Sweepstakes Glossary: Terms Every Player Should Know

Discover our alphabetical sweepstakes glossary and learn key sweepstakes terms and their meaning to play smarter.
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Sweepstakes are an exciting alternative to traditional real-money casinos, offering the thrill of gameplay without the risk of financial loss. But if not known, sweepstakes terminology and jargon can feel like a foreign language. Confused by terms like AMOE or RNG? Not anymore, because we will clear up all the sweepstakes terms and definitions alphabetically to help you navigate sweepstakes terms and platforms confidently.
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Key Sweepstakes Terms & Definitions: A to Z Sweepstakes Glossary

Understanding the right sweepstakes terminology is essential. Misinterpreting a single term could mean missing out on a prize. This glossary is designed to eliminate confusion and help players stay informed.

Let’s begin!

A

Alternate Method of Entry (AMOE)

This is a legally required free-entry option that every sweepstakes must provide. Sweepstakes platforms often provide this through a mail-in request to receive free entries or free Gold Coins.

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Auto-Play

This is an automated slot feature that spins the reels for several rounds, decided by you. This speeds up the gameplay without any manual input.

B

Bonus Coins

Bonus coins are virtual currencies that you earn through special promotions, daily login rewards, or other bonus offers.

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Bonus Entry

It is an extra sweepstakes entry you receive by completing additional tasks as per the rules of the sweepstakes platforms. You can receive it through referring a friend, sharing a contest on social media, or subscribing to the brand’s newsletter.

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Bonus Round

This gameplay feature can unlock free spins or mini-games to boost your winning chances.

C

Cash Prize Redemption

This is the step where you exchange your accumulated Sweeps Coins for real rewards. It could be gift cards, vouchers, merchandise, or even real cash, based on the brand’s game policies. Sweepstakes platforms usually require you to complete identity verification before processing your redemption.

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Casino-Style Games

Many sweepstakes platforms offer slots, poker, and roulette, but they avoid the word ‘casino’ for legal reasons. Instead, these are called casino-style games. These games work exactly like their real-money counterparts, but you play using virtual coins.

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Coin Package

It is a bundle of Gold Coins that you can purchase in one transaction. You often get bonus Sweeps Coins with this.

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Coin Package Subscription

It is an automated plan that delivers a set of coin packages to your account at regular intervals, such as weekly or monthly. Subscribers often receive additional bonus coins or exclusive promos as a loyalty perk.

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Coin Value

Coin value is the monetary equivalent of one virtual coin. It helps players calculate how much they’re spending or what they could potentially redeem.

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Converted

This is an alternative term for ‘redeeming’, referring to transferring your Sweeps Coins to real prizes.

D

Daily Login Bonus

It is a reward program that grants virtual currency each day you sign into your account. Many sweepstakes platforms offer escalating bonuses for consecutive logins. For example, 10 Gold Coins on day 1, 20 on day 2, up to a reset at day 7 to encourage regular play.

E

Eligibility Requirements

This section lists all the criteria defining who can participate in the game. The criteria include age, location restrictions, etc.

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Enter

In sweepstakes casinos, the ‘enter’ button is equivalent to the ‘play’ button. It replaces terms like ‘bet’ or ‘wager’. Whenever you click on this button, you enter the game. Each entry gives you one chance to win a prize.

F

Free Coins

These are complimentary virtual coins that you receive through bonuses, special promotions, or referral rewards. It helps you to accumulate coins with which you can keep on playing without making any purchase.

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Free Play

This is a complementary playing turn. This is used to encourage new users to experience the platform, or you can also earn this as a reward or bonus.

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Free Spins

It is a bonus feature in slot-style games where you get a set number of spins at no extra cost.

G

Game Credits

It is an umbrella term for any in-platform virtual currency.

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Giveaway

Sweepstakes platforms often conduct this promotional event via social media.

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Gift Card

It is a popular prize format where winners receive a digital voucher redeemable at specific sites.

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Gold Coins (GC)

Gold Coins or GC in sweepstakes software are non-redeemable virtual currencies. These only allow you to play games and carry zero cash value.

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Grand Prize

This is the top award in a sweepstakes campaign. It is prominently featured in marketing materials to attract more entries.

I

Instant Win

Instant win is a promotion through which you receive immediate prizes from digital scratch-cards, spin-the-wheel, or mini-games.

J

Jackpot

This is the highest prize available in a game. It can be fixed or progressive based on the terms and conditions.

L

Leaderboard

This is a ranking display that shows the top players based on the highest wins or points earned. It often runs for limited timeframes, like daily or weekly, to boost healthy competition.

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Liability Release

A legal waiver that some sweepstakes platforms require the winner to sign before claiming a high-value prize. The winner acknowledges that the sponsor isn’t responsible for damages related to prize use.

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License

Official permission granted by regulatory bodies confirming a sweepstakes operator is compliant with applicable laws.

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Loyalty Program

A tier-based rewards system that tracks player activity and awards points or perks as you move up levels.

M

Merchandise

These are physical items offered as prizes that can be redeemed with Sweep Coins. It can range from the brand’s t-shirts to other goods.

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Multiplier

This feature multiplies your win by a set factor, for example, 2x or 5x on your base wins.

N

No Deposit Bonus

It is a promotional bonus that you can receive without making any deposit or purchase.

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No Purchase Necessary

A foundational legal requirement stating that no entry fee is required to participate in any sweepstakes games. Operators must offer a completely free entry route or AMOE, clearly displayed in all marketing materials.

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P

Play

The action button that starts a sweepstakes game.

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Prizes

The rewards you receive after converting Sweep Coins to cash, gift cards, or merchandise vouchers.

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Promotional Sweepstakes

A full-scale sweepstakes campaign where players use coins to enter contests and tournaments to win real prizes.

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Purchase

Instead of depositing real money, you purchase Gold Coin packages to play games. Purchases are processed securely and often come with bonus coins.

R

Random Number Generator (RNG)

A secure software that ensures every game result is unpredictable and fair. Independent audits and certifications verify that the RNG meets industry standards for randomness.

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Redeem

This is the process of exchanging Sweeps Coins for real prizes in a sweepstakes software.

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Redeemed

This status indicates your redemption request has been processed and paid out.

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Refer-a-Friend

This reward mechanism grants bonus Gold or Sweeps Coins when you successfully invite friends who register and play.

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Reload Bonus

A loyalty incentive that credits additional bonus coins whenever you buy additional coin packages after your first purchase.

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Responsible Gaming

A suite of tools and policies, such as deposit limits and self-exclusion options. This is designed to help players maintain healthy play habits and prevent compulsive behavior.

S

Slots

A digital reel-based game where 3 sets of spinning symbols must align to win. Modern slots feature themes, bonus rounds, and jackpots.

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Social Casino

Social casinos are a lot like sweepstakes casinos, but their main focus is on entertainment, community features such as chat, leaderboards, and they also run under sweepstakes laws.

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Spin

This is the term for initiating a slot game round, similar to placing a bet in real-money casinos.

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Sweep Coins (SC)

This sweepstakes terminology means virtual tokens that you earn and redeem for real prizes.

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Sweepstakes Aggregator

A site or app that lists current sweepstakes by prize type or entry deadline category and links you straight to each entry page.

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Sweepstakes Laws

Regulatory frameworks that govern how sweepstakes must operate to be considered compliant.

V

Verification

This is a step where you submit ID documents to confirm your identity before cashing out prizes.

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VIP Program

An exclusive rewards club for top players. It offers benefits such as enhanced reload bonuses, dedicated support, and access to special prizes etc.

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VIP Tiers

Levels within the VIP Program of a sweepstakes platform. Each tier unlocks progressively better perks.

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Void Where Prohibited

This legal disclaimer states that if sweepstakes are banned in your state or country, you cannot participate.

W

Wager Requirement

The number of times you must use coins in gameplay before you’re eligible to redeem any winnings.

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Winning Spins

Any spins that land a payout upon 3 symbols align.

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Withdrawal Limits

Restrictions on the total amount you can cash out over a set period.

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Key Takeaways

  1. Understanding sweepstakes terms and definitions empowers you to play and operate confidently.
  2. Legitimate platforms will always offer a free entry route and clearly state that no purchase is needed.
  3. Be clear on Gold and Sweeps Coins. Gold Coins are used to play the sweepstakes platform games, while Sweeps Coins are used to convert real prizes.

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  • AMOE entry flows
  • KYC system
  • Location restrictions
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Our turnkey sweepstakes platforms come with all the compliance features, so operators never need to worry about legal gaps. Hire Gammasweep today and get a dedicated sweepstakes provider to exceed player expectations and achieve long-term success.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I require a purchase to enter my first sweepstakes game play?
No, it is not required to make any purchase in sweepstakes software to enter any game. You will always get an AMOE.
What’s the difference between GC and SC?
Gold Coins (GC) are required to enter any game or contest, whereas Sweeps Coins (SC) are used to redeem prizes, including cash rewards.
Are there fees when redeeming Sweeps Coins?
Legitimate sweepstakes platforms don’t charge fees to redeem SC for prizes. However, if you choose a bank transfer, your bank may apply processing fees.
What’s the difference between a no-deposit bonus and a reload bonus?
A no-deposit bonus gives you free coins simply for signing up. On the other hand, a reload bonus gives you extra coins only when you buy more coin packages after your first purchase.
Can I use Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins interchangeably?
No, these coins can not be used interchangeably.