What Are Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins?
At Gains.com, you'll come across two different types of in-game currency: Gold Coins (GC) and Sweeps Coins (SC). They each serve a distinct purpose — and understanding the difference is essential to getting the most out of your experience.
🪙 What Are Gold Coins (GC)?
Gold Coins are used for entertainment and social gameplay only. They have no cash value and cannot be redeemed for real-world prizes.
GC can be purchased directly through the platform
You'll also receive free GC through login rewards, promos, and giveaways in states where Gold Coins are offered
GC lets you play any of our games purely for fun, competition, or practice
Play in GC is not eligible for prize redemption
GC = Play for fun and leaderboard bragging rights
💰 What Are Sweeps Coins (SC)?
Sweeps Coins are used to participate in sweepstakes contests and can be redeemed for real-world prizes once certain conditions are met.
You cannot buy SC directly — instead, SC can be:
Earned as a bonus with eligible GC purchases
Claimed through social media giveaways on Facebook, X, and Instagram
Requested for free via Alternative Method of Entry (AMOE)
Included free with every Gains Shop merchandise purchase in Merch Mode states
SC is valid for 60 days once awarded
SC must meet a playthrough requirement before it can be redeemed — typically 1× for SC from purchases, with higher requirements for some bonus SC. See our Playthrough Requirement article for the full breakdown.
SC can be redeemed for cash (to debit card, bank, or Venmo) or crypto (paid out as USDC on Solana)
SC = Play for a chance to win real prizes
📍 Sweeps Coins availability depends on your state
Availability depends on your state. In some states Gains runs in Gold Coins only mode, where Sweeps Coins cannot be received, played, or redeemed. In Merch Mode states, Gains is a single currency experience: Sweeps Coins are the only currency, there are no Gold Coins, and every Gains Shop merchandise purchase comes with free Sweeps Coins.
If you have a question about a Sweeps Coins balance in one of these states, please reach out to our team through the Messenger and we will help. For full details, see our Restricted Regions - State Availability and Gold Coins Only Mode article.
🧠 Key Differences at a Glance
Feature | Gold Coins (GC) | Sweeps Coins (SC) |
Can I buy them directly? | Yes | No |
Can I earn them for free? | Yes | Yes (via bonus/AMOE/promos) |
Do they have real-world value? | No | Yes, after playthrough |
Are they used for prizes? | No | Yes |
Is there a playthrough rule? | No | Yes (varies by SC type) |
Available in every state? | In states where Gold Coins are offered | No (see state availability above) |