Why This Site Exists
Sweepstakes Wiz (SweepstakesWiz.com) was started by a small team of US-based players who got tired of two things: review sites that quietly buried complaints about the operators paying them the most, and "Top 10" lists that never explained why one casino sat above another. We launched in early 2024 with a single rule — if a sweepstakes site cannot pay verified players within 72 hours, it does not appear on this guide. That rule has not changed since.
This page explains who we are, what we do, how we make money, and the line we will not cross to make more of it.
Our Mission in One Sentence
To give USA sweepstakes players the same quality of independent, brutally honest review they would get from a friend who actually played at the site — not a marketing brochure paid for by the operator.
What We Actually Do
We are an editorial review site. We are not a sweepstakes casino, we do not run sweepstakes, and we do not hold player money. Specifically, our team:
- Tests every site in real conditions. Our editors register accounts, claim the sign-up bonus, play a normal session, and request a redemption. We document every step and every delay.
- Rates sites against 7 fixed criteria — redemption speed, bonus value, game library, KYC friction, support quality, T&Cs fairness, and platform stability. The exact weighting is published on our How We Rate page.
- Re-tests every quarter. A site that paid in 12 hours last spring may be paying in 12 days this spring. Our scores reflect the most recent test, not first impressions.
- Removes operators that fail. Slow redemption, ghosting support, or quietly changed terms get a brand cut from the list — even if they pay us a referral fee.
- Maintains a complaint inbox. Real player feedback through our contact page drives roughly half of our re-investigations.
How We Make Money (and Why It Doesn't Buy Rankings)
We are an affiliate review site. When you click a button on our page and go on to register and play at a sweepstakes casino, the operator may pay us a referral fee. This is the same model used by virtually every comparison site you have ever read — for hotels, credit cards, VPNs, brokerages — and it lets us keep this guide free to you.
What separates us from sites that abuse this model:
- Referral fees do not change our rankings. The site that ranks #1 is the site that scored highest on our 7-criteria test, full stop. We refuse promo deals that come bundled with "you must list us in the top 3."
- We disclose the relationship. Every page that contains an affiliate link includes a disclosure. You will never have to dig for it.
- We list sites we have no deal with. When a popular sweepstakes site refuses an affiliate partnership, we still review them — using our own funded test account — and recommend them anyway if they earn it.
- We remove sites that try to bribe us. Yes, this happens. Operators have offered increased commission rates, exclusive bonus codes, or flat cash payments in exchange for a higher ranking. We have a standing policy: any operator who makes such an offer is permanently delisted, and the offer is documented internally.
What We Will Never Do
- We will never publish fake user reviews.
- We will never invent screenshots, testimonials, or "verified player" quotes.
- We will never list a site that does not legally operate as a US sweepstakes promotion.
- We will never list a site that refuses to publish its redemption terms.
- We will never recommend depositing money you cannot afford to lose. Sweepstakes sites are for entertainment.
- We will never market to anyone under 18 (or 21, where required by state).
Editorial Independence
The editorial team at Sweepstakes Wiz operates independently of any commercial partnership team. Reviewers are not informed which operators have signed referral agreements with us until after a review is published. The wall is imperfect — affiliates are public knowledge — but it materially reduces the bias that comes from knowing who is "important" before you write.
A Note on Risk
Sweepstakes casinos are entertainment, not a way to make money. Even at the best-paying site on our list, the long-run expected return on purchases is negative. If you start to chase losses, hide your activity, or feel anxious about your play, please stop and visit our Responsible Gaming page. You can also call 1-800-GAMBLER 24/7.
Get in Touch
Questions about our mission, methodology, or a specific review? Email us at geeko@sweepstakescasinoreviews.com or use our contact page. Tips that lead to a delisting earn a personal thank-you and, where appropriate, public credit.