Sweepstakes casinos are required to offer a free entry option known as AMOE (Alternative Method of Entry), and one of the most reliable ways to use it is through mail-in requests.
AMOE is not a loophole, exploit, or hidden trick. It exists because sweepstakes casinos must provide a no-purchase method of participation in order to operate legally in the United States. This ensures that players can participate without being required to spend money.
By submitting properly formatted, handwritten mail-in requests to sweepstakes casinos such as Stake.us, Chumba Casino, WOW Vegas, and McLuck, players may receive Sweeps Coins at no cost. Once any applicable playthrough requirements are met, these Sweeps Coins may be redeemed for available prizes, including cash-equivalent rewards, in accordance with each platform’s terms.
How AMOE works, step-by-step mail-in instructions, casino-specific letter rules, verified mailing addresses, and the most common reasons submissions are rejected.
Whether you are new to sweepstakes casinos or looking to use AMOE more effectively, this guide provides practical, up-to-date information to help you participate responsibly without spending money.
View Best Sweepstakes Casinos 2026No purchase necessary. Must be 18+ (21+ in some states).
What Is AMOE (Alternative Method of Entry)?
AMOE stands for Alternative Method of Entry. It is a legally required, free way to participate in a sweepstakes promotion without making a purchase. In sweepstakes casinos, AMOE is the mechanism that allows players to receive Sweeps Coins (SC) without buying Gold Coin packages.
Why AMOE Exists
Under U.S. sweepstakes law, a promotion may be classified as illegal gambling if all three of the following elements are present:
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Prize | Something of value that can be awarded through the promotion |
| Chance | Outcomes determined by randomness rather than skill |
| Consideration | A requirement to spend money or provide payment to participate |
Sweepstakes casinos remove the consideration element by offering AMOE. Because participation is available for free, these platforms operate under promotional sweepstakes frameworks rather than regulated gambling models.
Equal Treatment Requirement
This legal structure includes an important requirement: entries submitted through AMOE must be treated the same as entries obtained through optional purchases. Free entries cannot be given reduced eligibility, altered conditions, or lower participation value.
In practice, this means that mail-in requests, daily bonuses, and other free entry methods must be processed under the same promotional rules as any other qualifying entry method.
Why Mail-In Requests Matter
Sweepstakes casinos may offer several AMOE options, including:
- Daily login rewards
- Social media giveaways and promotions
- Limited-time promotional contests
- Mail-in requests
Among these options, mail-in requests are typically the most consistent and repeatable method. When completed correctly, they often provide higher Sweeps Coin amounts per entry and can be submitted on an ongoing basis, which is why they are the primary focus of this guide.
Best Sweepstakes Casinos for Mail-In SC (January 2026)
Not all mail-in bonuses are equal. The table below compares leading sweepstakes casinos that accept mail-in requests, ranked by the typical amount of Sweeps Coins (SC) awarded per approved entry.
| Casino | Mailing Address | Typical SC | Critical Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stake.us | Sweepsteaks Limited 13101 Preston Rd STE 110-5027 Dallas, TX 75240 |
5 | Any ink allowed 4" × 6" white paper Postal code required (new every 5 minutes) Envelope must state “Stake Cash Credits” |
| Chumba Casino | VGW Games Limited Chumba Casino Sweepstakes Dept PO Box 9501 Portsmouth, NH 03802 |
5 | Non-black ink only (blue recommended) 12-digit postal code (valid 90 days) Envelope must state “Sweepstakes Entries” |
| Pulsz | Yellow Social Interactive PO Box 9401 Manchester, NH 03108 |
5 | Blue ink only #10 envelope required Postal code required |
| McLuck | McLuck Sweepstakes B-Two Operations Limited PO Box 9550 Manchester, NH 03108 |
4 | Non-black ink only 13-digit code (valid 60 days) Envelope must include “McLuck.com, Sweepstakes Coins” |
| Hello Millions | Hello Millions Sweepstakes B-Two Operations Limited PO Box 9507 Manchester, NH 03108 |
4 | #10 envelope required Fully handwritten Postal code required One-time playthrough applies |
| WOW Vegas | MW Services Limited PO Box 9402 Manchester, NH 03108 |
3 | Black ink only ALL CAPS required 11-digit code (valid 60 days) Envelope must state “Request for SC Credits” |
| High 5 Casino | High 5 Entertainment LLC H5C Sweeps Coin Request PO Box 695 Mahwah, NJ 07434 |
3–5 | 4" × 6" landscape format Single ink color (black allowed) Postal code valid for 60 days |
| RealPrize | RealPrize PO Box 9303 Manchester, NH 03108 |
1 | Typed requests accepted Blue ink required for signature No postal code required |
Sweepstakes casinos may update mailing addresses and AMOE requirements at any time. Always confirm current rules in each platform’s official Sweepstakes Rules before submitting a request.
Step-by-Step: How to Write a Mail-In Request
Writing a sweepstakes casino mail-in request is straightforward, but precision is critical. Even minor formatting errors can result in rejection. Follow each step carefully.
Step 1: Verify Your Casino Account
- Complete identity verification (KYC) before sending any requests
- Verification typically includes a government-issued ID and proof of address
- Requests submitted before verification may be rejected
Step 2: Review the Casino’s Sweepstakes Rules
- Confirm the exact mailing address
- Check required paper size (commonly 4" × 6")
- Verify the required ink color
- Determine whether a postal request code is required
- Copy the required statement exactly as written
Step 3: Generate Your Postal Request Code
Many sweepstakes casinos require a unique postal request code for each entry. These codes are generated inside your account.
| Casino | Code Validity |
|---|---|
| Chumba Casino | 90 days |
| WOW Vegas / McLuck | 60 days |
| Stake.us | New code every 5 minutes |
Step 4: Prepare Your 4" × 6" Request Card
- Use blank, unlined white paper or an index card
- Write on one side only
- Include your request code, full legal name, email, and mailing address
- Ensure all details exactly match your verified account
- Write the required statement word-for-word
Step 5: Prepare the Envelope
- Use a standard #10 business envelope (unless stated otherwise)
- Handwrite all information
- Include your return address (must match your account)
- Add the required phrase on the envelope
- Apply correct postage (U.S. Forever stamp: $0.78 as of 2026)
Step 6: Mail from the Correct State
- The postmark must match your verified account state
- Do not mail from a different state, even if nearby
- Out-of-state postmarks are one of the most common rejection reasons
Ink Color Requirements: The #1 Rejection Reason
Using the wrong ink color is the most common reason sweepstakes casino mail-in requests are rejected. Ink requirements vary by casino, and some operators automatically discard requests written in the incorrect color — even if all other details are correct.
| Casino | Required Ink Color | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|
| WOW Vegas | BLACK ONLY | ALL CAPS required on both card and envelope |
| Chumba Casino | NON-BLACK (Blue recommended) | Black ink results in automatic rejection |
| McLuck | NON-BLACK (Blue recommended) | Ink color strictly enforced |
| Pulsz | NON-BLACK (Blue only) | #10 envelope required |
| Stake.us | Any single color | Black or blue ink accepted |
| High 5 Casino | Any single color | One ink color only |
| RealPrize | Any single color | Typed requests allowed; blue ink required for signature |
WOW Vegas: bold and strict — BLACK ink, ALL CAPS
Chumba, McLuck, Pulsz: “be blue” — non-black ink only
Stake.us, High 5, RealPrize: flexible — any single ink color
Important: Always verify ink requirements in the casino’s official Sweepstakes Rules. Requirements can change, and the rules page is the final authority.
Letter Templates by Casino
Important: Always verify templates against each casino’s current Sweepstakes Rules before mailing. Word-for-word accuracy is required, and even minor deviations may result in rejection.
Stake.us Mail-In Template (5 Stake Cash)
Envelope:
Return address: [Your full address]
Write: “Stake Cash Credits”
Mail to: Sweepsteaks Limited, 13101 Preston Rd STE 110-5027, Dallas, TX 75240
4" × 6" Card (One Side Only):
[Your Full Name] | [Your Stake.us Username]
[Your Address] | [Your Email Address]
CODE: [Your Unique Postal Code]
“I wish to receive Stake Cash to participate in the sweepstakes promotions offered by Stake Sweepstakes. By submitting this request, I hereby declare that I have read, understood and agree to be bound by Stake's Terms and Conditions.”
Chumba Casino Mail-In Template (5 Sweeps Coins)
Ink Requirement: BLUE ink only (do not use black)
Envelope:
Write: “Sweepstakes Entries”
Include your return address
Mail to: VGW Games Limited, Chumba Casino Sweepstakes Dept, PO Box 9501, Portsmouth, NH 03802
4" × 6" Card (One Side Only):
[12-Digit Postal Request Code] (top-left corner)
[Your Full Name] | [Your Email Address] | [Your Return Address]
“I wish to receive Sweeps Coins to participate in the sweepstakes promotions offered by Chumba Casino. By submitting this request, I hereby declare that I have read, understood, and agree to be bound by Chumba Casino's Terms and Conditions and Sweeps Rules.”
WOW Vegas Mail-In Template (3 Sweeps Coins)
Important: BLACK INK ONLY and ALL CAPS required
Envelope (ALL CAPS):
WRITE: “REQUEST FOR SC CREDITS”
INCLUDE: YOUR RETURN ADDRESS
MAIL TO: MW SERVICES LIMITED, PO BOX 9402, MANCHESTER, NH 03108
4" × 6" Card (ALL CAPS):
[YOUR FULL NAME] | [YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS] | [YOUR MAILING ADDRESS]
[11-DIGIT POSTAL CODE]
“I WISH TO RECEIVE FREE SWEEPSTAKES COINS IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SWEEPSTAKES PROMOTIONS OFFERED BY WOW VEGAS. IN SUBMITTING THIS WRITTEN REQUEST, I CONFIRM THAT I HAVE READ, UNDERSTOOD AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND SWEEPSTAKES RULES AS SET OUT ON THE WOW VEGAS WEBSITE.”
Common Mistakes That Get Requests Rejected
Sweepstakes casinos enforce strict mail-in rules to remain legally compliant. Most rejected requests fail due to preventable formatting or verification errors — not because the AMOE method itself is invalid.
| Mistake | Why It Causes Rejection |
|---|---|
| Wrong ink color | WOW Vegas requires black ink only. Chumba, McLuck, and Pulsz require non-black ink. Incorrect ink typically results in automatic rejection. |
| Illegible handwriting | If reviewers cannot clearly read your information, the request may be discarded. |
| Missing or expired postal code | Codes are single-use and time-limited. Reused or expired codes invalidate entries. |
| Mailing from the wrong state | The postmark must match your verified account state. |
| Account not verified | Incomplete identity verification may result in rejection. |
| Multiple cards per envelope | Most casinos allow only one request per envelope. |
| Typed or printed entries | Most casinos require handwritten submissions (RealPrize is an exception). |
| Incorrect wording | Statements must match rules exactly — even minor edits can invalidate entries. |
How Long Until You Receive Your Free SC?
Mail-in requests are not instant bonuses. Processing takes time, and setting realistic expectations helps avoid frustration.
| Scenario | Typical Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Standard processing | 3–10 weeks from mailing date |
| High-volume periods | Up to 3 months or longer |
| Industry-wide delays (late 2025–early 2026) | Extended wait times due to increased AMOE volume |
Mail-in requests reward consistency rather than speed. Delays do not necessarily indicate an issue with your submission.
Can You Cash Out Mail-In Sweeps Coins?
Yes. Mail-in Sweeps Coins are treated the same as Sweeps Coins earned through other promotional methods. Once credited, they are subject to the same playthrough, verification, and redemption requirements.
Playthrough Requirements
| Casino | Playthrough Requirement |
|---|---|
| Most Sweepstakes Casinos | 1× playthrough |
| Stake.us | 3× playthrough |
Minimum Redemption Thresholds
| Casino | Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
| Stake.us | 30 Sweeps Coins |
| McLuck | 75 SC (cash) · 10 SC (gift cards) |
| Chumba Casino | 100 Sweeps Coins |
| WOW Vegas | 100 Sweeps Coins (cash) |
Sweeps Coins are typically redeemed at a value of approximately $1 per SC for cash-equivalent prizes. Once credited, mail-in Sweeps Coins follow the same redemption flow as any other promotional Sweeps Coins.
Is Mail-In Writing a Realistic Side Hustle?
Claims on social media suggesting large daily earnings from writing sweepstakes casino mail-in letters often overlook key limitations. The table below reflects the practical reality.
| Factor | Reality |
|---|---|
| Cost per letter | U.S. Forever stamp: $0.78 Envelope + card: ~$0.10–$0.15 Total: approximately $0.90 per letter |
| Maximum theoretical value | At 5 SC (~$5 value), net value before playthrough is about $4.10 per letter. At 1 SC, returns are close to break-even. |
| Delayed returns | Credits may take weeks or months to appear. |
| Playthrough risk | Sweeps Coins must be played before redemption, and losses are possible. |
| Time and effort | Writing, tracking, and mailing large volumes is time-intensive. |
All legitimate mail-in information is publicly available in official Sweepstakes Rules. Paid “courses” or “letter-writing academies” typically repackage information that is already free.
Mail-in requests are an effective way to accumulate free Sweeps Coins and extend entertainment value without spending money. They are not a reliable income source or a get-rich-quick strategy.
State Restrictions & California Update (January 2026)
Sweepstakes casino availability depends on state eligibility, which varies by operator and can change over time. Some states impose restrictions or prohibit participation entirely.
California Update (AB 831)
As of January 1, 2026, California Assembly Bill 831 effectively restricted dual-currency sweepstakes casino models within the state.
| Operator | Status in California |
|---|---|
| Stake.us | Withdrawn from California |
| VGW Platforms (Chumba Casino, LuckyLand Slots, Global Poker) | Sweeps Coin play suspended |
| B-Two Operations (McLuck, Hello Millions) | Sweeps Coin functionality suspended |
While Gold Coin play may continue on some platforms, California residents can no longer earn, play, or redeem Sweeps Coins — including through mail-in requests.
Always confirm eligibility in the casino’s current Terms & Conditions or Sweepstakes Rules before sending any mail-in request. State eligibility changes frequently, and outdated information can result in rejected entries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AMOE at sweepstakes casinos?
AMOE stands for Alternative Method of Entry. It is a legally required, free way to participate in sweepstakes casino promotions without making a purchase.
In sweepstakes casinos, the most common AMOE is the mail-in request, where players submit a handwritten letter to receive Sweeps Coins (SC) at no cost.
How much SC can I get from mail-in requests?
Most sweepstakes casinos award between 1 and 5 Sweeps Coins per approved mail-in request.
| Casino | Typical SC per Request |
|---|---|
| Stake.us | 5 SC |
| Chumba Casino | 5 SC |
| Pulsz | 5 SC |
| LuckyLand Slots | 5 SC |
| McLuck / Hello Millions | 4 SC |
| WOW Vegas | 3 SC |
| RealPrize | 1 SC (typed requests accepted) |
How long does it take to receive mail-in SC?
Processing typically takes 3 to 10 weeks from the mailing date. During high-volume periods, delays of up to 3 months may occur.
Within the sweepstakes community, this waiting period is often referred to as “drop time.” Once processed, Sweeps Coins are credited directly to your account.
Can I use any pen color for mail-in requests?
No. Ink color requirements vary by casino and are strictly enforced.
| Casino | Ink Requirement |
|---|---|
| WOW Vegas | BLACK ink only |
| Chumba Casino, McLuck, Pulsz | NON-BLACK ink (blue recommended) |
| Stake.us, High 5 Casino | Any single ink color |
Always verify ink requirements in the casino’s official Sweepstakes Rules before writing, as requirements can change.
Do I need to pay taxes on mail-in sweepstakes prizes?
Yes. If you redeem Sweeps Coins for cash-equivalent prizes or gift cards, those redemptions are generally considered taxable income in the United States.
Because sweepstakes participation does not require a purchase, losses typically cannot be deducted to offset prize redemptions. Tax obligations vary by individual situation, so consulting a qualified tax professional is recommended. To help you stay organized, you can use our Sweepstakes Casino Tax Calculator 2026 to estimate your potential liability based on your total redemptions for the year.
Can I send unlimited mail-in requests?
Most sweepstakes casinos allow multiple mail-in requests, provided that:
- Each request uses a unique postal request code
- Each request is mailed in a separate envelope
- All formatting and eligibility rules are followed exactly
Casinos may monitor or restrict accounts that appear to abuse the system. A consistent but moderate submission pace is generally recommended.
Responsible Gaming Notice
While mail-in requests are free, the games played with Sweeps Coins are casino-style games. Participation should always be treated as entertainment.
If you or someone you know may have a gambling-related problem, contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700 for confidential support.
Final Thoughts
Mail-in requests are one of the most overlooked opportunities in the sweepstakes casino space. While they require patience and attention to detail, they provide a legal, no-purchase method to receive Sweeps Coins without buying coin packages.
Success with AMOE submissions comes down to precision. Casinos enforce these rules strictly, and even minor errors can result in rejection and wasted postage.
- Use the correct ink color for each casino
- Follow exact formatting and wording requirements
- Generate and use valid postal request codes
- Mail requests from your verified, eligible state
For beginners, it’s best to start with casinos that offer higher Sweeps Coin values per request and simpler requirements, such as Stake.us, Chumba Casino, or Pulsz (where eligible).
Always verify current requirements directly in each casino’s official Sweepstakes Rules. Mailing addresses, formatting rules, and state eligibility can change without notice.
Last verified: January 18, 2026. Always confirm the most up-to-date details before sending any mail-in request.
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