Sweepstakes poker
Online poker played under sweepstakes law rather than gambling law, the model used by ClubWPT Gold in the United States and Canada. Players use a free play currency (Gold Coins) and a promotional currency (Sweeps Coins) that is obtained free and can be redeemed for prizes; because no purchase is necessary, it is lawful in most states that have no regulated online poker.
Frequently asked questions
What is sweepstakes poker?
A model using two separate currencies: one bought for play with no prize value, and a promotional one obtained free — with purchases, by post, or through giveaways — that can be played for prizes and redeemed. The claim is that no purchase is required to win, so the activity is a sweepstakes rather than gambling.
Is sweepstakes poker legal?
It operates outside the gambling licensing regimes, relying on sweepstakes law instead, and its treatment varies by jurisdiction — several US states have moved against operators or excluded them. This is general information, not legal advice; the position where you live is what matters.
How does it differ from a licensed poker room?
Consumer protection. A licensed room is supervised by a gambling regulator with rules on segregated funds, responsible gambling and dispute resolution; a sweepstakes site is not. The games may look identical — the recourse if something goes wrong is not.