Sweepstakes poker makes it possible for players in nearly all US states to play poker for cash prizes. Because of this widespread availability, sweepstakes poker sites often have more players actively online than real-money poker sites, which are only available in a few states. Here’s everything you need to know about sweepstakes poker, from where to play to how it works and beyond.
How Does Sweepstakes Poker Work?
Sweepstakes poker sites have two types of currency: fun-play coins (usually called Gold Coins) and Sweepstakes Coins. You can play against other players with either type of coin. But playing with Sweepstakes Coins means you can redeem the winnings for a cash prize.
Players receive Sweepstakes Coins when they first sign up at a sweepstakes poker site. These sites are required by law to offer free chances to win, no purchase necessary. You can also get more coins by logging in daily, claiming promotions, or purchasing Gold Coins, which include free Sweepstakes Coins as a bonus.
Use the Sweepstakes Coins to play, and the winning coins can be redeemed 1 to 1 for a cash prize. For example, if you win 50 Sweepstakes Coins, you can redeem them for a $50 cash prize.
Best Sweepstakes Poker Sites
1. Stake.us Poker – Best for Texas Hold’em
Stake.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.
- Limited availability in certain regions.
- Sweeps Coin redemption process can take time.
2. Global Poker – Best for Sit & Go Tournaments
Global 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
Clubs 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
ClubWPT 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
The 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.
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.
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 Pinneapple
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.
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.
Where Is It Legal 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.
- 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 poker site.
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.
Final Thoughts on Sweepstakes Poker
Sweepstakes poker is an excellent alternative to real-money poker for folks in states without licensed real-money poker sites. The player pools are large, the prize pools are even bigger, and you have access to it all for free, with no purchase necessary to play.