Since 2025, several states have introduced statutory bans or legal enforcement targeted at curtailing sweepstakes casinos and the dual-currency model. Sweeps Coins gameplay is usually the target of these crackdowns, while Gold Coins gets a pass.
In response, there has been an uptrend of single-currency sweepstakes casinos, where only Gold Coin play is supported, since operators are able to keep offering their services by adjusting their approach. This article explains why these virtual currencies differ, which operators favor the switch to single currency gaming, and what the new landscape will look like if the trend continues.
The switch from dual-currency to single-currency gameplay allows sweepstakes casinos to continue offering their games without legal risk. With only Gold Coin (GC) play, these sites effectively become standard social casinos where players can make optional in-app GC purchases and enjoy all the entertainment of games but with no prize rewards.
Several brands have already pivoted to this model. Zula was one of the first to pull Sweeps Coins from several states (incluidng Connecticut, Montana, and New Jersey) back in 2025 in a preemptive move to proposed bills. Similarly, other Blazesoft brands like Sportzino and Fortune Coins have favored removing SC play and retaining GC operations.
Brands like Pulsz and Modo.us are also among those transitioning to proper social casinos in states where Sweeps Coin games are no longer allowed or are currently facing heavy scrutiny. VGW sites have also phased out Sweeps Coins in states like New Jersey, Mississippi, California, and others, leaving only fun play access.
Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins are two distinct virtual currencies within the sweepstakes model. Gold Coins are for playing games only and have no redeemable value. These virtual coins can also be bought at sweepstakes sites for players who choose to. Sweeps Coins, on the other hand, allow real money prize redemptions. They can’t be bought, but are only given as free bonuses.
The longstanding argument in support of sweepstakes casinos is that since Sweeps Coins, the redeemable currency, cannot be bought, there’s no direct consideration for receiving real prizes. Hence, sweepstakes gaming is not gambling but prize promotions. Prior to 2025, this argument held up across the country. There were no precise laws in place, so sweeps casinos operated legally within a gray area.
The recent wave of anti-sweeps laws rejects the argument, insisting that dual currency sites that offer any real money prizes are illegal. But since Gold Coins are only for fun play and no real prizes can come out of them, sites with Gold Coin-only access do not fall under that umbrella.
Some brands favor a full exit rather than adjusting their operations to comply with changing laws. Stake.us is one of the most prominent examples, often choosing to pull out completely and take its business elsewhere. The site currently has 21 prohibited states listed under its terms of service. McLuck and B-Two Operations sister casinos also favor closing up shop rather than hanging around in banned states. Players at such sites will have to look for alternative social casinos instead.
About 12 states have outrightly banned sweepstakes casinos, and the landscape will likely keep changing as more regulators continue to scrutinize the model. Operators sometimes choose a full exclusion from banned states, meaning you can’t play either Sweeps Coin games or Gold Coin games. But there’s a growing number of instances where brands choose to remove the legal risk (being SC) and retain their operations in only fun play mode. In a market becoming increasingly hostile to sweeps casinos, this shift to GC-only play could be the next big evolution rather than a temporary workaround.
Recently we’ve seen a rise in other alternative sweepstakes solutions too, including Mystery Box or Card Battle sites, subscription-based sites and skill games sites, all aimed at navigating regulatory restrictions. Fortunately, our team at Sweeptastic.com stays up to speed with sweepstakes laws and industry developments to bring you the latest info about how the market is evolving. Additionally, if you’d like to try a dual-currency or single-currency social casino, take a look at the banners featured in this article.
