Sweepstakes casino apps

A sweepstakes casino app is an operator’s own app for iPhone or Android. Some operators offer one, while others run a mobile website that works in your phone’s browser instead. Either way, you play with the same kind of Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins, under the same operator rules. What differs is how you install it, what it can include and how it behaves on your phone.

Native app or mobile site: what’s the difference?

A native app is downloaded from Apple’s App Store or Google Play. A mobile site runs in Safari, Chrome or another browser, with nothing to install. Most phone browsers can also add a site to your home screen, so it opens much like an app.

Neither option suits everyone. If an operator offers both, compare what each includes before you choose. Our list of sweepstakes casinos and guide on how to choose a sweepstakes casino can help you compare sites.

Should you use the app or the mobile site?

It comes down to what you need and what each version includes:

• The mobile site may suit you if you’d rather not install anything, you play only now and then, or the app leaves out features you use.
• The app may suit you if the operator offers one that includes the features you use, and you want notifications you control from your phone’s settings.
• Either way, reach it through the operator’s own website, and save that address as a bookmark so you don’t have to search for it each time.

If you share a phone or tablet, sign out when you’re done and don’t let the browser save your password. Keep the device locked with a passcode. Sweepstakes casinos are for adults only, and age limits are set by each operator and some states.

What do Apple and Google allow?

App stores set their own rules for games that involve money, prizes or gambling. Those rules shape what social casino apps and sweepstakes casino apps can contain.

Apple. Section 5.3 of the App Store Review Guidelines says sweepstakes and contests must be sponsored by the app’s developer. The official rules must appear in the app and make clear that Apple isn’t a sponsor. Apps can’t use Apple’s in-app purchase to buy credit or currency for real-money gaming of any kind. Real-money gaming apps need licensing where they’re used, must be geo-restricted to those places and can’t charge a price to download.

Apple also expects apps in highly regulated fields, gambling included, to be submitted by the company that provides the service, not by an individual developer (section 5.1.1).

Apple’s age ratings separate two ideas. “Simulated gambling” means betting without real money, or without in-game currency that can be exchanged for real money. “Gambling” means betting with real money, or with in-game currency that may be exchanged for it. In the US, frequent simulated gambling and gambling are both rated 18+.

Google Play. Google’s Real-Money Gambling, Games, and Contests policy allows real-money gambling apps only through an application process. Those apps need a valid license, must keep out under-age users and must block places their license doesn’t cover. They can’t be sold as paid apps and can’t use Google Play’s billing. For other apps, Google doesn’t allow features that let people take part using real money to win a prize of real-world monetary value.

What that means for you. These rules help explain why an operator’s app can differ from its website. An app might offer Gold Coin play only, leave out some features, or not exist at all while the mobile site carries everything. The operator’s website or the store listing should say what the app includes. Each store decides what it approves, and this guide doesn’t judge any specific app against these policies.

How do you know a sweepstakes casino app is the official one?

Impersonators use real brand names to get people’s logins, payments and personal details. The FTC warns that they reach out through calls, emails, texts and social media messages that look like they come from a business you know. A few checks help:

1. Start at the operator’s website. Type the address yourself, then follow its link to the App Store or Google Play. Don’t rely on ads or links in messages.
2. Check the developer name. On the store listing, the developer or seller should match the company named in the operator’s terms. If the name is different, don’t install it.
3. Read the listing. Look at the description, the age rating and the date of the last update.
4. Stay inside the official stores. Don’t install app files from download links, texts or social media messages.
5. Don’t answer unexpected contact. If someone claiming to be the operator asks for personal details or payment, stop. Contact the operator through its own website instead, as the FTC advises.

What permissions does a sweepstakes casino app ask for?

Apps ask for access to parts of your phone. Allow only what the app needs:

• Location. Operators may use your location to confirm you’re somewhere you can play, because eligibility depends on state rules and each operator’s terms. Turning it off may block some features. See state-by-state availability for more.
• Camera and photos. These may be needed to upload documents for identity checks. Our guide to sweepstakes casino identity verification explains what operators may ask for.
• Notifications. These are optional. You can keep account alerts and turn off promotional ones.

The FTC suggests checking your phone’s privacy settings to see what information each app can access. Review them after you install an app, and again after major updates.

How much battery and data do the apps use?

Live dealer games stream video, so they use more data and battery than other games. Use Wi-Fi for live tables where you can.

A few other habits help:

• Keep things updated. The FTC recommends updating the software on your phone as soon as a newer version comes out. That includes your apps.
• Watch your storage. Apps take space on your phone, while a mobile site doesn’t need installing.
• Protect your account. Use a strong password and turn on two-factor authentication if the operator offers it.

Which responsible-play settings should you turn on?

Set limits before you need them. You can do it in two places.

In your account. Operators may offer purchase limits, session reminders, breaks and self-exclusion. Look in the account, settings or responsible-play section of the app or site.

On your phone. iPhone Screen Time shows how much time you spend in apps. It also lets you set time allowances and schedules for games and entertainment apps. Android’s Digital Wellbeing shows your screen time and lets you set daily app timers that close an app when time runs out. Its Focus mode pauses chosen apps and their notifications.

Turn off promotional notifications if they pull you back more than you’d like. Our responsible gaming page has more tools and places to get help.