Best Sweepstakes Poker Sites in January 2026
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Last Updated: 17 December, 2025
Sweepstakes poker offers a thrilling way to enjoy online poker without risking real money.
Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, these platforms let you compete in cash games, tournaments, and Sit & Go’s using virtual currencies, with the chance to win real-world prizes.
We’ve tested the best sweepstakes poker sites for 2026, comparing their features, bonuses, and game options.
Our expert guide covers everything you need to know about playing sweepstakes poker, from choosing the best sites to understanding how Sweeps Coins work.
Ready to start winning real prizes without spending a cent? Here are the top sites you should consider.
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:
What is sweepstakes poker?
Sweepstakes poker is a type of online poker that allows players to enjoy poker games without risking real money.
Instead of traditional cash buy-ins, players use two types of virtual currencies.
Gold Coins for regular play and Sweeps Coins, which can be redeemed for real prizes.
These sites are popular because they combine the excitement of poker with a low-risk, free-to-play model, making them accessible to players across the United States.
Is sweepstakes poker legal?
Yes, sweepstakes poker is legal in most of the United States.
These sites operate under sweepstakes laws, which allow them to offer poker games and real prizes without being classified as gambling.
Players can participate without making any purchases, which is a key legal requirement, and most platforms also provide a way to earn Sweeps Coins for free, ensuring compliance with state laws.
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 offers a wide range of poker options, including cash games, Sit & Go’s, and multi-table tournaments.
Players can choose between No Limit Texas Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha.
The site also provides a robust rewards program, giving players more ways to earn Sweeps Coins.
Wide range of poker games, including Hold’em and Omaha.
Cash games with blinds from SC0.01/0.02 to SC200/400.
Regular Sit & Go’s and multi-table tournaments.
Generous welcome bonus and ongoing promotions.
Read our full Stake.us review here.
Stake.us video review
Our experience using Stake.us for poker
We found Stake.us easy to navigate, with a clean interface and quick access to poker tables.
Cash game stakes were suitable for all players, from casual to high rollers.
The platform’s tournaments were well-organized, and payouts for winning players were processed promptly, making it a reliable option for serious poker fans.
We also appreciated the fast loading times, which kept our sessions smooth.
Stake’s rewards system added extra value, making it easy to earn Sweeps Coins through regular play.
Pros
- ✅ Low, medium, and high-stakes cash tables available
- ✅ Sit and Go’s and multi-table tournaments offered
- ✅ Play No Limit Texas Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha
- ✅ Legal in 43 states
- ✅ Get up to 55 SC for free
Cons
- ❌ No mobile app
- ❌ Verification required before playing
2. Global Poker - Best for easy user interface
Global Poker is user-friendly, with a clean layout and smooth navigation.
It supports No Limit Texas Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha, offering both cash games and tournaments.
The platform also offers regular social media giveaways, making it easy for players to earn extra Sweeps Coins.
Simple and easy-to-use interface.
Cash games and tournaments for Hold’em and Omaha.
Welcome bonus with Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins.
Daily and weekly Sit & Go’s and tournaments.
Our experience using Global Poker
Global Poker’s clean design made it easy for us to switch between cash games and tournaments.
We liked that Sweeps Coins could be earned without purchases, but the lack of a mobile app was a minor drawback.
Prize redemptions were straightforward and processed without delays.
The interface was responsive, even on older devices, and the range of buy-in options meant we could easily find games that suited our budget.
Pros
- ✅ Various cash table buy-ins available
- ✅ Daily and weekly multi-table tournaments
- ✅ Easy-to-use interface
- ✅ Multiple payment methods supported
- ✅ Legal in 44 states
Cons
- ❌ No Sweeps Coins for signing up
- ❌ No mobile app
3. Clubs Poker - Best for selection of games
Clubs Poker offers more game types than most other sweepstakes poker sites.
Alongside No Limit Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha, players can enjoy HORSE, Omaha Hi-Lo, 2-7 Single Draw, and Stud.
The site regularly hosts special events and daily freerolls for added excitement.
Extensive game variety, including mixed games.
Bad Beat Jackpot for unlucky hands.
Daily freeroll tournaments for extra Sweeps Coins.
Active social media with coin giveaways.
Our experience using Clubs Poker
Clubs Poker impressed us with its game variety and daily freeroll tournaments.
We enjoyed the extra thrill of the Bad Beat Jackpot, and the site’s social media giveaways were a nice touch.
However, the lack of live chat support could be improved.
The site also performed well, with fast game loading times, and we appreciated the regular updates introducing new poker variants.
Pros
- ✅ Wide range of poker variations
- ✅ SC awarded as daily rewards
- ✅ Different tournament formats available
- ✅ Bad Beat Jackpot
- ✅ Daily freeroll tournaments
Cons
- ❌ No live chat
- ❌ No mobile app
How does sweepstakes poker work?
Sweepstakes poker sites let you enjoy poker without risking real money.
Instead, you play using two types of virtual currency: Gold Coins for standard play and Sweeps Coins for chances to win real prizes.
Free Currency: Earn Gold Coins through daily rewards, social giveaways, or purchases.
Sweeps Coins: Often received as bonuses with Gold Coin purchases or through special promotions. SC can be redeemed for cash or gift cards.
Not Gambling: Since you can't directly buy Sweeps Coins, sweepstakes poker is legal in most US states.
Easy Access: Play popular poker games in a safe, casual environment without financial risk.
How to sign up for sweepstakes poker sites
How to redeem Sweeps Coins for real prizes
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.
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.
Pros
- ✅ No Real Money Gambling: At these sites, you don’t have to bet real money
- ✅ 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
- ✅ Free Currency Options: You can earn Sweeps Coins for free
- ✅ Variety of Poker Games: Sweepstakes poker sites offer a wide selection of games
Cons
- ❌ Minimum Requirements for Redemption: All sweeps sites set a minimum number of SC you must get before you can redeem for cash
- ❌ May Feel Less Exciting than Playing for Real Money: Some players may find the experience less thrilling compared to playing with real money
- ❌ Account Verification Process: A common frustration with sweepstakes casinos is the account verification required before redeeming prizes
- ❌ Not Available in All States: While sweepstakes platforms are legal in most states, a few states ban them
Understanding sweepstakes poker games
Sweepstakes poker sites offer a variety of poker formats, making them perfect for all types of players.
Here’s a quick look at the most popular options:
No-Limit Texas Hold’em: The most popular poker variant. Each player receives two private cards, and five community cards are dealt face-up. The best five-card hand wins.
Pot-Limit Omaha: Similar to Texas Hold’em, but each player receives four private cards and must use exactly two in combination with three community cards.
Omaha Hi-Lo: A split-pot version of Omaha, where the highest and lowest hands split the pot.
Sit & Go Tournaments: Short, fast-paced tournaments that begin as soon as a set number of players register.
Multi-Table Tournaments: Large tournaments with multiple tables. As players are eliminated, tables merge until one remains.
Ring Games: Standard poker games where players can join or leave at any time, with blinds that remain constant.
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, and if there's something we don't like, we’ll let you know.
We use a clear set of criteria to evaluate each site, and this helps our readers see how each platform stacks up against the competition.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Safety and security: We prioritize safety by checking the site's security features, its ratings on trusted review sites, and the licenses it holds.
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.
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.
Tips and strategies for sweepstakes poker
Want to improve your success at sweepstakes poker?
Follow these proven tips from our poker experts:
Choose the Right Game: Start with low-stakes tables to build your skills without risking much. Texas Hold’em is the most beginner-friendly.
Manage Your Bankroll: Only use Gold Coins for casual play. Save your Sweeps Coins for serious games where you can win real prizes.
Study Basic Poker Strategy: Learn hand rankings, betting strategies, and when to fold, call, or raise.
Take Advantage of Bonuses: Claim daily rewards and promotions to boost your Gold and Sweeps Coins balance.
Stay Calm and Patient: Don’t let bad hands or bad beats frustrate you. Poker is a game of skill and patience.
Have a read of the heads up poker strategy we have written here.
Frequently asked questions
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.
Why you can trust us
At Sporting Post, we focus on providing accurate and unbiased information in every article we publish.
Our team of experts thoroughly researches and tests each betting platform we review.
We follow strict ethical guidelines to ensure editorial independence and avoid conflicts of interest.
We also update our content regularly to keep it current with the latest trends and changes.
Simply put, we are dedicated to giving you reliable, fact-based details about the top PayPal online casinos and sweepstakes sites.
Editorial policy
Our editorial policy ensures thoroughly researched, accurate, and unbiased content through strict sourcing standards and diligent review by top casino experts and seasoned editors.
This process maintains the integrity, relevance, and value of our content for our readers.