What is a Social Sportsbook?

Social sportsbooks resemble traditional sports betting sites, but they have one major difference: they utilize virtual currency instead of real money. You can predict sports events using the platform’s coins rather than cash.

Social sportsbooks are not classified as gambling since there’s no real money involved. This allows them to operate legally in over 40 states, significantly more than traditional sportsbooks.

These platforms employ a sweepstakes model, providing players with free credits to participate in games and the opportunity to win real prizes. They typically offer two types of coins: one for fun and another that can be redeemed for cash rewards.

This model is similar to that used by sweepstakes casinos, but while casinos focus on slots and table games, social sportsbooks are entirely centered around sports betting.

Top Social Sportsbooks

Social sportsbooks are still relatively new, but more are being launched each year. Determining which ones are worth your time can be challenging, so we’ve done the hard work for you.

Here are the 5 best social sportsbook apps and what sets each apart:

1. Legendz – Combines casino games, live dealers, and sports betting.
2. Fliff – Allows you to make free sports predictions.
3. Thrillzz – Offers daily rewards just for logging in.
4. Rebet – Features over 60 markets and peer-to-peer betting.
5. Sportzino – A versatile social betting platform.

Social Sportsbook Bonuses & Promotions

Social sportsbooks do not require purchases to use their apps, making no deposit bonuses a significant aspect of the experience. You’ll receive plenty of freebies right after signing up, and if you run out of coins, another bonus is usually just around the corner. Here’s a look at the types of no deposit bonuses you can expect:

• Welcome Bonuses: When you sign up, you’ll often receive a no deposit bonus just for joining, along with an additional boost on your first purchase.
• Daily Login Bonus: Simply log in each day to receive Gold Coins (GC) or Sweeps Coins (SC) to continue playing.
• Tournament Promotions: Typically structured as leaderboards that reward players with the most accurate predictions over a specific period, with a share of a prize pool.
• Mail-In Requests: Follow the instructions on the Sweeps Rules page to submit a handwritten request to receive a small amount of SC.
• Social Media Giveaways: Look for quizzes and trivia on social media, where some apps offer prizes to random winners.
• VIP Programs: Active users can access extra perks, such as weekly and monthly rewards, birthday gifts, and loyalty bonuses.
• Boosted Odds & Parlays: Keep an eye out for odds boosts and special parlay offers that enhance your payout on specific bets.
• Referral Bonuses: If you refer a friend and they make a qualifying purchase, you’ll earn additional coins or rewards.
• Event-Specific Bonuses: Before major events like the Super Bowl, social sportsbooks often provide special promotions, including odds boosts, free coins, and more.

Types of Picks and Contests

Social sportsbooks provide a variety of betting options, and while each platform is unique, they all strive to introduce fresh and creative features to the realm of social gambling.

Generally, the betting games and contests at social sportsbooks resemble traditional real money sports bets. You make your selections, place your Gold Coin or Sweeps Coin bet, and lock it in. If your pick wins, you are paid based on the odds associated with it.

Here’s an overview of the types of bets available at social sportsbooks:

• Moneyline Bets: Predict which side will win a game or match.
• Point Spread: Bet on the margin of victory. Your chosen side must cover the spread set by the sportsbook to win.
• Totals: Bet on the total number of points scored in a game.
• Futures: Bet on events occurring far in the future, such as the winner of the Super Bowl or the World Cup.
• Props: Bet on specific occurrences within a game, such as a player’s passing yards in the NFL or the number of layups in an NBA game. These can include player props (focused on one player’s performance), team props (centered on the team’s overall performance), or game props (like predicting whether the game will go into overtime).
• Parlays: Combine multiple bets on the same slip. The odds are multiplied, and every individual bet must be correct for a win.

Coin Purchase and Prize Redemption Methods

Social sportsbooks typically offer fewer payment options compared to traditional sportsbooks, often limiting you to just a few methods.

Here are some common payment options available at social sportsbooks:

• Bank cards
• Bank transfers
• Apple Pay
• PayPal

When you purchase coins, the transaction is usually processed instantly, and the coins are immediately credited to your account.

For prize redemptions, gift cards are typically sent to your email. Cash prizes are returned using the same payment method you used to buy coins. If that’s not feasible, you can select a bank account that shares the same name as yours.

How To Sign Up and Get Started

Getting started with a social sportsbook is simple and quick. Here’s how you can get going:

• Click Our Links: Use our links to access the social sportsbook directly. This is the quickest route and may also unlock special bonuses for new users.
• Register: Sign up by providing basic information such as your email and password. Many social sportsbooks allow you to register using Google or Facebook, making the process even faster. Some sites may also require phone verification after registration.
• Claim Your No Deposit Bonus: Most no deposit bonuses are automatically added to your account after registration, but on some sites, you might need to claim them from the promotions section.
• Make a Purchase (Optional): You can play using the free coins from giveaways, but if you want to get more engaged or if no free top-ups are available, you can make a purchase. Additionally, many sites offer a bonus boost with your first purchase.
• Play: The list of sports is usually displayed right on the homepage, making it easy to find your selections. If you want to expedite the process, there’s often a search bar available.
• Redeem Prizes: If your predictions are correct and you’ve accumulated enough SC to meet the redemption minimum, you can cash in for real prizes.

How We Rate Social Sportsbooks

We select our top picks based on comprehensive research and hands-on testing. While many social sportsbooks offer similar features, some excel beyond others. Here’s what we consider when rating each platform.

• Payment Methods and Prize Redemption: We evaluate all the ways to purchase coins and redeem prizes, focusing on factors such as variety, ease of use, speed, and transaction fees. For prize redemption, we assess minimum limits and playthrough requirements.
• Features: We examine all available contests and social gambling options, from public contests to one-on-one games with friends. We enjoy uncovering each site’s unique features.
• Customer Support: We test the site’s Help Section and contact options, evaluating each channel with test inquiries. We regard 24/7 live chat support as the gold standard.
• User Experience: We register, purchase coins, and explore all the site’s features. This allows us to gauge the site’s design, navigation, and overall beginner-friendliness.
• Promotions: We participate in every bonus and promotion, assessing their value and clarifying any complex terms. Some promotions, like Sweeps Coins requests, may take weeks to process, but we review all of them.
• Responsible Gambling: We look for practical support options, such as reality checks, purchase limits, and links to external support organizations. The capability to self-exclude is also a critical factor for us.

Responsible Gambling

Social casinos may not involve real money betting, but they can still lead to addictive behavior. At Casino.com, we prioritize player safety and responsible gambling. Here’s how to maintain a healthy relationship with social casinos:

• Set a budget: Only purchase Gold Coins if you can afford them, and establish a weekly or monthly limit. Remember, social sportsbooks and sweepstakes casinos generate revenue by selling Gold Coins.
• Take breaks: Playing at a social sportsbook should be a part of a balanced lifestyle. Consider setting a daily limit and taking regular breaks.
• Don’t focus too much on prizes: Redeeming Sweeps Coins for prizes is merely an added benefit to the experience. While it can be enjoyable, it should not be viewed as a consistent way to make money.
• Seek support if needed: Numerous support organizations offer assistance and guidance if you or someone you know is facing challenges with social gambling.