How Sweepstakes Casino Software Works: Understanding RNG and Game Fairness

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Mike Epifani, Author

Last Updated : 01/22/2025

Sweepstakes casinos offer casino-style games for a chance at cash prizes. But how can you know if the games are fair and legitimate? Here is how sweepstakes casino software works, how random number generators (RNGs) come into play, and why these sites don’t need to rig their games to make money.

Sweepstakes Casino Platform

Two Types of Coins

The sweepstakes casino platform hosts a variety of games, just like at a real-money online casino. However, the games are available in either Gold Coin play or Sweeps Coin play. Players can switch between the two options at the top of the site as well as while playing a game.

The games operate the same no matter which type of currency is used. But winning Sweeps Coins means you can redeem for a cash prize or gift card whereas Gold Coins are used strictly for fun play, with no opportunity to win a prize.

Games Are Sweepstakes Entries

When playing casino games with Sweeps Coins, each round is essentially an entry into a sweepstakes giveaway. But the odds of winning the game aren’t different. Whether playing at a sweepstakes casino or a real money casino, most slots have an RTP of about 96%, blackjack has an RTP of more than 99%, and so on.

That means, overall, players can expect to lose slightly more often than win, which is the nature of gambling. All games favor the house to some degree, which is how it makes its money.

Winning Coins Can Be Redeemed

At a real money casino, you simply cash out the funds in your account. At a sweepstakes casino, you need to redeem your Sweeps Coins for a cash prize. This is usually a 1 to 1 structure, meaning 1 Sweeps Coin can be redeemed for $1 cash. For example, if you win 50 Sweeps Coins, you receive a $50 cash prize.

Alternatively, players can redeem Sweeps Coins for a gift card. The same principle applies, where 1 Sweeps Coin can be redeemed for a $1 gift card. Minimum gift card redemption is usually lower than the minimum cash prize redemption as well, with some sweepstakes casinos allowing gift cards for as low as $10/10 Sweeps Coins.

Random Number Generators

All digital casino games utilize random number generators (RNGs) to ensure fairness and unpredictability. Here’s how it works:

  • A hash seed is created based on the time or other external factor.
  • A mathematical formula or algorithm generates the next number in the sequence based on the hash seed number.
  • The resulting sequence generates a random result.

Slot Machine RNGs

  • Continuous Number Generation: The RNG of a slot runs continuously, even when the machine is idle, generating numbers thousands of times per second. This ensures the outcome is based on the exact moment the “Spin” button is pressed.
  • Mapping Numbers to Reels: A slot machine may have virtual reels with a large number of stops (e.g., 256 stops per reel). The RNG maps random numbers to these virtual reel stops, which are then translated to physical reel positions.
  • Weighted Outcomes: Casino games use weighted symbols to control the odds of hitting specific combinations, such as jackpots. For example, high-paying symbols may appear less frequently on the virtual reel.

RNGs for Other Casino Games

  • Roulette: In virtual roulette, the RNG determines the winning number on the wheel.
  • Blackjack: In blackjack, the RNG shuffles and deals cards from a virtual deck.
  • Video Poker: The RNG shuffles a virtual deck of cards and deals them to the player, mimicking a real-life dealer.
  • Keno/Bingo: The RNG picks random numbers that correspond to the player’s chosen numbers.

Mimicking Real-Life Odds

While all slot machines (both online and in-person) utilize random number generators, table games are typically performed by hand. But RNGs make it possible to mimic the odds of the real-life version so that players have the exact same chance of winning on the digital version. For example, a basic blackjack strategy chart gives players the best mathematical strategy whether they’re playing the digital or physical version of the game.

Why Casinos Don’t Need to Rig Their Games

As mentioned above, every casino game favors the house. That means if you play any game long enough, you’re mathematically guaranteed to lose it all, which is why stopping when you’re ahead is always a smart move, and why you should never chase losses. It’s also why casinos, including sweepstakes and social casinos, don’t need to rig their games. Some players win, but most lose, and it all averages out in favor of the casino.