Outside NJ · Explainer · Sweeps / social · 21+
Gold Coins vs Sweeps Coins: How Sweepstakes Casinos Work
Operator documents checked: 2026-09-28 · Page updated: 2026-09-28
General explainer, not legal advice. Rules vary by operator and by state, and operators change them. The operator's current documents always decide.
Short answer
A sweepstakes casino runs two currencies. One is a play-only coin (Gold Coins, or WOW Coins at Wow Vegas) that can't be redeemed for prizes. The other is a sweepstakes coin (Stake Cash, Shuffle Cash, Sweep Coins, Sweeps Cash or SC). The operators give it away free rather than selling it, and once it's won in play and their conditions are met, it can be redeemed for prizes.
Each operator also publishes a free way to get sweepstakes coins, including a mail-in request. These platforms aren't NJ-licensed online casinos, and every sweepstakes operator on this site restricts New Jersey.
The two currencies, operator by operator
Each operator's own documents describe them this way:
| Operator | Play-only currency | Sweepstakes currency | Can you buy the sweepstakes currency? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stake.us | Gold Coins: “no monetary value” (terms) | Stake Cash (terms) | No: “YOU CANNOT PURCHASE STAKE CASH” (terms) |
| Shuffle.US | Gold Coins: “no monetary value” (terms) | Shuffle Cash (sweepstakes rules) | No: “can never be purchased” (sweepstakes rules) |
| RealPrize | Gold Coins, sold in packages (Promotional Play Rules) | Sweep Coins; only Redeemable Sweep Coins can be redeemed (Promotional Play Rules) | No: “Sweep Coins cannot be purchased” (Promotional Play Rules) |
| MyPrize.us | Gold Coins: “do not have any real money value” (Official Rules) | Sweeps Cash (Official Rules) | The rules describe buying Gold Coins only; Sweeps Cash is called “complimentary” (Official Rules) |
| Wow Vegas | WOW Coins: “no real monetary value” (help center) | SC, Sweeps Coins (help center) | “SC cannot be purchased directly” (help center) |
Sources (checked 2026-09-28): Stake.us terms, Shuffle.us terms, Shuffle.us rules, RealPrize rules, MyPrize rules, Wow Vegas help center.
“No purchase necessary” and mail-in entry (AMOE)
The operators say you don't need to buy anything to take part. Stake.us's terms say “NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT IS NECESSARY TO PARTICIPATE OR PLAY THE GAMES”, and MyPrize's Official Rules say “NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN.” Both add that a purchase won't increase your chances of winning. Some operators add free sweepstakes coins to specific Gold Coin packs.
The free route the rules spell out is a written request by post, often called an AMOE (alternative method of entry). The rules are strict about format. Shuffle.us's, RealPrize's and MyPrize's rules all require handwritten details that match your account, one request per envelope, and mailing from the same state as the verified address on your account. The rules also list other free sources, such as daily bonuses and giveaways.
Play-through and redemption minimums
Free sweepstakes coins must be played through before redemption, and some operators set a minimum balance:
| Operator | Free mail-in request (AMOE) | Play-through before redemption | Minimum redemption |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stake.us | 5 free Stake Cash per postcard (terms) | 3 times, except Stake Cash won in play (terms) | Not stated; the terms reserve the right to set one |
| Shuffle.US | 1 Shuffle Cash per Request Card (sweepstakes rules) | At least once, unless the operator says otherwise (sweepstakes rules) | 100 Shuffle Cash / $100 (sweepstakes rules) |
| RealPrize | 1 Sweep Coin per valid request; crediting can take up to 20 days (Promotional Play Rules) | At least once; the operator may require more (Promotional Play Rules) | $100 for cash; $45 for gift cards (Promotional Play Rules) |
| MyPrize.us | 4 Sweeps Cash; one mail-in entry per monthly Sweepstakes Period (Official Rules) | At least once; the operator may require up to 50 times (Official Rules) | No figure stated in the Official Rules text we read |
| Wow Vegas | 3 SC per validated request (help center) | 1x, unless the operator requires otherwise (help center, quoting its SC Game Rules) | Not listed in the help-center pages we could access (the SC Game Rules page asks for a login) |
Expect identity checks before redemption: Shuffle.us's and MyPrize's rules mention photo ID, proof of address and SSN validation. RealPrize's and MyPrize's rules say winners are responsible for their own taxes.
Why sweepstakes offers are separate from NJ licensed casinos
This site keeps sweepstakes platforms in Other offers, apart from the NJ casino guides. NJ-licensed online casinos are real-money sites on the Division of Gaming Enforcement's authorized list (see how to check an NJ casino license). Sweepstakes operators describe themselves differently: Stake.us's terms say “THE PLATFORM AND GAMES DO NOT OFFER REAL MONEY GAMBLING”, and RealPrize's rules say its Sweep Coins Mode Contests “ARE NOT ‘REAL MONEY GAMBLING’”.
New Jersey is restricted by every sweepstakes operator on this site:
- Stake.us: its help center says it is “currently unable to accommodate players from” a list that includes New Jersey (Stake.us help center), and its terms list New Jersey as an excluded territory.
- Shuffle.us: its terms and its sweepstakes rules both list New Jersey as excluded.
- RealPrize: its Promotional Play Rules require that you are “located in the U.S. but not in … NJ” (RealPrize Promotional Play Rules).
- MyPrize.us: its help center marks New Jersey “N” (unavailable) (MyPrize supported states).
- Wow Vegas: its help center lists New Jersey under “Restricted Locations from SC play” (Wow Vegas help center).
Before you rely on any of this
- This site is 21+ only, even where an operator allows 18+.
- Read both the operator's terms and its sweepstakes rules. Their state lists can differ, so go by the strictest one.
- Treat free coins as entertainment, not income. Call 1-800-GAMBLER if play stops being fun.
FAQ
What is the difference between Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins?
Gold Coins (WOW Coins at Wow Vegas) are for play only, and the operators say they cannot be redeemed for prizes. The sweepstakes currency (Stake Cash, Shuffle Cash, Sweep Coins, Sweeps Cash or SC) is given out free and can be redeemed for prizes under each operator's rules.
What does AMOE or mail-in entry mean?
AMOE stands for alternative method of entry: the free route to sweepstakes coins described in each operator's rules, usually a handwritten request sent by post. The amount per request differs by operator.
Can you buy Sweeps Coins?
The operators say no. Stake.us, Shuffle.us and RealPrize say their sweepstakes currency cannot be purchased, and Wow Vegas says SC cannot be purchased directly. Some add free sweepstakes coins to Gold Coin packs.
Are sweepstakes casinos available in New Jersey?
Not the ones on this site. Stake.us, Shuffle.us, RealPrize and MyPrize list New Jersey as restricted or unavailable, and Wow Vegas lists New Jersey under locations restricted from SC play. NJ-licensed online casinos are a separate section of this site.
Related guides
- Sweepstakes no-deposit bonuses (the signup offers)
- Stake.us vs Shuffle.us compared
- Stake.us · Shuffle.US · RealPrize · MyPrize.us · Wow Vegas
- All other offers (not NJ)
- Glossary
- Responsible gaming
- NJ casino guides: licensed NJ options are a separate section, not sweepstakes offers
Responsible gaming
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.