With the rise of online casinos, a wide array of sweepstakes platforms is paving the way into the market. While it's a good thing that players have various options, not all casinos are created equal – some are safer and legitimate than others.

Many people assume that it's all about finding the biggest casino offering huge prizes and a variety of games, but that's not true. If you don't want to be scammed or hacked, you need to find a trustworthy and legal casino.

In this article, we'll cover the key aspects to consider when looking for sweepstakes casinos and some warning signs to watch for.  

Five things to consider when selecting a sweepstakes casino

Here are five things to be mindful of when it comes to selecting a legitimate sweepstakes platform:

1.    Licences and certifications

Legitimate sweepstakes casinos are licenced and regulated by a credible authority, such as the Curacao eGaming Authority or Malta Gaming Authority. In addition, they have certifications from independent auditors and third-party gaming platforms, such as iTech Labs and Gaming Laboratories International, which support the accuracy and fairness of their games.

This information about licensing and certifications is visible and shared in all forms of communication. These include websites, emails, social media, and others.

2.    Read the terms and conditions

Examine the terms and conditions of sweepstakes casinos, paying particular attention to odds of winning, wagering requirements, methods of entries, and prize withdrawal rules. Knowing whether the platform is reliable and trustworthy is a great way.

If in any way the rules are not cleared, or any information is not adequately disclosed, then it is likely a fraud casino. Any reputable platform will lay the terms and conditions openly and clearly.

3.    Check for responsible gaming policies

Legitimate and reputable sweepstakes casinos will have responsible gaming tools and policies. These include deposit limits, self-exclusion, loss limits, and time limits. This shows that the platform is committed to safe and secure gameplay.

4.    Go through reviews and testimonials

An effective way to learn about sweepstakes casinos' reputation and reliability is with reviews and testimonials. Checking online gaming forums and social media pages gives you an idea of what other players say about a specific sweepstakes. Going through them carefully will help you decide whether diving in and rolling the dice is safe.

Pay attention to the warning signs of sweepstakes scams

Here are three warning signs you should watch out for when it comes to sweepstakes casinos:

• If you receive a phone call or an email claiming that you're a lucky winner, but you don't remember winning any game or entering any contest, then it is a clear sign of a scam that, surprisingly, many people fall for. Ignore these messages or call and block them out.
• You must share your bank account information or other sensitive personal details like your social security number to receive the prize. With sweepstakes casinos, most often, prizes are merchandise, vouchers, or hampers. In a few cases, you can receive cash prizes for which you have to redeem your sweep coins – and there's a whole process for it that you have to do by yourself.
• You receive a message that says you've won a lottery or prize, but a fee must be paid for the prize to be released. Remember, you will never have to pay anything to secure your prize, so ignore this message.

Final words

In conclusion, finding legitimate sweepstakes involves checking for licences and certifications, reviewing reviews and testimonials, learning about terms and conditions, and looking for responsible gaming policies. By taking these measures, you can ensure that you're playing on a safe and reputable platform and play with peace of mind. 

Disclaimer: Play responsibly. Players must be over 18. For help visit https://www.gamcare.org.uk/.