With the booming growth of sweepstakes gaming sites over the past few years, we are now seeing the launch of something new for sports fans: social sportsbooks. The sweepstakes platforms offer a unique way to place sports picks for prizes via Sweeps Coins.
Social sportsbooks utilize the same rules and regulations as social casinos but offer sports picks instead of classic casino games. Explore moneylines, point spreads, props, and more with Gold and Sweeps Coins on various sports markets, including football, basketball, and baseball.
What Is a Social Sportsbook?
A social sportsbook, also known as a sweepstakes sportsbook, is a gaming site that operates based on sweepstakes rules. You are not obligated to deposit funds or purchase to play, like you would at real money sportsbooks. Simply use the coins or currency provided to make sports picks.
Social sportsbooks offer various options with diverse play types in college and professional sports markets.
How Do Social Sportsbooks Work?
Social sportsbooks work the same way as traditional sportsbooks except for the real money element. Instead of depositing funds, you will use special coins to make sports picks. The social sportsbooks give new members Gold and Sweeps Coins for gaming.
Gold Coins (GC) have zero value and are for freeplay. Sweeps Coins (SC) can be used to make picks, and wins are redeemable for real prizes as long as the terms and conditions of the site are met.
You can purchase more Gold Coins for your account, but you are not obligated to do so. With a Gold Coin purchase, you earn more GCs, and many packages will include free SCs. This gives you both coin types, so you can play in either mode.
Make Social Sports Picks For Cash Prizes
With social sportsbooks, you can make picks with Sweeps Coins and earn prizes. Most sites require players to use SCs at least one time before they are redeemable. You must also reach a certain threshold to redeem a gift card or cash payment based on the site you play with.
Gift card prize redemptions can start at 10-15 and go as high as 50 before prizes can be claimed. With real money prizes, you need a minimum of 50-100 redeemable SCs to claim your prize.
Gift cards will arrive within 24 hours of approval, and real prizes can take 3-5 days or longer, depending on the payment type. Social sportsbooks usually offer online bank transfers or Skrill for prize redemption.
Are Sweepstakes Sportsbooks Safe?
Sweepstakes sportsbooks are considered safe gaming options if they operate based on local sweepstakes laws. Social sites should have a Sweeps Rules page as well as terms and conditions you can review to know the legalities of services.
Where Can You Legally Pick at Social Sportsbooks?
Each social sportsbook will have a set region in which it can operate across the United States. Most sites will feature services in areas that accept sweepstakes gaming services.
Reviewing the terms and conditions of any new sportsbook you join is important, as the state restrictions may vary.
Below are states that are commonly restricted from sweepstakes gaming services. I always check the fine print before joining a site to ensure my state is not included. The restricted states can also change at any time as rules and regulations are updated.
- Idaho
- Hawaii
- Michigan
- Montana
- Nevada
- Washington
Social Sportsbooks vs. Real Money Sportsbooks
The main difference between sweepstakes sportsbooks and real money options is the monetary aspect.
Social sportsbooks do not use real money for gaming. Instead, players are given Gold and Sweeps Coins for gaming. There is no requirement for purchase, and you can continue to place sports picks at no cost.
With real-money sportsbooks, players must deposit funds and use the real money to place picks. The other elements, such as sports markets and play types, are the same.
You will find NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and other sports markets, along with pick options like moneylines, totals, and point spreads, at both social and real money sportsbooks.
The benefit of sweepstakes sportsbooks is that they are free to join and make picks, and you can still win real prizes with Sweeps Coins!
Best Social Sportsbooks
From my research, I have three options for sports fans.
The platforms below offer sweepstakes sportsbooks with various pick methods and available markets. I have joined each site so that you can explore first-hand information on each brand.
Pick one to join or create a new player account with all three to begin enjoying sportsbook services with no purchase necessary!
Thrillzz
Thrillzz launched in 2024 and is one of the newer online sports pick sites offered today. The brand is featured in several US states and includes a solid welcome bonus consisting of Thrillzz Coins and Sweeps.
Gaming categories include all your favorites, such as baseball, basketball, boxing, soccer, tennis, and hockey.
The platform is mobile-exclusive, with an app for iOS users and a mobile web browser for Android players. Place free picks via Thrillzz, and you can earn free tickets with Thrillzz Sweeps by claiming the Thrillzz promo. The Tickets can then be redeemed for real prizes, ensuring you earn a reward for successful picks!
I found the Thrillzz app easy to use on my iPhone and love the social elements connected to my picks. I can share big wins with friends or favorite picks and compete against other sports fans with the site’s leaderboard contests.
There are also incentives to earn from social engagement, so I try to share picks and participate in other options to earn more coins and loyalty points.
PROS:
- Solid welcome bonus and continual promotions.
- Social betting features like pick sharing.
- Quality mobile iOS application
- Start redeeming prizes at 50 Tickets.
Sportzino
Sportzino stands alone as a unique sports operator. The brand offers a sports section and casino platform. You can easily join Sportzino to explore a sportsbook experience and access casino games like slots and crash titles.
I joined Sportzino a few months ago and was surprised at the volume of sports content the brand provides. The main page includes unique contests and events, plus a calendar of sorts, so you can keep track of daily events.
Top leagues covered by the platform include NFL, MLB, NCAAF, Premier League, NBA, WNBA, and NHL. The sports pick types featured match the sports leagues, with options like quick parlays, spreads, moneyline, and totals.
You can also access live events to make picks while the action takes place for a more exciting experience. Sign up with the Sportzino no-purchase bonus to earn 10 free Sweeps Coins!
PROS:
- Live options on offer in various sports leagues
- Quality odds with several pick types available.
- Place picks on college and professional sports.
- Access gaming via mobile or desktop devices.
Fliff
Fliff launched in 2019 and offers a leading social sports platform. Players in 45 states can access interactive sports picks with Fliff Coins or Fliff Cash. Make picks similar to traditional sports bets, even in states where real-money sports betting is not allowed.
New players at Fliff receive free Fliff Coins and Fliff Cash for gaming, with options for coin purchase deals, a daily bonus, and experience points. The platform has a fun social aspect, with services available via iOS and Android apps or web browsers.
Fliff focuses on several sports, including basketball, boxing, football, hockey, MMA, soccer, and tennis. The pick options range from point spreads and totals to prop and half picks. Standard banking methods are available for purchasing more Fliff Coins, and Fliff Cash can be redeemed for real prizes.
I am a member of this social sportsbook and love the Fliff mobile app for iOS devices. The app is easy to use and offers interactive features where I can compare results with friends as well as earn more coins every two hours!
PROS:
- Mobile sports picks via app or web browser.
- College and professional sports markets are available.
- Earn free coins every few hours.
- Access real prizes from Fliff Cash.
How to Choose the Best Social Sportsbook
When searching for a quality sportsbook, there are certain criteria you must consider. As avid sports fans, we know exactly what to look for in a social sweepstakes site.
Use our tips below to find the best options for your sports pick needs that meet your criteria.
- Sports Markets: Most providers feature the main four, but what about other options? Review the available markets to ensure the sites cover exactly what you are looking for.
- Pick Types: Does the platform include moneylines and props? What about over/under or point spreads? You need to know which pick types are available before you create a new player account.
- Bonuses and Promotions: Does the platform include a no-deposit bonus and regular promotions? Can you earn free Gold and Sweeps Coins daily? See how you earn coins to ensure your account will stay topped up.
- Reputation: What is the reputation of the provider you are considering? Does the brand have a good track record among other players?
- Prize Redemption: Find out how many times SCs must be played to be eligible for redemption. What banking methods are available to you? If the terms and conditions are difficult, avoid the site and look for another brand to join.
Should You Play at Sweepstakes Sportsbooks?
I see sweepstakes sportsbooks as a solid alternative to real-money sportsbook betting. The main positive is that you can join for free and still win prizes.
Social sportsbooks ensure sports fans have a safe and secure way to post picks when real-money sports betting is not an option. While sports betting is heavily present across the US, there are still states where services are not provided.
With social sportsbooks, you get the same pick types and sports markets. The advantage comes with zero investment on your part to play. You can join a site completely for free and earn coins for gaming. Use the SCs to place picks and win prizes without depositing funds.
It’s a win/win situation for sports fans. The only downside is that some social sports sites are unavailable in select states. If you find yourself in a state like Idaho or Washington, you may be out of luck when it comes to this entertainment option.
How to Sign Up to a Social Sportsbook
- Click one of our links to access a recommended social sportsbook and claim the welcome bonus.
- Once the site loads, select Sign Up or Join Now.
- Fill out the registration form or use Facebook/Google to create your account.
- Follow the prompts and agree to the terms and conditions.
- You may be asked to verify your email as part of the process.
- Once approved, you will be logged in and should see the welcome bonus in your account.
- If you do not have any coins as part of the no-deposit deal, look for the promotions section. You may need to claim the prize for the coins to be added.
- You can now use the free bonus to post any sports picks you like!
How to Verify Your Account
Every sweepstakes site requires verification to ensure your identity. You may be asked to verify your email upon creating an account, and then the Know Your Customer verification is needed once you decide to redeem prizes.
Use the steps below to complete KYC so your account is fully operational for sportsbook services.
- Log in to your social sportsbook.
- Locate the verification link. This will usually be listed in the redeem section of your account.
- You can upload your government ID, such as your driver’s license, passport, or state ID.
- The site may request you upload proof of address. A utility bill, cable bill, mortgage, or bank statement work works for this section.
- You may be asked to submit a selfie from some operators.
- Once the documentation is uploaded, it is reviewed. This process can take up to 48 hours to complete.
- After approval, you are free to redeem prizes or complete other actions at the site based on verification restrictions.
Banking Methods At Sweepstakes Sportsbooks
Sweepstakes sportsbooks offer banking methods for two reasons: purchasing Gold Coins and redeeming prizes. You are not obligated to purchase Gold Coins, but the option is available to help you add more coins to the bankroll if you like.
With prize redemptions, you need quality banking methods or gift card options to redeem Sweeps Coins for incentives. Each operator on our list offers secure methods to ensure you can easily redeem your prizes.
Keep in mind that sites like Thrillzz and other social sportsbooks will have playthrough requirements for SCs and a set number of redeemable coins are required to complete prize redemption.
Purchase Methods
- Credit and Debit: Most sites accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.
- Skrill: Use the e-wallet to purchase more Gold Coins for gaming.
- Apple Pay/Google Pay: These options can be offered via app or mobile web browser gaming.
- Bank Transfer: Some sites will allow a bank transfer for a Gold Coin purchase.
Redemption Methods
- Gift Card: Prizes can start at 10-15 eligible SCs. You can claim a gift card from various retailers, and the card will be sent via email within 24 hours.
- Bank Transfer: Use an online bank account to transfer prizes within 3-5 days on average.
- Skrill: Use the e-wallet to claim your prize with a simple online transaction.
How to Redeem At Social Sportsbooks
To earn prizes, you must play Sweeps Coins based on the playthrough requirements of the sportsbook you join. The playthrough is typically 1x, and once used, the SC redeemable total you have must meet the threshold for prize redemption.
Generally, social sportsbooks will require 10-50 redeemable SCs for gift card prizes and 50-100 for real money prizes. Once you meet the requirements, you can follow the steps below for prize redemption.
- Log in to the social sportsbook of your choice.
- Click the Redeem section in your account.
- Review your eligible SCs, and if the threshold is met, start the redemption process.
- Some sites may require additional verification at this time. This can include adding a copy of your driver’s license and proof of address.
- Gift cards typically arrive via email within 24 hours. Real prizes can be sent via options like online bank accounts or Skrill and may take 3-5 days to complete.
Mobile vs Desktop Social Sportsbook Experience
For the most part, mobile and desktop social sportsbooks offer the same experience. However, there are some providers that only focus on mobile gaming.
Either way, you can explore sports picks on your desired device. Smartphones and tablets work well, as you can place picks in any location rather than being strapped to a desk to play.
In my research, I have found that the available sweepstakes sportsbook operators utilize the best software and navigation features, so players feel comfortable making sports picks on any device. It’s easy to locate sports markets, review social sportsbook odds and data, select promotions, or access daily deals, no matter how you log in.
If both options are available, I suggest you try them to see which you prefer. This way, you can see for yourself what works best for your sports pick needs.
Social Sportsbook Pick Types
The pick types you have access to will depend on the social sportsbook you join and its offerings. Most social sportsbooks focus on college and professional sports markets, offering options for football, basketball, baseball, hockey, golf, and other sports.
Common pick types can include:
- Moneylines: A great option for beginners, as you are simply deciding who will win the matchup.
- Point Spreads: You must select which team will meet the spread to win this pick. The site will have plus or minus point totals on offer.
- Totals: This is a form of Over/Under picks in which you must select whether a game or team will score over or under the set amount.
- Futures: With this type, you will pick based on the outcomes of a future game. These pick types are typically reserved for playoffs or major events like the Super Bowl.
- Props: This section will consist of bets not associated with the game’s outcome but instead focusing on elements such as who will score the first touchdown in a matchup.
Pros and Cons of Sweepstakes Sportsbooks
Pros
- Post sports picks on NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and other sports.
- Review moneylines, point spreads, totals, and props.
- Access services via mobile or desktop devices.
- Earn real money prizes via Sweeps Coins.
Cons
- Services are not offered in every state.
- Some operators have app-only operations.
Why Avoid Illegal Offshore Sportsbooks
Offshore betting refers to services for players located in the United States, with operators based in other countries.
In states where sports betting is not a legal activity, offshore sites have been the only option for sports fans for quite some time. With social sportsbooks now available, players have a better option for exploring sports picks in a free and secure manner.
Offshore sites are not regulated, so players risk not receiving wins or providing personal information that is not secured from outside parties. Social sportsbooks are a better alternative, as they create a safe space for sports betting-type services in a regulated setting.
Sweepstakes sportsbooks must adhere to local sweepstakes laws to legally offer services. Players can rest assured that respected brands will follow the regulations and protect personal information with quality data encryption services.
Choose More Than One Social Sportsbook
Social sportsbooks are a fun way to enjoy gaming entertainment and sports picks on your favorite teams and players. Players can join multiple social sportsbook sites, ensuring several ways to earn free Gold and Sweeps Coins for sports picks.
Feel free to join one or all of the options on our list to begin enjoying social sportsbook services. This way, you can add plenty of free coins and have ways to post sports picks whenever you like.
Creating a new player account takes just minutes, and free coins are instantly added so you can get started right away!
