Best Sweepstakes Poker Sites in December 2024

While there aren’t many sweepstakes poker sites, especially compared to casino sites, there are still great platforms to consider for poker lovers.

No cash deposits or purchases are required, but you can boost your coin balance by choosing to make deposits.

Our guide highlights the best sweepstakes poker sites that offer cash games, tournaments, and SNGs with Gold Coins or Sweeps Coins.

We’ve tested and rated each site across all important factors.

Top sweepstakes poker sites compared

Sweepstakes poker sites offer players the chance to enjoy poker games using virtual currencies, with the potential to redeem winnings for real-world prizes.

Here's an overview of the top platforms:

Best sweepstakes poker sites reviewed

Our team has thoroughly tested each sweepstakes poker site that accepts US players.

We reviewed them in detail and scored them based on key criteria.

1. Stake.us - Overall best sweepstakes poker site

Stake.us video review

After testing all sweepstakes poker sites in the US, the team agrees that Stake.us is the top choice.

Stake offers real poker with cash tables. Buy-ins range from SC0.01/0.02 to SC200/400.

Players can choose between No Limit Texas Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha.

For tournament lovers, Stake has single and multi-table Sit & Go events, plus large multi-table tournaments.

The Sunday Deepstack tournament is the most popular, with a guaranteed prize pool of SC750 or more.

To play, you must be 21 or older and live in a state other than Washington, Nevada, Idaho, New York, Kentucky, Michigan, or Vermont.

Read our full Stake.us review here.

2. Global Poker - Best for easy user interface

Global Poker is a strong competitor, ranking as the second-best sweepstakes poker site.

It fell short of the top spot due to its registration bonus, which only includes Gold Coins and no Sweeps Coins—disappointing for players looking to start with both.

The welcome bonus costs $20, providing 100,000 Gold Coins and 40 Sweeps Coins.

That’s 100% more Sweeps Coins than usual for this price.

Another way to earn Sweeps Coins is by mailing handwritten letters to the site’s registered address, with 5 Sweeps Coins awarded for each letter received.

Global Poker offers two poker variants: No Limit Texas Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha.

You can also choose from various game formats.

Cash tables are available with blinds starting at SC 0.02/0.04, going up to SC 10/20.

Like Stake.us, Global Poker hosts daily and weekly SNGs and tournaments, with buy-ins ranging from SC 0.50 to 10 for SNGs and from SC 0.11 to 218 for tournaments.

We liked Global Poker’s interface.

It’s simple, clean, and easy to use, with a visually appealing design.

You can play Global Poker in all states except Idaho, Michigan, Montana, and Washington.

3. Clubs Poker - Best for selection of games

If you're looking for another great option, consider Clubs Poker.

While it’s not as well-known, it's quickly gaining popularity among US poker players.

Clubs Poker offers a wider range of games than many competitors.

In addition to No Limit Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha, you'll find games like HORSE, Omaha Hi-Lo, 2-7 Single Draw, and Stud.

The site also features various tournament formats, including Bounty Tournaments, Progressive Knockouts, and more.

Players can enjoy standard cash tables or try Sit and Go tournaments.

If you run out of Gold Coins (GC) or Sweeps Coins (SC), Clubs Poker ensures you can still play with daily freeroll tournaments that offer chances to top up your balance.

The site also has a Bad Beat Jackpot, which rewards players who lose a hand with a very strong hand at showdown.

New players can claim a welcome offer of 2,500 GC and 0.50 SC, along with daily rewards of the same amount.

Clubs Poker also has an active social media presence, often holding giveaways for both Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins.

What is a sweepstakes poker site & how do they work?

A sweepstakes or social poker site is an online platform where players can enjoy poker without using real money.

Players use a free currency, which they can earn through daily rewards, social giveaways, and activities like tournaments or raffles.

Players can also buy coin packages to increase their balance.

These packages often include a bonus of premium currency, known as Sweeps Coins (SC), which can be exchanged for cash or sometimes gift cards.

Sweeps Coins are harder to earn, though most platforms offer a small amount as a sign-up bonus and through daily rewards or coin package purchases.

Players can also earn SC by playing poker with their existing SC balance or through special promotions.

Since you can't directly buy Sweeps Coins, and they are given as bonuses, playing on social poker sites is not considered gambling.

This makes these sites legal to play on in most states.

Social poker sites and online casinos are growing in popularity in the U.S. because they offer a safe and casual way to enjoy popular games.

How to get real money prizes at sweepstakes poker sites

People play at social poker sites mainly for fun, but the chance to win cash prizes is also a big draw.

All the sites on our list let you redeem Sweeps Coins for prizes, including cash or gift cards.

Registration bonuses

• Most sweepstakes sites offer new players a registration bonus. This usually includes a large amount of freemium currency and a small amount of premium currency.

First purchase deals

• After the registration bonus, new players often get a first-purchase deal. While there is no obligation to buy, the offer usually includes a heavily discounted coin package, often up to 50% off the regular price.

Daily rewards

• Almost every social poker site offers daily rewards. Most give out free currency, and some even add Sweeps Coins on top.

Social media promotions

• Many social casinos have active social media communities. By following their channels, you can participate in giveaways or contests that reward you with premium currency.

Refer-a-friend programs

• Most social poker sites have a refer-a-friend promotion. You can earn currency by referring friends who make deposits on the site.

Mail-in rewards

• Many sweepstakes platforms allow you to send handwritten letters to the company. In return, you may receive premium currency.

Tournaments and competitions

• You can also earn Sweeps Coins by participating in tournaments and competitions. Often, you need to play certain slots to earn points and rank on a leaderboard. The top players share in the prize pool.

Loyalty/VIP programs

• We recommend joining sites with a loyalty or VIP program. These programs reward your loyalty, often offering discounts on coin packages or other benefits. Not all VIP programs provide premium currency, but they can offer valuable rewards.

How we test & rank the top social poker sites

Our goal is to provide honest and accurate reviews of the best sweepstakes poker sites.

We highlight both their strengths and weaknesses.

If there's something we don't like, we’ll let you know.

We use a clear set of criteria to evaluate each site.

This helps our readers see how each platform stacks up against the competition.

1. Bonuses & promotion: We evaluate bonuses based on size, value, and fairness. We review the terms and conditions to determine if a bonus or promotion is worth claiming.

2. Poker games: We assess the variety of poker games offered. Since players come to these sites for poker, we ensure there’s a good selection to choose from.

3. Rewards, prizes, and loyalty programs: We look at how each site rewards players and the ease of claiming on-site currencies. It’s important that earning currencies is simple, without requiring payment.

4. User experience: We check how easy the site is to use, if it works well on mobile devices, and if it operates smoothly. We also see if a mobile app is available for download.

5. Payment methods: We analyze the payment methods available for buying coin packages and cash prize redemptions. We also consider processing times, payout speeds, and fees.

6. Safety and security: We prioritize safety by checking the site's security features, its ratings on trusted review sites, and the licenses it holds.

7. Customer support: We review the customer support options, such as live chat, email, or phone, and test their responsiveness and availability.

We score each platform out of five in these categories. The overall score is the average of these ratings.

Are social poker sites legal in the US?

It is legal for players in most U.S. states to play at sweepstakes poker sites and casinos, but certain rules must be followed to stay within the law.

Sweepstakes are not classified as gambling.

They are considered promotions, not online casino games, and are therefore not subject to the same laws.

For a site to be legal, it must meet these requirements:

• No Purchase Necessary: Players must be able to participate without making a purchase. For example, players can get premium currencies by sending a handwritten letter to the operating company.

• Random Winner Selection: Winners are chosen randomly, making sweepstakes games of chance, not skill-based.

• Clear Rules and Prizes: Legal sweepstakes sites must provide clear terms and conditions. These should explain the prizes, how to win, how to play without real money, and the odds of winning.

Each state has its own regulations regarding sweepstakes casinos and poker sites.

Currently, sweepstakes sites cannot operate in Washington, Michigan, Idaho, and Nevada.

The pros & cons of sweepstakes poker sites

Sweepstakes poker sites allow players to enjoy popular poker games without using real money.

These sites have both advantages and disadvantages.

Sweepstakes Poker Advantages:

• No Real Money Gambling: At these sites, you don’t have to bet real money. You can play for fun using free currency or try to win cash prizes with premium currency. This lowers the financial risk of playing.

• Legal in Most US States: Since playing on sweepstakes sites is not classified as gambling, it is legal in most US states.

• Chance to Win Real Cash: The main draw of sweepstakes poker is the opportunity to win money. While it’s harder to win without buying coins, it’s still possible.

• Free Currency Options: You can earn Sweeps Coins for free. Along with purchasing coin packages, you get free coins as a registration bonus, by sending letters, or through site promotions and giveaways.

• Variety of Poker Games: Sweepstakes poker sites offer a wide selection of games. You can play at cash tables, join daily or weekly tournaments, and participate in Sit and Go (SNG) games.

Sweepstakes Poker Cons:

• Minimum Requirements for Redemption: All sweepstakes platforms set a minimum number of Sweeps Coins you must accumulate before you can redeem for cash. Additionally, you typically need to wager these coins at least once before they become eligible for redemption.

• May Feel Less Exciting than Playing for Real Money: Some players may find the experience less thrilling compared to playing with real money. The excitement of risking cash, bluffing opponents, and winning can be different when virtual coins are used.

• Account Verification Process: A common frustration with sweepstakes casinos is the account verification required before redeeming prizes. This step only needs to be done once, but it may take a few days. You’ll need to provide documents and proof of identity and address.

• Not Available in All States: While sweepstakes platforms are legal in most states, a few states ban them. If you live in one of those states, you won’t be able to access these platforms.

How to choose a sweepstakes poker site USA

Choosing the right sweepstakes poker site can be tough due to the many options available.

We make it easier by offering reviews to help you find the best platforms.

• Legal Compliance: Before signing up, confirm that sweepstakes poker is legal in your state. While most states allow it, always double-check the rules.

• Reputation & Reviews: Look for feedback from other players and expert reviews, like those from our team at Sporting Post. Avoid sites with poor reputations.

• Game Selection: Ensure the site offers the poker variants you want, like Hold'em, Omaha, or Stud. Look for a variety of tournaments and a range of buy-ins for cash games.

• Bonuses & Promotions: While poker sites typically don’t offer many promotions, some may provide discounted coin packages or freeroll events. Check the available offers before committing.

• Customer Support: Check if the site offers 24/7 support through live chat, email, or even phone. Fast and accessible customer service is crucial.

• Payment Options: Ensure the site supports secure, convenient payment methods. Also, find out how long it takes to receive your cash prizes or gift cards.

• Sweepstakes Mechanics: Most sweepstakes platforms are similar, but review details like minimum redemptions and how to earn free Sweeps Coins.

• User Experience: Test how the site performs and if it’s easy to navigate, especially if you plan to play on mobile devices.

• Security & Privacy: Confirm the site uses HTTPS encryption to protect your data. Read the privacy policy to understand how your information will be used.

• Responsible Gaming Tools: Check if the site offers responsible gaming options, like setting spending and playing limits.

How to play responsibly on sweepstakes poker apps

At Sporting Post, we strongly support responsible gambling, and many social sweepstakes poker sites share this commitment.

Gambling should be viewed as entertainment, not a way to make money.

Only spend what you can afford to lose, and treat any winnings as a bonus.

Never gamble with money you can't afford, and do not see gambling as a source of income.

Sweepstakes poker sites help reduce gambling risks by allowing play without spending money.

However, coin packages are available for purchase, adding a small element of risk.

If you feel you are losing control of your gambling or suspect someone else is, reach out to organizations like the National Council on Problem Gambling for help.

Many leading social poker sites offer tools for responsible gambling.

You can set spending or time limits, or take a break by temporarily restricting access to your account.

The best platforms also provide the option to permanently self-exclude.

FAQs

Editorial policy

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References

• Legislation on Prize Award Schemes

• S.335 - Deceptive Mail Prevention and Enforcement Act for Sweepstakes

• A Consumer's Guide to Sweepstakes and Lotteries

• Legalized Gambling

• American Gaming Association

• National Indian Gaming Association

• Department of Revenue Gaming