Stakester's Take

Online casino slots are widely regarded as the most popular iGaming attraction for their fast-paced and unpredictable nature. 

Under the federal sweepstakes contest laws applicable across most of the USA, slots can be played using the gameplay currencies available at all sweepstakes casinos. These are widely known as Gold Coins (GC), although many casinos have their own brand names for these. For instance, WOW Coins at WOW Vegas Casino.

Unlike at real money casinos, however, players cannot win the same currency back. Winnings from slot gameplay at sweepstakes casinos are awarded as Sweep Coins (or other branded alternatives), which can be compiled and then used to redeem cash prizes.

Online Casino Slot Overview

Casino slots are the most recognisable game type at any online or brick-and-mortar casino. Most commonly appearing in the form of a set number of symbols on reels, which players spin in the hopes of finding a certain symbol combination. 

To play:

• Players choose a bet amount (which will affect how much a possible win could amount to.
• Press a button to spin the reels.
• Then look for a win based on the slot's specific rule and paytable.

Why Are They So Popular?

Online slots are so popular because they are easy to play, require no special skills, and offer a variety of themes and features.

Key Features 

There are several factors that are unique to many different types of slot games. The most impactful key features to look out for when choosing a slot are as follows:

• Reels (usually 3 or 5)

• Paylines (number of ways to win)

• Bet amount selection

• Spin button

• Symbols (regular and special)

• Wild symbols (substitute for others)

• Scatter symbols (trigger bonuses)

• Free spins (bonus rounds)

• Payouts (winning combinations)

Volatility and RTP

These factors together affect what kind of gameplay you'll experience at a slot. Some players prefer a more fast-paced, small-win laden session, while others prefer longer sessions that put you in with a chance to win big.

For players to figure out which they prefer and then, in turn, which slots provide that experience, they need to consider two concepts. RTP and Volatility.

Return to Player (RTP) is a precise percentage estimate of how much a player should expect to be paid back over a significant period of time.

For example, a slot with a 96% RTP will, on average, return $96 for every $100 wagered, calculated over many thousands of spins.

Volatility is a measurement of the risk level of a slot game. Measuring how often the game pays out. 

• Low volatility slots pay out small wins but very frequently, making them ideal for longer play sessions.

• High volatility slots pay out far larger wins, but rarely. This means you might experience long losing streaks but have the chance for big payouts if you do win.

• Medium volatility slots balance both, giving a mix of frequent smaller wins and occasional bigger payouts. - This is the most balanced choice.

But Are They Fair?

Slot Game Variations

Slots are probably the most varied type of casino game. With so many different themes, mechanics, and graphics, variety is the order of the day here. Here's a quick look at the most common types of online casino slots.

Stakester's Top Tips

Here are some of our top tips to get the most out of slots at Sweepstakes casinos in the USA:

1. Claim every free bonus: There are opportunities to claim free coins at every sweepstake casino on the market today. These can extend your playtime, allow you to increase your bet sizes, and increase your chances of winning overall.
2. When applicable, use Gold Coins (GC) to practice and save sweeps coins (SC) for real prizes.
3. Manage your bankroll and bet size: if you stick to a low-stakes slot, you can maximise the number of spins per SC. This gives you a better chance to win and helps you find games with better hit rates.
4. Make sure you understand how the paylines, RTP, and Volatility, as well as how any other slot features function, before you start playing. Every spin counts!
5. Look for promotions such as leaderboards, races, and tournaments: these will let you play certain slots and win even more rewards when your gameplay is factored in against the rest of the casino's players.

Expert Tip: Don’t chase losses—if a slot is draining your balance, move on to another game.

Redemption Mechanics

Federal sweepstakes contest laws stipulate that they should offer a dual currency system. That's Gold Coins for fun and Sweeps Coins for redeeming real prizes. 

Gold coins can be bought, but Sweeps Coins, to the level of reward, must, for the most part, be earned through gameplay wins. 

To play for real money prizes, you must use Sweeps Coins and meet any playthrough and minimum redemption requirements before cashing out.

So, for slots specifically, you can switch modes to either play with GC or SC. Depending on the casino's rules, either mode could grant you winnings in SC. What players should look out for is that the winnings are set to be distributed as SC or to return any winnings in GC to your account.

Where Can I Play Sweepstakes Casino Slots?

In most states across the USA, you can play slots at sweepstakes casinos under the federal sweepstakes contest laws; however, there are some state-specific exceptions. These are notably growing and unfortunately include:

• Montana: The first state to pass a comprehensive sweepstakes casino ban, effective October 1, 2025. The law broadly targets any online gambling platform using virtual currencies, including the dual-currency model common to sweepstakes casinos.

• Connecticut: Banned online sweepstakes casinos in June 2025. The law criminalizes offering or promoting sweepstakes using simulated gambling devices and sweepstakes tied to online casinos and sports wagering.

• New York: A ban bill has passed the legislature and is awaiting the governor’s signature. The Attorney General has already shut down most sweepstakes casino operations in the state.

• New Jersey: The legislature passed a ban on sweepstakes casinos (A5447); it is awaiting the governor’s signature. If signed, the ban will take immediate effect.

• Nevada: Passed legislation strengthening enforcement against unlicensed gambling, including sweepstakes casinos. While not an explicit ban, the law gives regulators broad authority to target sweepstakes-style platforms.

• Louisiana: The legislature approved a ban (SB181), which is awaiting the governor’s signature. The bill includes strong enforcement measures and penalties.

• Arizona and Alabama: Both states have issued cease-and-desist orders and are actively pursuing enforcement actions against sweepstakes casino operators.

• Idaho and Washington: Existing laws already prohibit sweepstakes-style online gambling.

For states where sweepstakes remain legal, you can always check Stakester's comprehensive sweepstakes directory for all the offers and casinos available.