Regulated, in short
Regulated sites are licensed by a state gaming authority. They handle real US dollars, hold player funds in segregated accounts, and submit to game-fairness audits.
The tradeoff: they only operate in six states.
Sweepstakes, in short
Sweepstakes sites use a dual-currency model. You play with Gold Coins (no cash value) and earn or purchase Sweeps Coins that can be redeemed for cash prizes. Because no cash is wagered directly, the model is legal in most US states.
The tradeoff: stakes are lower, redemption can be slower, and operators are not subject to the same oversight as licensed gaming.
A simple rule of thumb
If you live in PA, NJ, MI, NV, DE, or WV — start with a regulated site. Anywhere else, start with Global Poker or Stake.us.
Ready to pick a site?
Use our side-by-side comparison to find the best match.