Best Social Casinos with Real Money Redemptions

Social casinos are taking off across the US. They give you a way to play thousands of casino-style games for free, with no pressure and no financial risk. At the best social casino sites, find everything from quick-fire slots to live dealer tables that feel like the real thing. It’s all the excitement of a traditional casino, only without having to deposit your own money.

The Yay Sweepstakes team has pulled together a selection of our favorite social casinos to try right now. Many of them also offer sweepstakes modes, so you can collect sweepstakes coins and redeem them for real cash prizes while you play.

List of Social Casinos Currently Available in the US

Below is a table of social casinos currently operating in the US. If its on here, we’ve tested it, and it meets our standards.

Check out which one best suits you and whether or not it has the option to play on Sweepstakes mode.

Our Top 6 Social Casinos for August 2025

There’s no shortage of social casinos out there, but some clearly rise above the rest. We’ve tested dozens and picked the ones that genuinely impressed us.

Here’s what makes them worth your time.

1. Mega Frenzy

Best For: New players who want a fresh platform with daily bonus spins
Welcome Bonus: 34,000 GC + free Hype Wheel spin (chance at SC prizes)

Mega Frenzy only hit the scene in June 2025 but already feels well put together. The game library is growing fast, with over 600 titles right now, including 80+ jackpot slots and live dealer games from 30+ providers. The team says traditional table games are coming soon, and they’re aiming to pass 1,000 total games before the end of summer.

There’s no dedicated app yet, but the web version runs smoothly on any mobile device. New sign-ups get 34,000 Gold Coins plus a free spin of the Hype Wheel, which can award Sweeps Coins. If you want to boost your balance, the optional first purchase offer is solid: $9.99 for 20,000 Gold Coins and 20 Sweeps Coins, double the usual value.

2. McLuck

Best For: Players who want variety with strong mobile support
Welcome Bonus: 7,500 GC + 2.5 SC (no purchase)

McLuck Casino has built a reputation fast, thanks to its generous bonuses, smooth mobile experience, and huge variety of games. It’s available on iOS and Android, but you can also log in on any device via the fully-optimized web platform.

Sign up and you’ll get 7,500 Gold Coins and 2.5 Sweeps Coins for free. If you choose to make your first purchase, $9.99 unlocks 50,000 GC and 25 SC, one of the better first-purchase values out there. The library has over 1,200 titles, including slots, Slingo, scratchcards, and a handful of live dealer tables. Daily login rewards, prize drops, and frequent promos keep things fresh.

3. Crown Coins Casino

Best For: iPhone users who want a top-rated mobile casino
Welcome Bonus: 100,000 CC + 2 SC (no purchase)

Crown Coins Casino has one of the best-rated iOS apps in the industry with a 4.8/5 score in the App Store. There’s no Android app yet, but it runs perfectly on mobile browsers. The platform stands out for its progressive jackpots, easy payments via Apple Pay and Skrill, and regular login bonuses.

New players start with 100,000 Crown Coins and 2 Sweeps Coins, free. From there, ongoing promos and referral rewards keep your balance topped up.

4. Jackpota Casino

Best For: Players who want a big slot library with daily top-ups
Welcome Bonus: 7,500 GC + 2.5 SC (no purchase)

Jackpota is a slot lover’s dream, with over 700 games including Buffalo King Megaways, Sugar Rush, and Big Bass, Hold & Spinner. The mobile-optimized site works well on phones and tablets, even without a dedicated app.

New sign-ups get 7,500 Gold Coins and 2.5 Sweeps Coins for free, and the $9.99 first purchase package adds 50,000 GC and 25 SC. Daily login rewards and social media giveaways give you plenty of ways to keep spinning.

5. Stake.us

Best For: Players who want nonstop bonuses and crypto redemptions
Welcome Bonus: 250,000 GC + $25 SC (no purchase)

Stake.us offers over 800 games, including slots, table games, video poker, scratch cards, and live dealer tables. It’s one of the few sweepstakes casinos where you can redeem cash prizes as cryptocurrency.

You start with 250,000 Gold Coins and $25 in Stake Cash just for signing up. Plus, a daily login bonus of 10,000 GC and $1 SC keeps the action going.

6. Pulsz Casino – Best Promotions for Free Social Casino Play

Pulsz runs constant promotions, from seasonal holiday deals to weekly prize pools for 100 winners. You’ll also find daily giveaways on their social media channels.

Sign up and get 5,000 Gold Coins and 2.3 Sweeps Coins for free. The daily prize wheel can give you up to 2.4 SC in one spin, along with more GC. The game library has jackpot slots, Megaways, and digital table games, though there’s no live dealer section yet.

What Is a Social Casino?

A social casino is an online gaming platform where you can play slots, table games, and other casino-style games using virtual currency instead of real money. These platforms are designed for entertainment rather than profit, offering the casino experience without the financial risk.

But social casinos are more than just free casino-style games; they’re interactive communities. Many social casinos feature friend lists, leaderboards, tournaments, and even in-game chats or social feeds. You can compete with others, share wins, send gifts, and climb ranks, adding a social and gamified twist that sets these sites apart from traditional online casinos.

Because no real money is directly wagered, social casinos are legal in nearly all US states, including those where real-money gambling isn’t allowed, like California and Texas. That makes them an accessible, fun alternative for anyone looking to enjoy casino-style gaming in a safe and legal way.

How Do Social Casinos Work?

Social casinos operate using virtual currencies, typically in two forms:

• Gold Coins (or equivalent): These are used for standard gameplay and cannot be redeemed for real-world prizes. You can earn them through logins, daily rewards, promotions, or by purchasing them.
• Sweeps Coins (or equivalent, like Sweeps Cash): Found at social casinos with sweepstakes mode, these coins can be used to play the games, and the Sweeps Coins that you win can be redeemed for cash prizes. This makes social sweepstakes casinos a legal way to win real money without ever placing a traditional wager.

Because you’re never betting real money directly, social casinos avoid gambling classifications under most US laws. That’s why they’re widely available and continue to grow in popularity. Players can enjoy the casino-style games they love, interact with a broader community, and even walk away with prize redemptions, all without the pressure of risking their own cash.

How Are Social Casinos Different from Online Casinos?

Social casinos, including sweepstakes casinos, focus on fun, accessibility, and community, rather than gambling for profit. Here’s a quick breakdown of how they compare:

If you’ve played at a real money online casino before, a social casino will look familiar. The layout is similar, the lobbies have the same kind of polish, and you’ll see plenty of well-known games like slots, blackjack, and roulette. The difference isn’t in the presentation, it’s in how they work.

The first big change is where you can play. Real money casinos are only legal in a handful of US states, just seven right now, and you need to be at least 21 and physically located in one of those states to get in on the action. Social casinos are much more accessible. Standard ones (without sweepstakes prizes) are available in all 50 states, and sweepstakes casinos, where you can redeem certain coins for cash prizes, are legal in more than 40 states. Most let you join from the age of 18, though some do set the bar at 21.

The second difference is how you fund your play. At a real money casino, you have to deposit cash before you can start spinning or betting. Social casinos hand you free virtual coins just for signing up and logging in. Run out? You can wait for a free top-up or buy more coins if you want, the choice is yours. It’s why most players never spend a cent, as shown in recent findings from the Social Poker & Gaming Association and Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, which found that the majority of social casino players stick to free play entirely.

In short, real money casinos revolve around cash deposits and withdrawals, with strict rules on where and who can play. Social casinos are free to join, legal in most places, and built for entertainment, with the added bonus of potential real prizes if you’re playing in sweepstakes mode.

Playing at Social Casinos – Yays and Nays

 

How To Get Started at a Social Casino

Getting started with social casinos is simple and doesn’t require any real-money deposits.

Follow these steps to create an account and begin playing today:

How To Get Free Coins at Social Casinos

You can get free Gold Coins at social casinos through bonuses, each of which we have explained in detail below. These offers are worth claiming. Free Gold Coins extend your bankroll, so you can play for longer without having to purchase coin packages. Free Sweep Coins are only available through bonuses at sweepstakes casino, and they are the currency you need to collect if you want to redeem cash prizes.

Purchasing Gold Coins at Social Casinos

Buying Gold Coins at a social casino is fast and straightforward. Here’s how to do it:

1. Log in to your account: Head to your chosen social casino and sign in.
2. Navigate to the purchase section: Look for a button labeled “Buy,” “Get Coins,” or “Shop,” usually at the top of the screen or in the main menu.
3. Choose your Gold Coin package: Select from available bundles, often with bonus Sweeps Coins included.
4. Select a payment method: Most platforms accept credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or other secure options.
5. Confirm your purchase: Review your selection, complete the payment, and the coins will appear in your account instantly.

Gold Coins are used for standard gameplay and have no real-world cash value, but many purchases include bonus Sweeps Coins, which can be redeemed for prizes if the casino supports sweepstakes play.

How to Redeem for a Cash Prize at Social Casinos with Sweeps Games

If the social casino offers sweepstakes play, you may be able to redeem Sweeps Coins (or equivalent) for real cash prizes or gift cards. Here’s how the process typically works:

1. Earn or purchase Sweeps Coins: Get them through daily bonuses, promotions, or as part of Gold Coin packages.
2. Meet the playthrough requirement: Most platforms require you to play through your Sweeps Coins at least once (1x) before redeeming.
3. Go to the redemption area: Look for a button or tab labeled “Redeem,” “Cash Out,” or “Prizes” in your account dashboard.
4. Choose your prize or cash option: Options may include direct bank transfers, PayPal, or gift cards, depending on the platform.
5. Submit verification (if needed): Some sites may ask you to complete identity verification (KYC) before processing your first redemption.
6. Confirm and wait: After submitting your request, redemptions are usually processed within a few business days.

Redemption is what makes sweepstakes casinos unique, offering real prizes while staying legal in most US states.

Banking Methods at Social Casinos

While you can enjoy social casinos without ever spending a dime, many players choose to purchase additional coins to extend gameplay. And at social casinos that offer sweepstakes prizes, eligible players can redeem special coins (like Sweeps Coins) for a cash prize or gift card.

Payment Methods

Social casinos support a variety of payment methods for purchasing Gold Coins:

Credit and Debit Cards: Visa, Mastercard, and Amex are widely accepted.

Apple Pay & Google Pay: Mobile-friendly options that allow for quick and seamless purchases.

Bank Transfer: Less common, but available on select platforms for direct bank payments.

PayPal & Skrill: Great for players who prefer not to share card or bank details directly with the casino.

Cryptocurrency: A few platforms support Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other altcoins, though this remains rare in the social casino space.

No matter which method you choose, purchases are typically processed instantly so you can get back to playing.

Redemption Methods

If you’re playing at a sweepstakes casino, you may be eligible to redeem Sweeps Coins for real prizes. Common redemption options include:

• Bank Transfer: Direct deposit into your checking account, usually processed within 3 to 10 business days.
• Prizeout Gift Cards: Many sweepstakes casinos partner with Prizeout, a platform that lets you redeem your Sweeps Coins for digital gift cards to popular retailers. Redemptions via Prizeout are often processed instantly.
• PayPal & Skrill: Some platforms allow redemptions via e-wallets, which tend to be faster than bank transfers.
• Cryptocurrency: A limited number of sites support redemptions in Bitcoin or other crypto formats.

Prizeout is especially popular for players who want quick, flexible access to their winnings without waiting on a bank transfer. Whether you’re cashing out to your account or snagging a gift card, sweepstakes casinos offer a legal, secure way to turn virtual wins into real-world value.

Best Social Casino Mobile Apps

A good mobile app can make or break your social casino experience. The best ones load quickly, run smoothly on both Wi-Fi and mobile data, and keep all the desktop features intact. Out of all the platforms we’ve tested in this guide, one stood out above the rest.

Our Top Pick: Crown Coins Casino

Crown Coins takes the crown for mobile performance, thanks to its highly rated iOS app (4.8/5 in the App Store). It’s fast, stable, and easy to navigate, with the full game library available in just a few taps. You can claim bonuses, join promotions, and even handle redemptions directly from your phone.

While Crown Coins doesn’t yet have a dedicated Android app, the mobile browser version is just as slick, so Android players won’t miss out.

Other Notables:

• McLuck – Strong apps for both iOS and Android with reliable performance and fast load times.
• Pulsz – No dedicated app, but its mobile web version is lightweight and responsive.
• Stake.us – Browser-based but optimized for mobile play, including live dealer streams.

If mobile gaming is your priority, Crown Coins is our pick for the best overall experience, but McLuck is a close second if you want an app for both operating systems.

New Social Casinos

New social casinos are popping up all the time due to their popularity across the US. Below is a quick table summarizing the best new social casinos to launch in 2025, but if you want to keep up to date, keep an eye on our new sweepstakes casinos page.

New social casinos are launching rapidly in 2025, offering bigger bonuses and fresher features. Check back often to stay ahead of the newest openings.

Types of Games at Social Casinos

Social casinos offer a wide variety of casino-style games, no real money required. Here are the most common types:

• Slots: The biggest draw, with themes ranging from pop culture to mythology. Expect bonus rounds, jackpots, and high-quality graphics.
• Blackjack: The most popular card game, with classic, multi-hand, and even live dealer versions on some platforms.
• Roulette: American and European styles are common; some casinos offer live dealer or unique variants like Lightning Roulette.
• Video Poker: Fast-paced poker-style games like Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild.
• Live Dealer Games: Real-time video games with professional dealers, available for blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.
• Specialty Games: Includes scratch cards, keno, fish shooting, prize wheels, and other arcade-style experiences.

Whether you prefer spinning reels or strategic table games, social casinos offer something for every type of player.

Where are Social Casinos Legal in the US?

True social casinos, those that only use virtual coins with no cash prize redemptions, are legal in every US state without exception. These platforms are considered free-to-play entertainment and don’t fall under gambling or sweepstakes laws.

However, sweepstakes casinos (which allow players to redeem Sweeps Coins for real cash or prizes) are restricted in a few states due to local regulations. While not real-money casinos, sweepstakes casinos fall under their own legal restrictions. Sweepstakes casinos (and therefore social casinos with sweeps prizes) are not available in the following states:

• Connecticut
• Louisiana
• Idaho
• Montana
• Michigan
• Nevada
• New York
• Washington

If you live in one of these states, you can still play on standard social casinos using only Gold Coins or equivalent virtual currency, you just won’t be able to access the sweepstakes features or redeem for cash prizes.

A Brief History of the Sweepstakes Model

The sweepstakes model dates back long before online casinos. In the early 20th century, it was used by brands and retailers to run prize promotions without falling under gambling laws. The key difference was always that no purchase was necessary to enter, you could take part for free via mail-in entries or other methods.

When online gaming took off in the 2000s, some clever operators adapted the sweepstakes format for casino-style play. Instead of betting real money, players used virtual currencies like Gold Coins for fun, and Sweeps Coins for the chance to win cash prizes.

A few key dates in the model’s evolution:

• Early 2000s – Sweepstakes-based poker rooms appear in the US.
• 2010–2012 – Facebook games like Zynga Poker and FarmVille popularise the concept of free-to-play with optional purchases.
• 2016–2018 – Chumba Casino and Global Poker cement the sweepstakes casino format for online slots and card games.
• 2020–2023 – Surge in new sweepstakes casinos, partly driven by stricter online gambling laws in certain states.
• 2024–2025 – Major US entertainment brands (like Hard Rock and BetRivers) launch their own social or sweepstakes platforms.

What’s on the Horizon for Sweepstakes Casinos

The sweepstakes model isn’t slowing down. With more states debating online gambling legislation, sweepstakes casinos remain one of the few legal ways to enjoy real prize redemptions almost nationwide.

Here’s what to watch in the next few years:

• Bigger Brands Getting Involved – Expect more traditional casino operators and sportsbook brands to launch sweepstakes versions of their platforms.
• Better Mobile Experiences – Native apps and faster web apps are becoming the norm, especially for iOS users.
• More Game Variety – Studios are creating exclusive games just for social and sweepstakes casinos, including live dealer tables optimised for the model.
• Crypto Integration – A small but growing number of sweepstakes casinos are adding crypto payment and redemption options, appealing to tech-savvy players.
• Regulatory Changes – Ongoing discussions in states like New York and Michigan could influence how sweepstakes casinos operate in the coming years.

The takeaway? The sweepstakes format has proved adaptable for over a century, and as technology evolves, it’s likely to stay a key part of the US online gaming landscape.

What Makes a Great Social Casino?

There are countless social casinos out there, but there are a few things that all the best social casinos have in common. These are the things we research and assess as part of their review process and are things you should consider when selecting a site:

• Games & Software: The best social casinos offer hundreds of slots, roulette, blackjack, video poker, and specialty games from well-known developers. These games should be as quality as their real-money counterparts. Here’s more on how sweepstakes casino software works.
• Bonuses & Promotions: We always check the casino bonuses and look for sites offering a range of sign-up promotions, daily login bonuses, and other offers. The more free coins up for grabs, the more fun you can have without having to buy coins.
• Payment Methods: You can enjoy social casinos for free using bonuses and giveaways, but purchasing coins will give you more screen time. We always look for sites that offer various safe and secure payment options to suit every type of player.
• Mobile Capabilities: The best social casinos can be accessed from mobiles and have the same features as their desktop versions. We check for things like a user-friendly layout, access to all the games, and the ability to claim bonuses while on the go.
• Customer Support: You’re unlikely to run into issues at our top-rated social casinos, as they all have stellar reputations. However, it’s good to know there’s efficient support there, just in case. We prioritize sites with 24/7 support and multiple methods of communication.
• Security & Safety: Even though you’re not playing for real money, you want to ensure your chosen site is safe and secure to protect your information. All our recommended social casinos have rigorous security measures, meaning you can play confidently.

Why Trust Us

We’re not here to push the biggest ad budget or the flashiest logo; our goal is to help you find sites worth your time.

Our team has spent years covering online casinos and sweepstakes platforms, and we’ve played on every site we recommend. We sign up, claim the bonuses, play the games, test redemptions, and even contact customer support to see how they handle real player questions.

We also keep each review up to date. If a casino changes its bonus terms, adds new games, or updates its redemption process, we go back in and update our findings.

Because we’ve done the legwork, you can skip the guesswork. When we say a social casino is worth joining, it’s because we’ve tried it, enjoyed it, and confirmed it delivers on what it promises.

Responsible Gambling

Despite not using real money, social casinos can still be highly engaging, and it’s important to practice responsible gaming to maintain a fun and balanced experience. While these platforms eliminate the risk of financial loss, they can still lead to excessive play, overspending on virtual currency, or unhealthy gaming habits if not managed responsibly.

Key Tips for Responsible Gaming

• Set Time Limits: Just because you’re not spending real money doesn’t mean you should play endlessly. Set time limits to keep gaming in check.
• Avoid Overspending on Virtual Currency: Many social casinos offer free play, but purchasing additional coins or sweepstakes entries can add up. Stick to a budget.
• Play for Fun, Not for Prizes: While sweepstakes models allow for real prize redemptions, social casinos should be viewed as entertainment, not a way to make money.
• Take Breaks: Step away from the game regularly to avoid excessive screen time and maintain a healthy balance with other activities.
• Monitor Your Habits: If you find yourself playing compulsively or chasing losses (even with virtual currency), it may be time to reassess your gaming behavior.

Support and Resources

Even though social casinos aren’t real-money gambling platforms, players can still develop unhealthy gaming patterns.

If you feel like gaming is becoming a problem, consider using tools such as:

• Self-exclusion options, available on some platforms to take a break from play.
• Time reminders, which notify you of extended play sessions.
• Responsible gaming resources like the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and Gamblers Anonymous, which offer guidance even for non-monetary gaming habits.

By approaching social casino gaming with moderation and awareness, players can enjoy the thrill of casino-style games without negative consequences. Responsible gaming ensures that the experience remains fun, lighthearted, and stress-free, exactly as it should be.

Final Thoughts on Social Casinos

If you’re debating signing up for a social casino, you might as well try one and see what you think. They’re totally free to play and can provide hours of online casino entertainment. If choosing a new sweepstakes site, you’re even in for the chance of bagging some real cash prizes.

Social casinos also have the added benefit of being legal in many more states than real-money sites. Even if your jurisdiction has strict anti-gambling laws, you’ll likely be able to join one of our recommended social casinos and experience the thrills of online gambling. And if real-money betting is legal in your state, getting a bit of risk-free practice in doesn’t hurt.

Social Casinos FAQs

Can you win real money at social casinos?

No, you cannot win real money at social casinos, they’re designed for entertainment only. However, you can win cash prizes at sweepstakes casinos. Rather than winning directly through your betting, your wagers are made using virtual currencies and exchanged for prizes.

Are social casinos free?

Yes, it is entirely free to play at social casinos, it is a legal requirement. These are free-play sites that are more about the fun and social side of gaming. You can purchase more virtual currencies if you don’t want to wait for your next free coin bonus, but this is always optional.

What is the difference between a social casino and a sweepstakes casino?

Social and Sweepstakes Casinos are virtually the same, and the terms are used interchangeably, sometimes causing confusion but the difference is in the virtual currencies used. Social casinos only allow players to use Gold Coins for entertainment purposes, there is no chance to redeem coins for cash prizes, whereas sweepstakes casinos rely on a duel currency method, which allows players to play for fun (Gold Coins) or to try and win redeemable Sweeps Coins for the chance to win real cash prizes.

Do social casinos offer bonuses or promotions?

Yes, most social casinos offer various bonuses and promotions, such as daily login rewards, free spins, leaderboard competitions, and referral bonuses. These incentives help players extend their gameplay without spending money.

Are social casinos legal in the US?

Yes, social casinos are legal in the US, while some states have taken action to ban sweepstakes casinos, casinos that offer only Gold Coin play are legal in all 50 states, as there is no chance to win cash prizes and cannot be deemed gambling.

Can I play with friends at social casinos?

Yes, many social casinos have interactive features that allow you to play with friends. Some offer multiplayer games, leaderboards, chat functions, or social media integration so you can compete and engage with other players.