You heard us. If you’re thinking about using a VPN to play games at Stake.us, McLuck, Spree, or another sweeps casino that isn’t currently accessible in your state…think again.
You won’t be able to evade the ban hammer forever, and I’m explaining why it’s a bad idea to fly under the radar.
It’s not a problem until you win.
While you might be able to create a new account and even play some casino games by using a VPN to register, it’s not possible to redeem your SC winnings if you spoof your location during the sign-up process.
Multiple Layers of Verification
Sweepstakes casinos rely on multiple layers of verification to ensure that players live in a legal state. Even if you creep past the first layer, there is no way you’ll make it past the second one.
Geo-Location to Play
Sweepstakes casinos detect your current location when you access their website. If you live in an illegal state for sweepstakes gaming, you’ll notice an error on the webpage. This is where a VPN might come into play.
However, many sites are equipped to detect VPNs. As a player from New York, I can’t use a VPN to play games at Hello Millions because they’ll flag my IP address. I know because I’ve tried to skirt these restrictions myself (sue me).
On the off chance you manage to create a new account and play games, you need to get KYC verified before redeeming prizes. This is where things get tricky.
Account/KYC Checks
Before you can redeem SC prizes at popular sweeps casinos, you’ll need to complete KYC verification. This process requires you to submit your ID, take a selfie, and submit proof of address, such as a utility bill or credit card statement dated within the past three months.
If the address on your ID is flagged as being from an illegal state, you won’t be able to redeem prizes. There’s no point in using a fake ID to complete verification because third-party providers like Veriff and Sumsub are trained to detect fake ID cards.
Furthermore, the address on your ID must match the proof of address document you send in.
This two-step security check makes it impossible to get around location-based restrictions at sweepstakes casinos. If you’re wondering how to cope with this saddening realization, I’ve got your back. But first, you need to know if you’re living in an illegal state for sweepstakes gaming.
Where Are Sweepstakes Casinos Legal?
It’s no secret that sweepstakes casinos are a safe alternative to offshore gambling sites, but a growing number of states have introduced legislation to ban sweepstakes gaming altogether.
Players cannot access sweepstakes casinos from the following seven U.S. states:
- Washington
- Idaho
- Montana
- Michigan
- New York
- Connecticut
- Delaware
Bills to ban sweepstakes gaming are currently moving through legislature in the following states:
- California
- Nevada
- Missouri
- Ohio
- New Jersey
Looking for Compatible Sites? Try Social Casinos Instead
Luckily, this doesn’t preclude you from using social casinos if you live in a state where sweeps gaming is restricted. Social and sweeps casinos are normally lumped into the same category, but there’s one subtle difference here that allows social casinos to operate in all 50 US states.
Sweeps casinos operate with two currencies (Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins). Social casinos usually operate with just one currency, which can be used to play games for free on the site.
ZitoBox
ZitoBox is an excellent social casino for players that live in a restricted sweeps state. Instead of using Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins to facilitate gameplay, ZitoBox only uses Gold Coins.
As you continue playing games, you can accumulate Zito Points, which are then redeemable for gift card prizes. Importantly, it’s not possible to purchase Gold Coins and claim free Zito Points.
The only way to earn Zito Points is by playing games on the site with Gold Coins. While it isn’t quite as straightforward as sweepstakes gaming, it’s a good alternative with no legal barriers.
For example, I can use ZitoBox in New York even though all sweepstakes casinos are banned in the state.
Gambino Slots
Gambino Slots is strictly a social casino that uses G-Coins to deliver action across 150+ slots.
G-Coins are not redeemable for prizes, and there’s no way to accumulate points that turn into prizes along the way. If you’re just here to have fun, Gambino Slots is available in all 50 states.
