Sweepstakes poker has allowed players across most US states to connect, play in tournaments, and win real cash prizes. Due to the widespread availability compared to traditional real-money poker sites, social poker rooms often have more active online players. Below we’ve reviewed the six best sweepstakes poker sites currently available to US players, by reviewing each poker sites’ bonuses, rakeback offers, payment options and most importantly, the quality of the play we’ll give you all the information you need to understand how sweepstakes poker works and how you can start playing today.
What Is Sweepstakes Poker?
Sweepstakes poker is a unique form of online poker that allows players across the United States to enjoy poker gameplay without the legal restrictions typically associated with traditional real-money gambling. These platforms operate using a sweepstakes model, which complies with US sweepstakes laws, enabling players to participate from most states—even where conventional online poker is not regulated.
How Does Sweepstakes Poker Work?
Unlike traditional online poker sites where players deposit real money to enter games or tournaments, sweepstakes poker sites use a dual-currency system. This approach allows them to offer a similar experience without falling under the same legal classification as gambling. Here’s how it works:
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Gold Coins (GC): These are the standard play-for-fun currency. Players can use Gold Coins to participate in ring games and tournaments, but they hold no real-world value. GCs are meant for social play and entertainment and are typically given out in generous daily bonuses or when purchasing Sweeps Coins.
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Sweeps Coins (SC): This is the premium currency that sets sweepstakes poker apart. Players can receive Sweeps Coins through various promotional methods, such as free giveaways, mail-in entries, or as bonuses when purchasing Gold Coins. Sweeps Coins can be used to enter special games or tournaments, and crucially, any winnings earned in SC can be redeemed for real cash prizes or gift cards.
Because players don’t purchase Sweeps Coins directly and because the currency can be obtained freely or through alternate methods, sweepstakes poker sites can legally operate in most US states. This system creates a bridge between free-to-play and real-money poker, offering the thrill of winning actual prizes while staying within legal bounds.
Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills, compete against others, or win cash without traditional deposits, sweepstakes poker provides an exciting and accessible alternative to standard online poker rooms.
Best Sweepstakes Poker Sites in the US
1. Stake.us Poker – Best for Texas Hold’em
1. Stake.us Poker – Best for Texas Hold’emStake.us Poker is a top-notch sweepstakes platform renowned for its robust selection of Texas Hold’em games. With a user-friendly interface and lightning-fast gameplay, it’s ideal for both beginners and experienced players. The platform offers regular bonuses, promotions, and a variety of tournaments to keep the excitement going.
- Wide range of Texas Hold’em tables and stakes.
- Sleek and intuitive user interface.
- Generous daily bonuses and promotional events.
- Mobile-friendly platform for on-the-go gaming.
- Has recently limited availability in certain regions.
2. Global Poker – Best for Sit & Go Tournaments
2. Global Poker – Best for Sit & Go TournamentsGlobal Poker excels in providing fast-paced Sit & Go tournaments, catering to players who enjoy quick games with competitive stakes. It features a large player base, ensuring games start quickly. The platform also offers a mix of Gold Coin and Sweeps Coin play, making it versatile for all users.
- Fast-paced Sit & Go tournaments with varying buy-ins.
- Strong community of active players.
- Easy-to-navigate lobby and game options.
- Regularly hosts leaderboard challenges for added prizes.
- Limited options for non-poker games.
- Customer support response times could be faster.
3. Clubs Poker – Best for Omaha Players
3. Clubs Poker – Best for Omaha PlayersClubs Poker stands out as a haven for Omaha enthusiasts. The site specializes in this poker variant, offering a variety of Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO) games and tournaments. With an emphasis on fair play and exciting gameplay, it’s a go-to choice for fans of this action-packed format.
- Extensive Omaha offerings, including PLO and Hi-Lo.
- Smooth gameplay with robust anti-cheat measures.
- Regular Omaha-specific promotions and tournaments.
- Friendly community for Omaha lovers.
- Smaller player base compared to other sites.
- Limited availability of non-Omaha games.
4. ClubWPT – Best for Advanced Players
4. ClubWPT – Best for Advanced PlayersClubWPT caters to serious poker players looking for a challenge. It offers a subscription-based model, granting access to an array of tournaments and high-level competition. With an official tie to the World Poker Tour (WPT), the site provides an authentic poker experience.
- Subscription model eliminates need for constant purchases.
- High-level competition with challenging opponents.
- Exclusive WPT events and real-world prize opportunities.
- Well-structured and professionally run tournaments.
- Subscription fee may deter casual players.
- Limited to US players in certain regions.
5. WSOP – Best for Tournament Fanatics
5. WSOP – Best for Tournament FanaticsThe WSOP (World Series of Poker) Sweepstakes platform combines the excitement of major poker tournaments with the accessibility of sweepstakes poker. Players can participate in online tournaments and even earn entries into live WSOP events.
- Exclusive opportunities to qualify for live WSOP tournaments.
- Wide variety of tournament formats, including freerolls.
- Authentic poker experience with professional-level competition.
- Comprehensive poker tutorials and tips for players.
- Requires more time commitment due to tournament structures.
- High competition level may intimidate casual players.
6. PokerBROS – Best for Social Poker
PokerBROS is a social-focused sweepstakes platform that allows players to join custom clubs and play with friends. It offers a variety of poker games and features chat functions, making it a highly interactive experience.
- Customizable clubs for private games.
- Social features like chat and emojis for fun interactions.
- Wide range of poker variants, including Omaha and Hold’em.
- Frequent updates and new game modes.
- Requires club memberships for most games.
- Not ideal for players seeking high-stakes competition.
How Players Get & Redeem Sweeps Coins
Sweepstakes poker sites allow players to enjoy real poker gameplay and win cash prizes—without traditional gambling deposits—thanks to a unique virtual currency called Sweeps Coins (SC). Here’s how the system works.
Since sweepstakes operations are “no purchase necessary” by law, sweeps poker sites employ a dual currency system, which more often than not comes in the form of Gold Coins (GC), which are used for purely social play, and Sweeps Coins (SC) which can be redeamed for gift cards or cash prizes.
How to Play with Sweeps Coins
When players sign up on a sweepstakes poker site, they typically receive a free allocation of Sweeps Coins as part of a welcome bonus or promotional offer. These coins can be used to enter ring games, tournaments, or Sit & Go tables where real cash prizes are on the line.
Players can earn more Sweeps Coins through several methods:
✅ Daily Login Bonuses: Most platforms reward consistent engagement with small SC amounts just for logging in.
🎁 Referral Bonuses: Invite friends and receive bonus SC when they register and play.
🔥 Promo Drop Codes: Limited-time promotional codes shared via email, social media, or community forums.
💰 Gold Coin Packages: When purchasing Gold Coins (used for social gameplay), players often receive bonus Sweeps Coins included at no additional cost.
It’s important to note that you never buy Sweeps Coins directly—they’re only awarded through legal promotional methods, which is what makes the sweepstakes model compliant with US laws. Gold Coin packages can be readily bought with credit cards, e-wallets, and cryptocurrency. To find out more, read our guide on common payment options at sweepstakes casinos.
💵 How to Redeem Cash Prizes
Once players accumulate a minimum balance of Sweeps Coins (typically 50 SC, though this can vary by platform), they can request a redemption. Sweeps Coins are generally redeemable at a 1:1 ratio—meaning:
50 SC = $50 USD in cash prize or gift card.
The redemption process usually involves:
- Verifying your identity: To comply with sweepstakes laws and prevent fraud, you’ll need to upload a valid ID.
- Choosing your reward type: Most platforms offer PayPal, bank transfer, or digital gift cards.
- Submitting a redemption request: Once approved, the payout is typically processed within a few business days.
Why It’s Legal
Sweepstakes and social poker is legal in most US states because players don’t pay directly for Sweeps Coins, and there are always free ways to obtain them (like mail-in requests or login bonuses), this model falls under sweepstakes regulations rather than gambling laws. That means platforms like Global Poker, Stake.us, and others can legally offer real-cash poker to players in almost every US state.
Where Is It Legal (& Illegal) to Play Sweepstakes Poker?
You can play sweepstakes poker in all US states and Washington, D.C. except for:
- Idaho and Washington, two states that do not allow any form of sweepstakes play.
- Connecticut has started banning sweepstakes casinos and poker sites that they feel violate local gambling laws.
- Nevada is a real-money poker state that does not allow sweepstakes poker.
- Michigan is another real-money poker state that’s been slowly banning every sweepstakes casino and social poker site.
- Mississippi and Florida have both recently introduced bills which will seek to ban sweepstakes poker sites and casinos
While these are the main states that don’t allow sweepstakes poker, it can vary by site. Be sure to check that your state is available before signing up.
Types of Games on Sweepstakes Poker Sites
If you’re familiar with real-money poker sites, you’ll be able to jump into a sweepstakes poker site seamlessly. However, even newcomers will quickly understand how the site works, as they’re simple platforms designed to get you to the action quickly and easily.
Ring Games (Cash Games)
Ring games, known as cash games at real-money poker sites, are the type of game where you can sit down at a table, play as much as you want, and leave anytime you want. Ring games range in buy-in, from micro bets to high roller, and the sweepstakes poker site charges a rakeback percentage to turn a profit. For example, Global Poker charges a 5% rake on ring games.
Multi-Table Tournaments (MTTs)
Multi-table tournaments, commonly referred to as MTTs, involve many players competing for a pool of winnings. As players eliminate each other, they move to fewer and fewer tables until they reach a final table. The overall winner takes home the biggest prize, but players in second place and beyond also receive a piece of the prize pool.
To play an MTT, you need to register ahead of time. These tournaments are scheduled between a few hours to weeks in advance. Players can also usually buy back into the tournament if they’re eliminated for another chance to win.
MTTs at sweepstakes casinos range from freerolls (no entry fee required) to entry fees as high as hundreds of Sweepstakes Coins.
The most famous MTT in the US is the World Series of Poker, but sweepstakes poker sites offer MTTs that can result in life-changing cash prizes.
Sit & Go
Sit ‘n’ Go (SNG) tournaments are single-table tournaments. Instead of holding a registration period, players sign up for a Sit ‘n’ Go tournament until all available spots are filled in, then the game begins.
At some sweepstakes casinos, players can go for Jackpot Sit ‘n’ Go tournaments, which generate a random top prize that can be in the thousands despite low buy-ins.
Poker Formats at Sweepstakes Poker Sites
Texas Hold’em
Texas Hold’em is the most popular type of online poker, and all sweepstakes poker sites have it for every type of game (ring games, MTTs, and SNGs). In Texas Hold’em, players are dealt two private cards (“hole cards”) and use them in combination with five community cards dealt face-up on the table to make the best five-card hand. The game involves multiple betting rounds—pre-flop, flop, turn, and river—and the player with the best hand or the last to bet wins the pot.
Omaha
Omaha is the second most popular type of poker, and it too is available at all sweepstakes poker sites. In Omaha, players are dealt four private cards and must use exactly two of them in combination with three of the five community cards to make the best five-card hand. Like Texas Hold’em, it features betting rounds—pre-flop, flop, turn, and river—but often creates higher hand values due to the additional hole cards.
Crazy Pineapple
Crazy Pineapple is a poker variant similar to Texas Hold’em, where players are dealt three hole cards but must discard one after the flop. This twist adds strategic depth, as players must decide which card to keep to build the best five-card hand using the community cards.
What Sweeps Poker Sites Offer the Most Poker Variants?
Below is a comparison of the most common and popular poker formats and which poker sites from our list offer them
| Poker Variant | Global Poker | ClubWPT | Clubs Poker | Stake.us | WSOP App | PokerBROS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas Hold’em | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Omaha | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Omaha Hi-Lo | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Seven-Card Stud | No | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Five-Card Draw | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
| Short Deck Hold’em | No | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Pineapple | No | No | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Crazy Pineapple | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Tournament Poker | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cash Games | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
How to Play Online Poker (Sweepstakes & Social Poker Edition)
Whether you’re new to poker or just new to online play, sweepstakes and social poker platforms offer a beginner-friendly, risk-free way to enjoy the game. While the structure and stakes may differ from traditional real-money poker, the core gameplay remains the same. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting started.
Sweepstakes and social poker sites are a fantastic way to learn the game, enjoy risk-free fun, and even win real prizes—all from the comfort of your home. Whether you’re aiming to improve your skills or just blow off steam, there’s a seat waiting for you at the virtual table.
Sweepstakes Poker Strategy
Poker strategy is a study and practice that can take years to develop. But there are some sweepstakes poker strategies that anyone can use to help them maximize their chance of winning and get the most of their play.
What Is the Competition Like at Sweepstakes Poker Sites?
There are definitely a lot of recreational players at sweepstakes poker sites, and casual players are commonly referred to as “fish” for being easy pickings. However, where there are fish, there are sharks, and sweepstakes poker sites have grown in popularity. That means it’s not the same as it was even a few years ago. Players can now expect a wide range of poker talent.
However, the lower the stakes, the lesser the competition. Players can expect the big dogs to be in the higher-stakes games as well as in the multi-table tournaments with large jackpots.
It’s also important to keep in mind that inexperienced players can still win. Their very lack of strategy can make them difficult to read, and, for this reason, beginner’s luck isn’t necessarily a myth.
Being aware of all angles of the competition should help you better navigate sweepstakes poker sites.
Final Thoughts on Sweepstakes Poker
Sweepstakes poker is an excellent alternative to traditional real-money poker, especially for players in states where regulated online poker isn’t available. By using a sweepstakes-based system with virtual currencies, these platforms offer a legal and accessible way to enjoy real poker gameplay and win cash prizes.
With large player pools, active communities, and frequent tournaments, there’s no shortage of action. Whether you’re playing casually with Gold Coins or competing in Sweeps Coins games for a shot at real rewards, sweepstakes poker delivers the full online poker experience without needing to navigate complex gambling regulations.
It’s a great way to sharpen your skills, try new strategies, and compete against players from across the country—all from the comfort of your own device.