sweep Coins | The zero-cost coins players can receive without paying anything. Free sweep coins are provided through promotions, AMOE, or as redeemable prizes. |
| Free to Play Casino Mode | The ability of players to play games using Gold coins and stake no real money prizes. |
G | |
| Game Aggregator | A service provider partners with different game providers and delivers integration services of games to sweepstakes casinos. Aggregators integrate multiple games into the sweepstakes casino’s backend. |
| Game Credits | A general term used for virtual currency that players can utilize to play games, including Gold and Sweep coins. |
| Geo Verification | A process used to confirm the user’s location and ensure compliance with the local laws. Geo verification blocks access to players trying to log in from restricted states. |
| Gold Coins | These are non-redeemable virtual coins used in sweepstakes casinos for gameplay. These are paired with Sweep coins and in dual wallet models. |
I | |
| Instant Win | An interactive feature in sweepstakes casinos is executed as a promotional element, providing immediate results and rewards similar to scratch cards. |
| In-Game Wallet | Wallets show users’ coin balances, bonuses, and transaction history as they are crucial for player experience. |
J | |
| Jackpot | A large prize pool that players can win through randomized outcomes, similar to traditional slots but tied to sweepstakes laws. |
K | |
| Know your Customer (KYC) | A regulatory requirement is needed for identity checks and verification. KYC procedures are mandatory for users’ identity verification, withdrawals, and large coin purchases. |
L | |
| Leaderboard | An interactive element added to sweepstakes casinos to display top players based on performance or spend. It promotes friendly competition, adding to the community value. |
| Licensing | Some states in the USA obtain special sweepstakes casino licensing and share legal disclosures. Licensing is a part of the compliance of sweepstakes casinos. |
| Loyalty Program | A structured system within casinos rewards players for consistent play, higher session times, and referring new players. These programs encourage longer retention and higher spending. |
M | |
| Microtransactions | Small purchases of virtual currency or features are representative of the key monetization aspects in free-to-play models. |
| Multiplier | Multiplier includes strategies like coin sales, premium features, and advertising used to generate revenue legally. |
N | |
| No Deposit Bonus | Promotional bonuses are given to the users without requiring them to make a purchase. Usually implemented for new signups and attracting new users. |
| No Purchase Necessary | A legal clause central to the US Sweepstakes casino systems mandates that users can participate without payment. |
P | |
| Paylines | The patterns on a slot machine or sweepstakes game that determine winning combinations. More paylines usually mean more chances to win. |
| Payment Gateway | A secure system that processes online payments between players and the sweepstakes casino, supporting methods like cards, e-wallets, and crypto. |
| Payout Rates | The percentage of total wagers a game returns to players over time is often referred to as Return to Player (RTP). |
| Play | Refers to the player engagement in a sweepstakes casino game, whether they are playing for free, bonus credits, or through purchased packages. |
| Player Account Management (PAM) | The backend system in a sweepstakes casino handles player profiles, balances, gameplay history, and responsible gaming settings. |
| Play for Fun | A distinct gameplay mode allowing users to try games without wagering real money or sweepstakes entries. |
| Prize Draw | A random selection process that awards prizes to eligible participants, commonly used in sweepstakes formats. |
| Promo Codes | Refers to the special codes players can enter to unlock bonuses, extra entries, or free credits. These promo codes are also seasonal, offering players a chance to engage more frequently. |
| Promotional Purchase | This is when players are motivated to buy a product or package that comes with bonus sweepstakes entries as part of a marketing offer. |
| Promotional Sweepstakes | A sweepstakes campaign is run as part of a promotion to attract new players or reward existing ones. |
R | |
| Random Number Generator (RNG) | The algorithm integrated into sweepstakes casinos ensures game results are unpredictable and fair. |
| Redeem | It refers to the process of exchanging Sweep Coins in exchange for real or cash prizes set differently for every Sweepstakes casino. |
| Referral Bonus | An additional bonus is offered to existing players for bringing in more players to the Sweepstakes casino. |
| Regulatory Compliance | Ensures the Sweepstakes casino is following all applicable laws regarding sweepstakes, data, and payment practices. |
| Reload Bonus | Another type of bonus is offered to players when they purchase coin packages. Reload bonuses can also be configured according to different settings. |
| Responsible Gambling | The tools, resources, limits, and practices are used by Sweepstakes Casinos to promote and implement safe and controlled gameplay. |
| Return to Player (RTP) | The percentage of returns players can get back from staking coins in a game. If the RTP is 95%, it means players will get $95 if they stake $100 in the game. |
S | |
| Scatter Symbol | A special slot symbol added in sweepstakes casino format to trigger bonus features, free spins, or multipliers regardless of where it appears on the reels. |
| Session Tracking | The process of monitoring a player’s gameplay activity, duration, and spending habits for security, compliance, or personalization. |
| Slots | A popular type of sweepstakes casino game where players spin reels that stop on different or similar symbols, aiming to match combinations for payouts or bonuses. |
| Social Casino | A free-to-play online casino platform where users play for entertainment using virtual currency, not real money. |
| Social Play | Represents the mechanism where players engage with casino-style games through social features like friend lists, leaderboards, and multiplayer tournaments. |
| Spin to Win | A promotional or game mechanic where spinning a virtual wheel can award prizes, bonuses, or in-game currency. |
| Sweepstakes | At the basic level, sweepstakes are a promotional contest where winners are chosen at random, often requiring no purchase for participation. |
| Sweep Coins | A virtual currency used in sweepstakes casinos that can be redeemed for cash prizes or gift cards when won. |
| Sweepstakes Laws | The regulations governing sweepstakes promotions vary by jurisdiction and determine legal compliance requirements. |
| Sweepstakes Promotions | Often used by casino operators and marketing teams, these are campaigns that use sweepstakes-style mechanics to attract and engage players, often tied to bonuses or events. |
T | |
| Third-Party Game Integration | Refers to the process of connecting sweepstakes platforms with external game providers so operators can offer a larger variety of games without developing them in-house. |
| Transaction History | Shows a detailed record of the sweepstake casino player’s deposits, redemptions, winnings, and gameplay activity for tracking and compliance purposes. |
| Turnkey Sweepstakes Software | A ready-to-launch software solution that includes all necessary features for running a sweepstakes casino, minimizing development time. |
V | |
| Verification | An important and compliance-related process of confirming a player’s identity and eligibility to comply with legal age and location requirements through 3rd-party tools. |
| Verification Hold | A temporary freeze on withdrawals or account activity until a player’s identity and documents are successfully verified from the backend. |
| Virtual Currency | Digital coins or credits are used for gameplay within sweepstakes casinos, which may be redeemable for prizes depending on the promotion. |
| VIP Program | A specially curated rewards system offering exclusive benefits, bonuses, and privileges to frequent or high-value players. |
| VIP Tiers | Provides access to levels within a VIP program, where higher tiers unlock better perks, rewards, and personalized services. VIP tiers are customizable according to your requirements. |
W | |
| Wager Requirement | The minimum number of times bonus credits or winnings must be accumulated by the players through legitimate gameplay before they can be redeemed for prizes. |
| Welcome Bonus | A special introductory incentive given to new players, often in the form of bonus coins, free spins, or sweep coins, to encourage sign-ups. |
| White Label Sweepstakes Platform | Refers to a pre-built sweepstakes casino solution with the options to brand with the operator’s own identity, allowing quick market entry. |
| Wild Symbol | A special slot game symbol that substitutes for other symbols to help form winning combinations. |
| Withdrawal Limit | The maximum amount a player can redeem within a set time frame, such as daily or weekly. |
| Withdrawal Process | The procedure a player follows to redeem sweep coins or winnings, including verification and payout methods. |
Common Abbreviations Used in Sweepstakes Casinos
| Abbreviation | Expanded Form and Meaning |
| SC | Sweep Coins: A type of virtual currency used in sweepstakes-style games that can be exchanged for real-world rewards. |
| GC | Gold Coins: A virtual currency meant for free-play games, where winnings cannot be redeemed for cash or real prizes. |
| AMOE | Alternate Method of Entry: A legally approved way to participate in sweepstakes without making a purchase, such as by sending a mail-in entry. |
| RTP | Return to Player: Represents the percentage of an average amount a sweepstakes casino game returns to players over multiple plays. |
| RNG | Random Number Generator: A technically advanced system producing unpredictable results to ensure games remain fair and unbiased. |
FAQ's
The official rules of Sweepstakes include ensuring eligibility, entry methods, deadlines, prizes, spin limits, bonus limits, how winners are selected, and any legal requirements. The rules might differ depending on the jurisdiction.
Another way to say sweepstakes is giveaways, prize draws, and promotional draws. But the term sweepstakes casino is unique, even though the process of how it works might be the same as giveaways.
These are the valid submissions a person makes to take part in a sweepstakes, whether through purchase, free entry, or another allowed method.
A contest, simply put, is based on skill or merit, as in this, the player has to perform or create something to win. On the other hand, a sweepstake is purely luck-based, where everyone has the same chance of winning.
Raffles usually require buying a ticket and are often regulated differently, sometimes falling under gambling laws. But if we talk about sweepstakes, these platforms have a free entry option to stay compliant.
Winners in sweepstakes casinos are chosen at random using software integrated with advanced mechanisms like RNG that ensure complete fairness, randomness, and transparency.
Consideration is something of value that sweepstakes casino players must give to enter and play. In these casinos, consideration isn’t money, but it can complete some tasks, devote their time, and have more options.
To run a sweepstakes casino successfully, you need to build a sweepstakes casino platform or get one from a vendor like TRUEiGTECH, choose appealing prizes, and promote it through the right channels.
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