Last Updated:
Jul 1, 2025
Social Betting -
Top Social Sportsbooks in the US
Social sportsbooks give you a legal way to bet from anywhere in the U.S. You can play for free, unlock rewards, and redeem prizes. On this page, we break down the top platforms - and how they actually work.
Social sportsbooks are a growing alternative for millions of Americans who want a legal way to bet on sports, no matter where they live. They look and feel like traditional betting apps, but work through a sweepstakes-based model that keeps things fun, flexible, and above all - legal in nearly every state.
On this page, we break down the best social sportsbooks in the U.S. for 2025.
Whether you're just here to play for fun or you're curious how players unlock real cash-style rewards, we’ve tested each platform and ranked them based on the things that actually matter: sports variety, prize redemptions, app experience, betting features, promo value, and overall trustworthiness.
If this is your first time exploring social sportsbooks, it’s easy to assume they’re all the same: Gold coins, some picks, maybe a flashy promo. But once you’ve tried a few, the differences become obvious.
Here’s what we recommend paying attention to when choosing where to play:
- ✅ Accessible from Your State
Just because it’s a “social” sportsbook doesn’t mean it works in every state.
Some apps restrict certain redemptions or have exceptions baked into their terms. Others simply do not operate at all in some states.
Always check the platform’s state list before signing up.
- ⚙️ Clear, Transparent Mechanics
The best platforms explain how their coin system works right up front. You should know exactly what you’re getting when you buy a bundle, how to use Sweepstakes Coins, and how redemptions work - without digging through footnotes.
- 🎯 Match Your Betting Profile
Are you here for casual, social fun - or trying to get as close to a real sportsbook as possible?
Some platforms are more arcade-style, others lean heavy into odds and sports depth. The better you know your own goals, the easier it is to find the right match.
- 🏈 Real Sportsbook Feel
You want it to feel like a real betting app. That means clean design, real-time scores, deep betting options, and features like parlays, props, or even live betting.
The good ones don’t just simulate the sportsbook experience - they can compete with the best of them.
- 📱 Prioritize a Smooth App Experience
A glitchy or confusing app can kill the fun fast.
The best social sportsbooks offer fast loading, clean navigation, and intuitive interfaces that make switching coins, browsing bets, and redeeming prizes effortless.
- 📊 Compare the Odds - They’re Not All the Same
Even in a sweepstakes model, some platforms offer tighter, more competitive odds than others.
If you’re trying to stretch your sweeps coins - or simulate a real betting strategy - it pays to compare lines between apps.
- 💸 Fast, Fair Prize Redemptions
Some platforms are slow to pay out. Others make you jump through hoops.
We look for fast turnaround times, clear withdrawal instructions, and a redemption system that’s fair and predictable, using trusted payment methods.
- 🧑🤝🧑 Active Community or Leaderboards
Social sportsbooks should feel social. Look for ones with friend tracking, pick-sharing, streak challenges, or live leaderboards.
These features make the whole thing more engaging and a lot more fun.
- 🔍 Don’t Skip the Fine Print
Sweepstakes models are legal - but they come with rules.
Make sure you understand how long redemptions take, whether prizes expire, and what kind of identity verification is required. A good app won’t try to hide this stuff, but it’s always smart to check.
When states dragged their feet on legal betting, social sportsbooks stepped in with a workaround - and built something surprisingly good. What started as simple coin games turned into full-featured apps with slick design, real sports odds, and prize systems that pay out real money prizes.
But not all of them hit the mark. Some shine. Some stall out.
That’s why we tested all the biggest names in the space - to help you find the ones which deliver the full sports betting experience you've been craving.
| # | Sportsbook | Rating | What We Like | Where It Falls Short |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Dabble | 4.7/5 | ✅ No-deposit welcome bonus ✅ Deep, creative social features ✅ Solid range of sports | ❌ Only live in 20 states ❌ App can feel busy ❌ Few payment options |
| #2 | Fliff | 4.6/5 | ✅ Widely available (48 states) ✅ Top-rated mobile app ✅ Most popular social sportsbook | ❌ Few bet types ❌ Redemptions can be slow ❌ Coin system takes getting used to |
| #3 | Thrillzz | 4.4/5 | ✅ Fast, fun alternative to real books ✅ Daily promos keep it fresh ✅ Strong variety of sports | ❌ No desktop version ❌ Limited bet types ❌ Harder to build up enough to redeem |
| #4 | Rebet | 4.3/5 | ✅ Community-style betting feed ✅ Copy picks from top users ✅ Solid social features | ❌ Welcome bonus is small ❌ Mixed Android app reviews ❌ Not many payment options |
| #5 | BettorEdge | 4.2/5 | ✅ No house; just user-to-user bets ✅ Great support team ✅ Total odds transparency | ❌ No Android app ❌ No props or traditional odds ❌ Bets don’t always get filled |
| #6 | WagerLab | 3.7/5 | ✅ Available in all 50 states ✅ Social-first design ✅ No house edge | ❌ Barebones UI ❌ Very limited bet menu ❌ User-matching delays |
| #7 | Onyx Odds | 3.6/5 | ✅ Strong transparency play ✅ AI-driven betting tools ✅ Community-focused design | ❌ No mobile app ❌ Interface needs work ❌ Small betting catalog |
Every social sportsbook we recommend gets put through the same review process we use for traditional sportsbooks. But we also look at a few extra things unique to the social model - like how well they handle coin redemptions or explain the sweepstakes system.
Here’s what we look for before giving any app our stamp of approval:
- 💰 Bonuses & Promos
We don’t just check the size of the welcome bonus - we look at how fair and usable it is.
That means low coin rollover requirements, clear prize redemption paths, and offers that give both new and returning players real value. Daily spins, coin drops, and first-purchase promos all factor in.
Things like login streaks, free coin spins, mini challenges, and leaderboard competitions keep the experience fresh—even if you don’t plan on making a purchase.
- 🎯 Betting Variety
This is about more than just how many sports they list. We look for depth - player props, alternate lines & totals, futures and parlay options that go beyond the basics. Support for niche leagues and deep international markets are a huge plus, too.
The best social sportsbooks should have as much variety as real money sportsbooks do.
- 📱 Mobile Experience
These platforms are mobile-first by nature, so a clean, fast, bug-free app isn’t a nice-to-have - it’s essential.
We rate based on how smooth the interface is, how intuitive navigation feels, and whether key actions like live betting, redeeming prizes or switching coin types are intuitive and seamless.
- 💳 Payment Options
If you choose to make a purchase, it should feel safe, simple, and familiar. We favor platforms that offer mainstream payment methods (cards, Apple Pay, etc.) and make coin bundle purchases easy to understand - with no shady fine print.
Likewise, if you’re looking to redeem your sweeps coins for real money prizes, the process should be easy to follow, fast to process, and use trusted and secure banking methods.
- ⚙️ Betting Features
Just because it’s a sweepstakes model doesn’t mean it should feel watered down.
We expect the same core features you’d find on a real-money book - live betting, micro-betting, parlay builders, in-game stat tracking - maybe even live streaming if the platform supports it.
The goal is simple: the closer it feels like a real-money sportsbook, the higher it scores.
- 🤝 Customer Support
If your prize redemption gets stuck or a coin bundle doesn’t land, you should be able to reach a real human - fast.
We test each platform’s help center, support responsiveness, and how clearly they explain the how the sweepstakes system works.
- 🏆 Prize Redemption Process
This one’s big. We look closely at how easy it is to turn sweepstakes winnings into actual prizes.
Are cash-style redemptions clearly explained? Do payouts happen quickly? Any hidden identity checks or friction?
We favor platforms that keep it simple and transparent.
- 👥 Social Features
This is where social sportsbooks are supposed to shine - but not all of them do.
We look for features that add real community value: following friends, tracking leaderboards, sharing picks, or joining group challenges.
Trash talk is optional, but the best apps give you ways to stay engaged beyond just placing a bet. If it feels like you’re part of something - not just playing solo - it scores points.
- 🧾 Other Aspects We Consider
🎮 Daily Gameplay Incentives
Things like login streaks, free coin spins, mini challenges, and leaderboard competitions keep the experience fresh - even if you don’t plan on making a purchase.🌎 State Accessibility
Some social sportsbooks are available in nearly every state, while others only operate in a limited amount.📝 Fair and Easy to Understand Terms & Conditions
Sweepstakes models come with legal disclaimers, but we reward platforms that explain how things work in plain English. No one should need a lawyer to understand how Gold Coins and Sweepstakes Coins work.📢 Transparency & Communication
We look for brands that clearly communicate updates, payout timelines, policy changes, or downtime. If something goes wrong, good platforms don’t hide behind vague alerts or ghosted support tickets.🚀 Innovation & Originality
Social sportsbooks are still evolving. We reward platforms doing something fresh - whether that’s unique bonus mechanics, new game modes, or original spins on the betting format. If it pushes the category forward, it earns extra credit.✅ Ease of Sign-Up & Verification
Getting started should be fast, frictionless, and respectful of your time. We check how long it takes to register, whether identity checks are easy to navigate, and if you can start playing without jumping through unnecessary hoops.📊 Betting Odds & Limits
Even in a sweepstakes model, odds formatting and win caps matter. We look for platforms that offer competitive odds, and don’t put overly tight limits on what you can win or redeem.🏢 Reputation & Track Record
If the company behind the app has a history of late payments, user complaints, or murky ownership - we flag it. A solid platform backed by a known, trusted brand earns more of our confidence (and yours).🧠 Responsible Gambling Tools
We believe in betting smart, even in a social setting. We check for features like coin spend limits, voluntary cooldowns, self-exclusion options, and whether the platform makes these tools easy to find and activate.
Social sportsbooks are legal alternatives to traditional sports betting apps. Instead of wagering real money, you play with virtual coins. Most platforms use two types:
Gold Coins - for fun, free play with no prize eligibility
Sweepstakes Coins - used to enter contests that can result in redeemable prizes
When you first sign up, you’ll get a stash of Gold Coins and, on most platforms, a few Sweepstakes Coins to try things out. You can earn more through daily logins, promos, or by purchasing coin bundles.
When you make a purchase, you’ll usually receive bonus Sweepstakes Coins as a free gift.
This setup is powered by a sweepstakes model, similar to what you see in giveaway apps. That’s what makes it legal in most U.S. states, even where traditional sportsbooks aren’t allowed.
The best social betting sites look and feel a lot like traditional sportsbooks. You’ll see all the familiar betting markets, live odds, parlays, player props, and more. The only major difference is that, because it’s not technically gambling, you can play from almost anywhere - and still get rewarded for smart picks.
🔑 Key Features of Social Sportsbooks
Social Sportsbooks are designed to mirror the feel of a real-money betting app - odds, parlays, live game tracking and all - but they come with their own unique twists.
Here are some of the core features that define how these platforms work, and why they’ve taken off across the US:
1
👥 Social InteractionThe “social” part isn’t just branding. Many platforms let you follow friends, join leaderboards, share picks, and climb streak rankings together.
Some even run group contests or public challenges. It’s a different vibe from traditional sportsbooks - way more community based.
2
🪙 Virtual Coins & In-App PurchasesYou don’t bet with real money. Instead, you play with Gold Coins and Sweepstakes Coins.
Gold is usually for fun, while Sweepstakes Coins give you a shot at redeemable rewards.
You can earn both for free or get more by purchasing coin bundles - where the Sweeps Coins are usually included as a bonus gift.
3
💰Bonuses & RewardsDaily check-ins, promo codes, spin wheels, and surprise coin drops - social sportsbooks love a good bonus.
These features keep things lively, especially for players who want to build up their balance without spending.
The best platforms offer real value without forcing you into purchases.
4
🔐 Safe & Legal Across the U.S.Because they are free to play and run on sweepstakes models, social sportsbooks are legal in most states - without needing a gambling license.
That means you can pick winners and redeem prizes from nearly anywhere - except a few restricted states like Washington, Nevada or Idaho.
Social sportsbooks normally run on two types of virtual currency: Gold Coins and Sweepstakes Coins. Each serves a different purpose - and you’ll collect them in different ways.
🟡 Gold Coins: For Fun, Unlimited Play
Gold Coins are the main currency you’ll use on most social sportsbooks. They’re designed for fun, low-stakes play - you can place picks, test strategies, or just enjoy the action without worrying about prize eligibility. But how you get them - and how fast you go through them - can vary depending on the platform.
Here’s how you can stack up your Gold Coin balance:
🆓 Daily Login Rewards
Most apps give you free Gold Coins just for showing up. Log in daily, and your rewards often increase over time - especially if you keep a streak going. It’s a simple system that encourages regular play without ever spending a dime.
🎁 Bonuses, Spins & Challenges
Many platforms offer spin wheels, scratch-offs, or promo missions that drop fresh Gold into your account. These are usually built into the user experience - so the more you explore, the more you earn.
🧑🤝🧑 Referrals & Social Sharing
Bring in a friend, and both of you typically get a bundle of coins. Some apps even reward you based on your referral’s activity - so the more your friends play, the more you earn.
🛒 Buying Coin Bundles (Optional)
If you run out - or just want a bigger stack - you can purchase Gold Coin bundles directly through the app. Most of the time, these come with a bonus batch of Sweepstakes Coins as a free gift. These purchases are completely optional and never required to play.
🟠 Sweepstakes Coins: For Real-World Prizes
Sweepstakes Coins (sometimes called Sweeps Coins or SCs) are the currency you’ll use to place picks that can result in redeemable rewards. These are what make social sportsbooks feel like the real thing - even though you’re not technically betting real money.
How to get them:
- With Gold Coin Purchases: When you buy Gold Coin bundles, many platforms include a bonus amount of Sweepstakes Coins as a free promotional gift.
Promos & Giveaways: Some apps run special promos, contests, or bonus drops that include Sweepstakes Coins.
No-Purchase Mail-In Requests: Many platforms allow you to request Sweepstakes Coins by mail, no purchase required - this is part of what keeps them sweepstakes-compliant.
You don’t need to spend money to play with Sweepstakes Coins - but if you’re aiming for prizes, they’re the currency that counts.
At first glance, social sportsbooks and real-money sportsbooks can look pretty similar. You’ve got the same games, similar odds, and the familiar rush of sweating a pick.
But under the hood, they operate very differently - especially when it comes to how coins, prizes, and legality all work.
Here’s how they stack up across the things that matter:
Category
Legality & Availability
What You're Playing With
Types of Bets
Live Betting
Prizes & Payouts
Cashout
Options
Options
Regulator
KYC Required
Welcome Bonuses
Loyalty Programs
Referral Programs
Sportsbooks
Only legal in states that have passed sports betting legislation
Real money (USD)
Straights, parlays, props, etc
✅
Real money (USD)
PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay, debit cards, ACH, + more
State commissions
✅
✅
✅
✅
Social vs Licensed Sportsbooks - Cole's Take
Cole Redding
- Editor-in-Chief
At a glance, real-money sportsbooks and social sportsbooks look almost identical. Same odds layout. Same bet types. Same parlay sweats. And if you're just here to make picks, have some fun, and maybe flex on your buddies? Social sportsbooks can deliver 90% of the experience - without the legal red tape.
But here’s the real difference: under the hood, only one is running entirely on real money.
Licensed sportsbooks are built for serious action. You'll get deep market depth, micro-betting, cash-outs, live same-game parlays, odds boosts, live streaming - the full pro toolkit. But they come with geo-restrictions, ID checks, and a limited number of options in most legal states.
While Social sportsbooks may not have as many bells and whistles as their real money counterparts (yet), they bring something real money books usually don’t: community. Leaderboards. Public streaks. Challenges between friends. The joy of beating your buddies - and making sure they know it. And since you can also win real money prizes, they are a fantastic alternative in no-sportsbook states, of course.
So here’s my advice:
If you’re in a legal state and want a pro-grade betting tool, go with a licensed sportsbook.
If you’re locked out by your state or just want a low-stakes way to bet with friends, social sportsbooks are a legit option - and a lot more fun than you’d think.
Legal & Regulatory Advisor
Social sportsbooks, operating under a sweepstakes model, have emerged as a legal alternative to traditional sports betting in many U.S. states. These platforms allow users to engage in sports-related contests using virtual currencies, with the opportunity to win real prizes. The legality of these operations hinges on their compliance with state-specific sweepstakes laws.
✅ The Sweepstakes Model Explained
Under the sweepstakes model, users participate in games or contests without wagering real money. Instead, they use virtual currencies, often termed "Gold Coins" for entertainment purposes and "Sweepstakes Coins" for entry into prize-winning contests. Importantly, no purchase is necessary to obtain Sweepstakes Coins, as they can be acquired through various free methods, such as mail-in requests or promotional giveaways.
This model is designed to comply with the legal definition of a sweepstakes, which typically requires:
Prize: The opportunity to win something of value.
Chance: The outcome is determined by randomness.
Consideration: No mandatory payment or purchase is required to participate.
By eliminating the requirement for consideration, these platforms aim to distinguish themselves from gambling operations, which are subject to more stringent regulations.
⚖️ States Challenges The Legality of Social Sportsbook
Despite the intended compliance with sweepstakes laws, several states have scrutinized and challenged the operations of social sportsbooks:
- New York: In early 2025, the New York Legislature passed Senate Bill S5935A, aiming to ban sweepstakes-based gaming platforms. Subsequently, the Attorney General issued cease-and-desist orders to multiple operators, leading some, like VGW Holdings, to cease operations in the state.
- Mississippi: The Mississippi Gaming Commission issued cease-and-desist letters to several sweepstakes operators, asserting that their activities constituted illegal gambling under state law.
- Michigan: The Michigan Gaming Control Board took action against VGW Holdings, citing violations of the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act and the Penal Code.
- California: A lawsuit was filed against Stake.us, alleging illegal gambling operations targeting vulnerable individuals.
These actions reflect a growing concern among state regulators regarding the operations of sweepstakes-based gaming platforms and their potential circumvention of gambling laws.
🗺️ State-by-State Legality Overview
While the sweepstakes model is designed to comply with federal and many state laws, the acceptance of social sportsbooks varies across states:
- Generally Permissible: States like California, Texas, and Georgia have not (yet) enacted specific prohibitions against sweepstakes-based gaming, allowing such platforms to operate.
- Restricted or Prohibited: States including Washington, Idaho, and Nevada have laws or regulations that effectively prohibit sweepstakes-based gaming platforms.
It's crucial for users to consult their respective state laws and regulations to determine the legality of participating in social sportsbook activities.
Note: This analysis is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal concerns, please consult a qualified attorney.
If you're using Sweepstakes Coins, you can indeed win prizes with real-world value. That's the big appeal of social sportsbooks: while you’re not wagering real money, your wins can still mean something tangible.
When you place a winning bet using Sweeps Coins, your balance goes up. You can then redeem those winnings for prizes - often in the form of digital gift cards, prepaid cards, or other cash-equivalent rewards. In many cases, platforms even offer direct ACH payouts.
There are no guarantees, of course - just like any betting experience, you’ve got to win to walk away with anything. But if you do win, there’s a clear redemption path.
It’s not quite the same as withdrawing money from a licensed sportsbook. But for something that doesn’t require a deposit, ID verification, or even living in a legal betting state - it’s a surprisingly legit way to turn picks into prizes.
Cole Redding
Editor-in-Chief
Cole cut his teeth as a sportswriter in Texas, covering everything from Longhorns games to small-town Friday night lights. A lifelong bettor stuck with offshore books for over a decade thanks to Texas' slow path to legalization, he eventually found his way into the world of social sportsbooks - where he uncovered a fast-growing, community of bettors.
Today, he writes for the millions of Americans in states without legal books, helping them explore safe ways to bet without running afoul of the law.
As editor-in-chief, he aims to keep BettingScanner honest, human, and grounded in what bettors actually care about: fairness, fun, and finding your lane - even when the state won’t give you one.
Social Sportsbooks vs Real Money Sportsbooks