Alabama maintains some of the strictest gambling laws in the United States, but sweepstakes casinos operate in a unique legal gray area that allows residents to enjoy casino-style gaming. Unlike traditional online casinos, sweepstakes platforms use a dual-currency system that complies with federal sweepstakes laws established under the Federal Trade Commission guidelines.
The legal foundation for sweepstakes casinos stems from the fact that they don’t require direct purchases to play. Instead, players receive free "sweeps coins" through mail-in requests or by purchasing "gold coins" for entertainment, with sweeps coins included as bonuses. This model has been successfully defended in courts since 2017, when major operators like Chumba Casino and LuckyLand Slots established their presence in restrictive states.
Several reputable sweepstakes casinos currently serve Alabama residents. Chumba Casino, launched by VGW Holdings in 2017, offers over 100 slot games and operates under Malta Gaming Authority oversight. LuckyLand Slots provides similar services with themed slot collections, while newer entrants like High 5 Casino and WOW Vegas have expanded the market since 2020.
Alabama’s Constitution, amended in 1901, generally prohibits gambling activities, but sweepstakes operations aren’t classified as gambling under state law. The Alabama Attorney General’s office has not challenged these platforms, suggesting tacit acceptance of their business model. Players must be 21 or older and physically located within Alabama to participate.
When choosing a sweepstakes casino, Alabama residents should verify proper licensing, secure payment processing, and responsive customer support. Leading sites typically process redemptions within 7-14 business days and offer various redemption options including bank transfers and gift cards.
Author: Alex Weldon, PlayUSA ― see full profile in About Us section
Sponsored content provided by sweeps casinos
“`