Online betting is now one of the favorite activities of millions of people across the US since Supreme Court overturned the federal ban on gambling in 2018. Unfortunately, while online sports betting is now legal in over 35 states, casino legislation has fallen behind, with only five states offering legal online casino gaming. However, players nationwide can play at social casino sites where they can bet for free and still have a chance to redeem for real money prizes.
Online sweepstakes and social casino sites should provide a positive gaming environment where users can interact with each other and play their favorite social casino games. They should also have secure gaming platforms and many promotions for existing customers. The best online social casinos or sweepstake site should also have a good reputation and offer players various customer support options with responsive and knowledgeable agents.
Based on the above criteria, the following are the top social casinos and sweepstakes currently available to US players:
Social Casino | Sign Up Bonus | Games Available | Review Rating Out Of 5 Stars |
---|---|---|---|
1. Stake.us | 250k Gold Coins & $25 Stake Cash | Slots, Table Games, Scratch Cards, Stake Originals, Live Dealer |
4.4 |
2. Wow Vegas | 8500 Wow Coins & 4.5 Sweepstakes Coins | Slots, Table Games | 4.3 |
3. High 5 Casino | 5 Sweeps Coins, 250 Game Coins and 600 Diamonds | Slots, Table Games, Live Dealer | 4.3 |
4. Pulsz Casino | 2.3 Sweepstakes Coins at Sign Up | Slots, Table Games | 4.5 |
5. McLuck Casino | 7,500 Gold Coins + 2.5 FREE Sweepstakes Coins @ Sign Up | Slots, Table Games | 4.1 |
6. Fortune Coins | 100,000 Gold Coins & 200 Fortune Coins | Slots, Table Games | 4.1 |
7. Chumba | 2,000,000 FREE Gold Coins and 2 FREE Sweeps Coins | Slots, Table Games | 4.2 |
8. Lucky Land | FREE 7,777 Gold Coins & 10 FREE Sweeps Coins | Slots, Table Games | 4.1 |
9. Hard Rock Social | 300,000 Virtual Coins & 1 Heart | Slots, Table Games | 4.1 |
10. MyJackPot | 150,000 Gold Coins & 1 Joker Card | Slots | 4.4 |
When it comes to finding the best social casinos, look for platforms that prioritize user experience and offer a diverse selection of games, including table games, card games, live dealer options, and a wide range of slots. Additionally, seek out casinos that allow you to participate in sweepstakes for a chance to win cash prizes. Our top picks for the best social casinos include High 5, McLuck, Stake.us, WOW Vegas, and Pulsz.
Best feature – Stake Originals titles exclusive to Stake.us.
Stake.us is popular with US players and features a wide range of slots and table games, including several variations of roulette, baccarat, and blackjack. Its platform appears like a real money online casino, putting it a cut above most online social casinos. The provider also has in-house game developers who provide exciting titles not found elsewhere.
Stake.us also offers players membership into the Stake VIP Club, where players can move up through the different levels to unlock additional prizes. For example, once players reach the Diamond level, they’ll be provided a VIP host to give them an even more exciting online experience.
Best feature – Generous welcome bonus.
WOW Vegas casino has a good selection of over 200 slots in its gaming library, with most titles developed by Pragmatic Play and Betsoft. The site has a simple design that’s easy on the eyes and is user-friendly for both experienced and new players, who will find everything they need on the app with just one click. While there is no dedicated mobile app, the platform runs smoothly and is optimized for play on iOS and Android devices.
WOW Vegas casino also features more banking methods than most providers. Players can make deposits using VISA, MasterCard, and American Express credit and debit cards and secure options like Skrill and Apple Pay. In addition, players can redeem sweeps coins for cash using Trustly online banking and Skrill for fast and secure transactions.
Best feature: Unique games & slots
High 5 Casino offers a unique suite of titles thanks to its in-house studio, along with popular IGT slots such as ‘Cleopatra’. This social casino, which is associated with the renowned Hard Rock brand, also provides online table games like roulette, baccarat, and blackjack. It has an easy purchase and redemption process, making it a favorite among U.S. players.
Best Feature – User rewards program
Pulsz Casino, a renowned sweepstakes casino, uses a virtual currency model, unlike conventional online casinos that use real money. Pulsz Casino offers Gold Coin(s) for free play. Purchasing additional GCs for play rewards you with Sweepstakes Coin(s) as a bonus. Importantly, these SCs can be won and later redeemed for cash prizes. Thanks to its virtual currency model, Pulsz Casino is legal in the US, barring Washington State and Idaho. Enjoy Pulsz Casino on your desktop or via its dedicated Android mobile app.
Best feature – Over 2,000 games, including a live casino.
Mcluck.com is an exciting addition to the world of social casinos. Operated by B2Spin Limited, a well-established name in the industry, it offers a fantastic selection of free online games. What sets Mcluck Casino apart is its extensive slot collection, which is impressive even for a social casino. Beyond slots, players can enjoy classic casino table games like roulette and blackjack. One of the standout features is the exclusive MCJACKPOT, a progressive jackpot that can be won while playing any game on the platform. With Mcluck, you’re in good hands for an entertaining and rewarding gaming experience.
Best Feature – Website design
Fortune Coins‘ platform boasts a captivating and colorful design, perfectly capturing the allure of the games it offers. Navigating the site is intuitive, and it provides clear explanations of the sweepstakes model and how to acquire additional coins. Fortune Coins sets the bar high with its exceptional bonus offers, ensuring that new players are rewarded immediately. Currently, there is a stellar new player offer available, allowing you to claim up to 100K Gold Coins and 200 Fortune Coins. These virtual credits can be used to explore the wide array of games that Fortune Coins has to offer.
Best feature – Free daily sweepstakes coins
When it comes to online gambling, safety and legitimacy are of utmost importance. Players need to feel secure and confident in their choice of online casino. Fortunately, Chumba Casino is a reliable operator that is legally available in 49 out of 50 US states, with Washington State being the only exception. Idaho allows gold coin play only. It also holds an active MGA license and has physical addresses in Portsmouth, NH, and Ontario, Canada. This establishes Chumba Casino as a reputable platform that adheres to regulatory standards and ensures fair play.
Furthermore, Chumba Casino prioritizes the security of its players. As a social casino, Chumba Casino does not involve real money transactions. This eliminates the risk associated with financial harm. The site also employs robust security measures to safeguard user data and maintain privacy. Their detailed privacy policy reflects their commitment to protecting player information.
Best feature – Luckyland loyalty program
Luckyland Slots is one of the most popular social casinos owned by Virtual Gaming Worlds (VGW), a well-established company that operates several online social casinos, including Chumba Casino. The focus at Luckyland is slots, with over 70 exclusive titles available from its in-house development team. Players can also benefit from daily bonuses, where players will receive higher rewards the more consecutive days they log in.
Luckyland Slots is also among the few social casinos offering players a loyalty program. Players can move up through the levels and receive more rewards the higher they climb. For example, players reaching the highest level, Diamond, will receive up to 450% bonus on their next gold coins purchase. There are also recurring bonuses for members based on their current tier level.
Best feature – Live slots
Hard Rock is one of the biggest names in retail casino gaming and now offers the same quality gaming service online. One of its biggest features is live slots, where online players can enjoy hundreds of titles, with more games unlocked as users accumulate coins. However, like BetRivers.net, players can purchase coins to play online but can’t redeem them for real money or prizes.
There are many ways for players at HardRock social casino to get extra coins. In the Rewards Center, users can purchase merchandise with the points (hearts) they collect during gameplay or when purchasing coin packages. Players will also get a spin on the lucky wheel every day when they log in and can collect free coins every two hours while online.
Best feature: New Epic Wilds app for mobile users
MyJackpot.com, a sensational social casino that offers a thrilling gaming adventure without the need for real money. Developed by Whow, a renowned German company known for its exceptional social casinos, MyJackpot.com is designed to provide players with an authentic online casino experience, complete with premium software, enticing bonuses, and a vast selection of lucrative slots. This social casino has captivating features, generous loyalty rewards, and the sheer excitement that awaits you at MyJackpot.com.
Best feature: Purchases are tax-deductible
Golden Hearts Games stands out among online casinos due to its distinctive approach as a social and charity-based gambling platform. By playing at Golden Hearts Games, you not only enjoy an immersive gaming experience but also contribute to a charitable cause. Every deposit you make, referred to as a ‘donation,’ includes a contribution to a charity of your choice.
The team at ATS.io makes it a point to personally try out every social casino online, so far in addition to the casinos we listed as the “best” we have reviewed over an additional 45 social casinos below:
Social casinos are online gaming platforms that simulate popular casino games like poker, slots, roulette, and jackpots, without the involvement of real money. Players can enjoy these games purely for entertainment, without the risk of financial losses. Social casinos often offer virtual currencies or “coins” as rewards, which can be used to continue playing or unlock in-game features. These coins hold no real-world monetary value, making social casinos a safe and enjoyable way to experience the thrill of casino gaming without any financial stakes.
Sweepstakes casinos, also known as sweeps or social casinos, offer a unique online gaming experience. Unlike traditional online casinos, they use a dual-currency system, comprising Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins. Players use these virtual currencies to participate in games with the chance to win exciting prizes, rather than real money.
The primary difference between the two lies in the rewards. Social casino sites offer the thrill of casino gaming without the monetary risk, as players cannot win real cash prizes. Sweepstakes casinos, in contrast, provide an opportunity to win actual money or other valuable prizes.
The legal framework for both types also differs, with social casino apps largely unregulated due to their non-gambling nature, while sweepstakes casinos must operate within the guidelines of sweepstakes laws.
Understanding these differences is crucial in selecting the online gaming platform that best suits your preferences, whether you’re playing for the thrill of the game or for the chance to win real-world cash prizes.
A fundamental aspect that distinguishes social casino sitess across the United States is the dual currency system that they employ. The two separate currencies in question are valueless tokens, such as Gold Coins or Wow Coins, and a currency abbreviated as “SC”, standing at par with $1 USD.
Social Casino | Free Play Coin (No $ Value) | Value Coin (Redeemable For $) |
---|---|---|
Pulsz Casino | Gold Coin (GC) | Sweepstakes Coins (SC) |
Fortune Coins | Gold Coin (GC) | Fortune Coins (FC) |
Stake.us | Gold Coin (GC) | Stake Cash (SC) |
Chumba Casino | Gold Coin (GC) | Sweepstakes Coins (SC) |
Wow Vegas | Wow Coin (WC) | Sweepstakes Coins (SC) |
Lucky Land Slots | Gold Coin (GC) | Sweeps Coins (SC) |
BetRivers.Net | N/A | Virtual Credits (VC) |
Hard Rock Social | N/A | Virtual Credits (VC) |
High 5 Casino | Gold Coin (GC) | Sweeps Coins (SC) |
MyJackPot | Gold Coin (GC) | Joker Card (JC) |
Free social casino coins come with different labels, whether it’s Gold Coins, Wow Coins, or other similarly crafted tokens. They serve as the quintessential currency for social casino games but are devoid of any real-world cash value.
Despite their zero monetary value, these coins act as the critical link to your favorite casino titles. The number of coins you accumulate or the social casino jackpot you hit cannot be converted into actual money.
Interestingly, Gold Coins form an integral component of the social casino environment. Without purchasing these play money coins, you can’t enrich your account with the casino’s more valuable currency.
Along with every purchase of these ‘free coins’, players are privy to a ‘purchase benefit’ or ‘gift’ consisting of Sweepstakes Coin, an immensely more valuable currency, which we will discuss shortly.
Sweepstakes Coins, often referred to as Sweeps Coins on certain casino platforms, come with a significant cash value. Each SC can be redeemed at a rate of SC 1 = $1 USD, making it an enticing part of the social casino landscape.
Unlike Gold Coins, Sweepstakes Coins cannot be directly purchased. They are always included as a purchase benefit when you buy the social casino’s free coins, such as Gold Coins or Wow Coins.
Leading social casinos in the United States offer games in both their free coins and Sweepstakes Coins. Regardless of whether you win or lose, you can redeem your SC for cash at any moment. If you hit a social casino jackpot and accumulate SC 5000, you can exchange these coins for $5,000 in real cash.
While free social casino games have their charm, many players seek the thrill of redeeming coins for real money on a social casino. You can achieve this by making a purchase within the social casino’s cashier.
Upon making a purchase, you trade your money for the valueless ‘Gold Coins’ used in the free social casino games. However, the Gold Coins aren’t standalone; they arrive with a gift. Typically, for every dollar spent on purchasing Gold Coins, social casino players receive one SC (Sweeps Coin/Sweepstakes Coin) as a gift.
Free social casino games can be played with Gold Coins (play money) or Sweeps Coins (SC). That means you can enjoy slots, table games, and other captivating casino games with tokens that hold actual value. If you win or choose to stop playing, you can exchange your Sweeps Coins for a prize with the Social Casino. The prize is cash, with the exchange rate being generally 1SC = $1USD.
While social casino sites don’t offer real money payouts in traditional games, they often provide opportunities for players to win real cash prizes through various sweepstakes and promotions available on their platforms.
Social and sweepstakes casinos have recently become more popular because most US states don’t allow online casino gaming. Also, players don’t need to deposit real money to play their favorite games. However, the most significant difference between social casinos and real money casinos is the currency players bet with.
In states where real money online casinos are legal, like Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, players make bets with the cash they deposit into their accounts. However, social casino players can’t deposit funds but can purchase gold coins which come with a bonus of free sweeps coins. While these sweeps coins have actual monetary value, it’s still much different than playing at a real money casino.
Unlike real money online casinos, social casinos aren’t regulated by any state gaming agencies and operate under the promotional sweepstakes model. These providers are only required to comply with US sweepstakes laws in each state they’re available. However, there are many social incentives at these online providers, like participating in social media promotions and competing with friends online..
Finding the right social casino is as important as looking for a legal real money casino. Because users can purchase gold coin packages and redeem sweeps coins for cash, it must be a reputable operator that provides convenient banking methods and uses the best security measures to keep customer information secure.
There are many things new players must consider before playing at any online social casino, so it’s recommended that players do their research by reading customer reviews to get an idea of the provider’s reputation. The casino should also provide banking methods that fit the player’s needs and have a solid variety of games that most players enjoy.
Deciding whether or not to play at online sweepstakes might be challenging for players looking for the best site with everything they want in a casino provider. These are some of the best features players should look for in a reputable social or sweepstakes casino:
Players at social casinos can forget about the stress of managing a bankroll and enjoy all the free games offered. It’s an excellent way for players to stay entertained while relaxing and playing their favorite titles. There are also many bonuses and promotions for everyone without players needing to meet high wagering requirements.
Social casinos generally don’t offer players huge signup bonuses like real money online platforms, making the signup process at social casinos pretty simple. Many allow users to quickly connect their platform using a link to their Google or Facebook accounts, which lets them register in seconds and get right into their favorite games. The top social casinos even allow players to log in as a guest and play games until they decide whether or not they want to sign up.
The most prominent feature social casino players enjoy is the ability to connect with other players and invite friends and family to join their platform. Players can invite their friends to play games together and create tournaments where they can play against each other. They can also connect with each other on social media platforms to participate in contests and tournaments where they can win many bonuses and prizes.
There are many reasons thousands of players prefer online social casinos. The social aspect gives them various ways to interact with friends and other players using social media platforms, mobile apps, and the provider’s websites. Social casinos are also an excellent way for casino players to experience online gaming without spending a lot of money.
Pros
Cons
The best US social casinos offer new players and existing customers a variety of bonuses. No purchase is necessary to receive these offers, which range from free gold coins to daily free spins. These free offers give new players a nice boost, and they can gain even more coins by participating in tournaments and social media promotions.
Free gold coins are the most common social casino bonuses, but players can also receive free sweeps coins when they purchase gold coin packages, which they can redeem for cash once they reach a certain amount. Sweeps coins can also be requested for free by mail at most online sweeps casinos.
Most online social casinos operate under a sweepstakes platform and feature various methods to purchase gold coins. While anyone can play for free, players have several convenient ways they can purchase different gold coin packages and cash out sweeps coins for real money, which vary depending on the provider.
These are the most common banking methods at US online social casinos:
Social casinos are an excellent way for anyone to play their favorite games for free. A variety of exciting games are offered, with most providers featuring at least 50 games, with an average of about 200 games per social casino. Many also allow players to unlock additional games the more they play.
Here are the games users will find at most US social casino sites:
The primary focus of most social casinos is slot games made up of many classic titles found at real-money online casinos. In addition, some sites feature exclusive titles developed in-house and only available on their platforms. Slots at online social casinos work the same as real money slots, with progressive jackpots and many bonus features like free spins and multiple wilds.
Most social casinos offer at least a few table games, including roulette, blackjack, baccarat, video poker, and keno. The selection of games is much less than in real-money casinos, but the gameplay is the same. For example, video poker is usually found in most social casino’s table games libraries, such as Deuces Wild and Jacks or Better.
Few social casino providers offer live dealer games, but that’s expected to change in the future. BetRivers.net features a live dealer option powered by Evolution Gaming with more than 20 games like roulette, poker, craps, and blackjack.
Online social casino players may not run into the number of issues as users of real money online casinos, but it’s always essential to choose a provider that offers support if they ever need it. While most social casinos provide a help section where players can get most of their issues solved, having an accessible customer support team is important.
The best online social casinos provide customers with answers to FAQs, tutorials, and gaming guides that are easily accessible. They also offer timely email and phone support for players with more complicated issues to resolve. However, most social casinos don’t provide 24/7 customer support, but it’s nice for players to know they have help when problems arise.
Whether playing at real money casinos online or at a free social casino, players like to know they’re playing on a secure platform that protects their sensitive information. While real money casinos have specific security guidelines they must follow, the best social casinos will provide secure payment methods and protect customers by using SSL encryption to keep financial information safe.
Online social casinos aren’t licensed by any state gaming authorities but must comply with US Sweepstakes laws to remain in operation.
Social casinos operate in a unique niche within the U.S. gambling landscape, primarily distinguished by their use of virtual currencies instead of real money, which positions them differently under federal law. However, regulation is not uniform across the board—while federally, social casinos largely avoid the stringent regulations applied to traditional gambling due to their non-real-money transactions, state laws present a complex array of regulations that vary significantly. A notable example is Washington State, where a legal precedent has determined that virtual currency possesses ‘value’, thus subjecting social casinos to regulatory scrutiny similar to traditional gambling establishments. This patchwork of state-level regulations underscores the importance of understanding local laws when engaging with social casinos, highlighting the nuanced and evolving nature of their legal status across the United States.
While online social casinos are free to play, most providers provide players with resources for responsible gambling. Besides referring players to local resources, social casinos help them take advantage of self-exclusion to limit access to online gaming in their state. In addition, some providers, like Chumba Casino, allow players to contact customer support to inquire about responsible gambling resources.
While there are many differences between online social casinos and real money casinos, social casinos offer players many more options compared to real money providers. The best social casinos provide players with various games and an authentic online casino experience without risking any money. Finding the best online social casino should be an easy process for new players who do their research and seek out the most reputable site.
While directly playing for real money isn’t an option on social casinos, players can indeed earn genuine cash rewards. On these platforms, participants use a unique currency, often termed ‘Sweepstakes Coin’ or ‘SC’. Remarkably, these coins often have a value equivalent to $1 USD. By winning games using SC, players can accumulate these coins and later exchange them for real-world money.
Most online social casinos focus on slots, with many offering the most popular table casino games like blackjack, roulette, keno, and video poker. A few providers also offer lottery-type games, bingo, and scratch-offs.
The minimum age to play at most online social casinos is 18 in all available states. However, BetRivers.net requires all players to be 21 or older to enjoy its large selection of casino games.
Yes. The top US social casinos offer mobile players a dedicated app for iOS and Android devices. However, some providers only provide gameplay on their websites but use platforms optimized for play on any mobile device.
Yes, social casinos are permitted across the US as long as they operate on a free-to-play model using virtual currencies like Gold Coins. However, the landscape shifts when these platforms offer avenues to exchange for real cash prizes, tangible goods, or gift vouchers. In such cases, distinct regulations may come into play.
Yes. The top online social casino apps offer new players welcome bonuses with no purchase necessary. The prizes usually include free gold coins, spins, or chips. In addition, players can sometimes receive free sweeps coins when signing up, which can be redeemed for cash prizes after reaching a certain amount.