Terms & Conditions
Last updated: February 2026
1. Acceptance of Terms
By accessing or using Empire Sportsbook (the "Service"), operated by Empire Sportsbook LLC ("Empire," "we," "us"), you agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions ("Terms"). If you do not agree, do not use the Service.
2. Eligibility
To use the Service, you must:
- Be at least 18 years of age (or the legal age in your jurisdiction, whichever is higher)
- Be located in an eligible jurisdiction where the Service is available
- Create an account with accurate, complete information
- Verify your age and location before participating in any activity
- Not be self-excluded or otherwise prohibited from using the Service
Empire reserves the right to verify your identity, age, and location at any time. Failure to comply with verification requests may result in account suspension.
3. Sweepstakes Model
Empire operates as a sweepstakes sports-entertainment platform using a dual-currency system. No purchase is necessary to participate in sweepstakes. The model works as follows:
3.1 Gold Coins
- Gold Coins are the platform's non-redeemable entertainment currency
- Users receive Gold Coins automatically upon account creation, through daily rewards, gameplay achievements, and optional purchases
- Gold Coins exist solely for amusement and to allow users to experience the sports-prediction interface
- Gold Coins cannot be redeemed, transferred, or converted into Sweeps Cash or any other form of monetary value
3.2 Sweeps Cash
- Sweeps Cash represents sweepstakes entries that may lead to prizes
- Users can obtain Sweeps Cash for free via the Alternate Method of Entry (AMOE)
- Users also receive Sweeps Cash as promotional bonuses granted alongside purchases of Gold Coins
- Sweeps Cash cannot be purchased directly
- Accumulated Sweeps Cash may be redeemed for cash equivalents (e.g., ACH, gift cards)
- Minimum redemption thresholds and identity verification apply
3.3 Alternate Method of Entry (AMOE)
- Users may request free Sweeps Cash by submitting a handwritten mail-in entry to a designated P.O. Box maintained by Empire
- Each entry must include the participant's full name, mailing address, date of birth, email address, and Empire username, together with a written statement requesting Sweeps Cash via AMOE
- Each envelope constitutes one request; requests must be post-marked and received within the applicable promotion period
- Upon receipt of a valid AMOE submission, Empire credits the user's account with a fixed quantity of Sweeps Cash
- AMOE entries are processed within 3 business days of receipt
- Limit of one AMOE request per person per day (or as otherwise set forth in the official rules)
- Duplicate or incomplete submissions are void
4. The Three-Sided Marketplace
4.1 Players
Players make predictions on sporting-event outcomes using Gold Coins or Sweeps Cash. All sports-prediction lines displayed on the platform are sourced from independent, third-party market-data providers reflecting consensus market pricing. Empire does not create, adjust, or profit from these lines. All predictions are subject to acceptance and may be voided if placed in error or in violation of these Terms.
4.2 Backers
Backers provide liquidity by covering Player predictions. To qualify as a Backer, a user must first meet the minimum cumulative gameplay threshold as a Player. Backers choose which sports categories to support. The platform's algorithm automatically and randomly allocates Player predictions across eligible Backers — no Backer selects individual predictions. Each Backer's maximum exposure per prediction is capped at 1% of their total balance. Backers may pause participation at any time; existing exposures continue to settle normally. Backers may use either Gold Coins or Sweeps Cash.
4.3 Empire Safety Net
When Backer allocations are insufficient to cover a winning prediction, Empire steps in as the backstop. If the projected payout exceeds 1% of total liquidity, that prediction is not accepted. This ensures all accepted predictions are fully honored.
5. Revenue Model
Empire generates revenue from a fixed fee on Backer profits. Empire does not generate any revenue on Player profits.
6. Payouts & Redemption
- Only Sweeps Cash balances are redeemable for cash equivalents
- Users must complete a one-time identity verification prior to their first redemption, performed through a third-party provider
- Minimum redemption thresholds may apply and are disclosed in-app
- Approved Sweeps Cash redemptions are fulfilled through secure payment channels (ACH, digital gift card, etc.)
- Redemptions are processed in the order received, generally within 3–5 business days
- Gold Coins remain strictly non-redeemable and cannot be exchanged or transferred
- Gold Coin and Sweeps Cash balances remain fully segregated at all times
7. Account Responsibilities
- You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials
- You may not share your account or allow others to use it
- You must promptly notify us of any unauthorized access
- You may participate as both a Player and a Backer simultaneously
- All account activity is your responsibility
8. Prohibited Conduct
You agree not to:
- Use the Service for money laundering, fraud, or any illegal purpose
- Create multiple accounts or use false identity information
- Exploit bugs, glitches, or system errors for unfair advantage
- Use bots, scripts, or automated tools to interact with the Service
- Collude with other users to manipulate outcomes or lines
- Interfere with the proper operation of the Service
- Reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble any part of the Service
9. Prediction Settlement
Predictions are settled based on official results from our data providers. Empire reserves the right to void predictions in cases of obvious error, data feed malfunction, or suspected fraud. Settled predictions are final and cannot be reversed except in cases of clear error.
10. Responsible Play
Empire is committed to responsible play. We provide tools including deposit limits, prediction limits, session time reminders, and self-exclusion options. See our Responsible Play page for details.
11. Intellectual Property
All content, trademarks, logos, and intellectual property on the Service belong to Empire Sportsbook LLC or its licensors. You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works without our written permission.
12. Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by law, Empire shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from your use of the Service. Our total liability shall not exceed the amount of redeemable Sweeps Cash in your account at the time of the claim.
13. Modifications to Terms
We may modify these Terms at any time. Material changes will be communicated through the Service or via email. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance. If you disagree with modified Terms, you must stop using the Service.
14. Termination
Empire may suspend or terminate your account at any time for violation of these Terms or for any other reason at our discretion. Upon termination, you may request redemption of eligible Sweeps Cash balances subject to verification and compliance requirements.
15. Governing Law
These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the applicable jurisdiction. Any disputes shall be resolved through binding arbitration, except where prohibited by law.
16. Contact
For questions about these Terms, contact us at support@play-empire.com.