What is sweepstakes poker?
Sweepstakes websites
that feature poker games allow you to play various poker games for free. While you never have to spend money to play sweepstakes poker, there is a chance that you will win cash prizes. What this means is that you will never have to spend a single cent, unless you want to, which we will explain about more below.
Is sweepstakes online poker legal?
Yes, sweepstakes poker is perfectly legal in most US states, thanks to the free-to-play model. Since they’re free to play, sweepstakes poker sites fall under sweepstakes law, not online gambling law.
Online gambling laws are a lot more restrictive and online gambling is only available in a handful of states like Pennsylvania, Connecticut and West Virginia.
On the contrary, sweepstakes sites are legal in most states, except for:
- Washington
- Idaho
- Nevada
- Michigan
Always check the terms and conditions of the sweeps poker site you’re accessing as this list can vary from one sweeps site to the next. Note that unlike real money poker sites, sweepstakes poker sites do not require a state license to operate, although these sites will usually have licenses from regulatory bodies outside the US like the MGA or Curacao.
How do online poker sweepstakes work?
As we mentioned earlier, sweepstakes poker games provide the perfect opportunity for players to enjoy titles for free. This is achieved thanks to the virtual currency system that uses two types of coins – Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins. This coin system is what allows sweepstakes poker sites to operate legally and offer real money prizes without being subject to online gambling laws.
When you create an account at an online casino site, you will usually be rewarded with a welcome bonus that features Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins. Sweeps Coins can then be used as a currency to play sweepstakes poker machine games, as opposed to the Gold Coins poker version.
Sweepstakes Coins vs. Gold Coins
Let’s explore a bit more about how Sweeps Coins and Gold Coins work.
Gold Coins
Gold Coins are used to play poker games for fun and entertainment purposes only. This means that you cannot redeem any winnings or prizes from playing. You can wait for your free refills or purchase additional Gold Coin bundles.
Sweeps Coins
If you are looking to win prizes, then this is the virtual coin that you are looking for. You can earn free Sweeps Coins by getting involved in a range of promotions and competitions. For example, you can join in with social media contests, request free Sweeps Coins via written letter, and so on. You may also be given free Sweeps Coins with any purchase of Gold Coins. Once you have collected enough Sweeps Coins, they can be used to redeem real prizes such as cash, gift cards, and merchandise.
As you can see, you can enjoy playing poker games in two ways. The poker games will remain the same but the only choice you have is which mode you would like to play.
Types of Sweepstakes Poker Games
Can you expect the same variety of poker games you’ll find in real money poker sites? The answer is that it depends.
When testing out different sweepstakes brands, you’ll quickly find that a lot of sweeps casinos have a strong focus on slot games. This means that your brand choice is going to be more limited. But don’t worry, there are still a handful of good, reputable sites to play sweeps poker, and these are some of the poker games you’ll find:
Video Poker
Video poker is the most common poker game you’ll find at sweepstakes poker sites. Some brands like Stake.us will even have their exclusive video poker version, and other sweeps poker sites offer a range of video poker titles like Triple Card Poker and Double Regal Poker.
Sweeps Poker Tournament Series
Poker tournaments are restricted to poker brands like Global Poker. While playing at Global Poker, you can participate in quarterly championship tournaments like Rattlesnake Open, and the Goat. However, there are also daily and weekly poker tournaments such as Sunday Scrimmage.
Sweeps Poker Sit and Go Tournaments
You will find this in more selective sweepstakes poker brands like Global Poker. In the case of Global Poker, it offers a range of SNGs with buy-ins ranging from SC 0.50 to SC 100.
Sweeps Poker Ring Games
Global Poker also has a selection of cash games offering the likes of No Limit Hold’em, Pot Limit Omaha and Omaha 8, with a starting stake of SC 0.02 to SC 20.
As you can see, you still have plenty of poker gameplay if accessing a sweepstakes sites. However, depending on what you’re looking for, you can be restricted to one or two sweeps poker brands.
Play sweepstakes poker: Top sweepstakes poker sites
With so many online casinos offering poker games, it can be a challenge to find the best. Check out our below recommendations for our top picks.
Stake.us
If you are looking for a unique poker game, then Stake.us has exactly what you are looking for. It has its very own Stake Original poker game ‘Video Poker’ which is exclusive to the site and can be enjoyed either through your PC or mobile browser.
Video Poker is available to play in two modes; either in free mode (Gold Coins) or with Stake Cash (Sweeps Coins). This exciting title has an edge of 1.00% and offers you the chance to challenge the house in a one-deck showdown.
What’s more, is that first-time visitors can activate our exclusive welcome offer using the promo code BONUSDROID. Upon redemption, you will benefit from a 5% rakeback deal to help cover your casino losses.
56 Stake Cash + 560K Gold Coins + 5% Rakeback
McLuck
McLuck offers exclusive slots, real money prizes, and a generous 150% bonus with 50,000 Gold Coins + 25 Sweeps Coins FREE. It also features a Texas Hold’em poker game, adding variety to its mostly slot-based lineup. Players can enjoy free daily Gold Coins and redeem Sweeps Coins for cash or gift cards. It’s a fun, legal way to play and win without making a traditional deposit.
150% Extra: 50K Gold Coins + 25 SC FREE
Pulsz
Join the Pulsz platform and put your poker strategies to the test while enjoying a thrilling sweepstakes title. Pulsz offers the popular Texas Hold’em poker game, which will never see you wrong. Win some free virtual coins that can be used to continue playing poker or redeem real prizes.
20 SC FREE + 200K Gold Coins
How to choose the best sweepstakes poker sites
With so many options out there for casinos featuring poker, it can be difficult identifying the best platforms. We only ever recommend the most trusted casino sites, but here are some important features that you should look out for.
All trustworthy sweepstakes casinos should hold a valid gaming license from a leading gambling authority. The casino site should ideally have a few years behind them in the business and a load of positive reviews from customers and industry experts.
Leading software developers
The biggest and the best sweepstakes casino sites will be home to poker games from the biggest software providers in the business. You may also come across exciting exclusive games like Stake Originals.
A variety of poker games is important to keep you engaged on the site. The downfall is that most sweepstakes sites will be loaded to the brim with slot titles and table games, and the poker selection may be a little thin. But search around and you will be sure to find some brilliant operators that have plenty of poker games available.
Lots of promotions and bonuses
Most sweepstakes casinos will feature plenty of ongoing promotions and competitions, much like Stake.us. At the moment, you can redeem an exclusive 5% rakeback deal by using the promo code BONUSDROID. Make sure that you search for casino sites that offer amazing deals that can’t be missed.
Top sweepstakes casinos for July 2025
1.
56 Stake Cash + 560K Gold Coins + 5% Rakeback
2.
625K Golden Coins + Up to 125 SC FREE + 1250 VIP Points
3.
150% Extra: 50K Gold Coins + 25 SC FREE
4.
Get up to 500K Gold Coins + 105 FREE SC + 1000 VIP points
5.
Get 200% More Coins on First Purchase – 1.5M CC + 75 SC
How to sign up to a sweepstakes poker casino
Joining an online casino site is simple and while every casino site will have a different registration process, here is an idea of what you can expect.
- First, head to the casino website and select ‘Join now’.
- Complete the registration form by providing your personal details.
- Enter any relevant promo codes that activate welcome bonuses.
- Claim your free Gold Coins and/or Sweeps Coins.
- Start playing sweepstakes poker games.
- Purchase additional Gold Coin bundles, if you wish, via a range of accepted
social casino payment methods.
- Collect Sweeps Coins and exchange them for prizes.
Following on from the above instructions, check out the below for additional guidelines that you need to be aware of.
State restrictions
When signing up for a sweepstakes poker account, you must first ensure that you are playing from a state where it is legal to do so. While it may be legal in your country or state, your chosen platform may still be restricted in your area. We recommend checking with the operator before creating an account.
Age verification
You will also need to follow the age restrictions imposed on the site, which will vary from casino to casino. During the registration process, you may be required to provide proof of your identity by supplying a copy of your government-issued ID such as a passport or driving license.
Do I need to pay a membership fee?
No, for the vast majority of sweepstakes poker sites, you can just sign up and play using free coins. However, brands like ClubWPT offer a monthly membership fee in exchange for exclusive perks and poker games. This is purely optional as you can also sign up and play without paying this membership fee.
How to redeem real money prizes at sweepstakes poker sites
You’ve signed up, you’ve played sweeps poker, and now you’re wondering what to do with all the coins you’ve accumulated. Here’s how you can redeem those coins:
- Make sure you’ve accumulated the minimum redemption amount. The average minimum redemption amount is 50 SC.
- You also need to playthrough the amount 1x – 3x before redeeming. Check the T&Cs for the exact playthrough amount.
- Go to your account section and click ‘Redeem’.
- Select the real money prize you want. There’s usually a range of gift cards, crypto, or merchandise.
- Input any payment details if you opted for funds to be transferred to a wallet.
And that’s it!
Conclusion – Discover top sweepstakes poker sites
Sweepstakes games are everywhere, especially popular games like poker. But it is essential that you understand how the virtual currency system and online poker works. Keep in mind that if you are wanting to redeem prizes, then Sweeps Coins are the only coins that can do this. Gold Coins are to be played with for fun and entertainment purposes only.
Our favorite sweepstakes casino bonuses
1.
56 Stake Cash + 560K Gold Coins + 5% Rakeback
Wagering (WR): 3x
2.
625K Golden Coins + Up to 125 SC FREE + 1250 VIP Points
3.
150% Extra: 50K Gold Coins + 25 SC FREE
Wagering (WR): 1x Bonus
4.
Get up to 500K Gold Coins + 105 FREE SC + 1000 VIP points
5.
Get 200% More Coins on First Purchase – 1.5M CC + 75 SC
Wagering (WR): 1x Bonus
Poker sweepstakes FAQ
🪙 How do I use sweepstakes coins in online poker?
Free-to-play poker games can be played by using two types of virtual coins – Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins – but how do these coins work? Check out more in this guide to discover exactly how the virtual currency system works with poker games.
✨ What is the best sweepstakes site for poker?
With so many options out there, it can be difficult knowing where to start with finding your next sweepstakes casino. McLuck is a great pick if you’re after exclusive slots and even a casual game of Texas Hold’em, while Stake.us offers one of the most polished platforms with frequent promos and challenges. For those who enjoy massive slot variety and daily login rewards, WOW Vegas is another solid choice. Read our full guide for top recommendations and find the best sweepstakes casino for your style of play.
💰 Can I play online poker for free?
Online poker is one of the most popular games around the world. While there are poker games that will require you to place real money bets, there are also sweepstakes games that are free to play. Find out all about how in this guide.
