Introducing sweepstakes sportsbooks: The new way to play
Sports nuts might have found themselves watching the rise of sweepstakes casinos online with envious eyes over the past couple of years, wishing there was a sports betting equivalent. Well, now there is.
That’s right, online sports betting has been given the sweepstakes treatment, opening web bookies up to thousands of prospective new players. I was among the first to jump on the bandwagon and get involved with these new-fangled gaming sites and apps, and let me tell you: they’re as close to the real thing as it’s possible to get.
But what exactly are sweepstakes sportsbooks? And how do they work? Let’s take a look…
What is a sweepstakes sportsbook?
Sweepstakes sportsbooks are free-to-use sports selector platforms that let you make picks on a range of real sports fixtures. They feature various sports markets, realistic odds, and lots of different “betting” types, so they kinda feel like using a regular online bookie.
The catch? Since they’re not classed as real-money gambling (RMG) sites, they don’t offer cash wagering, winnings, or withdrawals. Instead, you’ll be making selections with virtual currencies like “Gold Coins” and “Sweeps Coins”; you should be familiar with these if you’ve ever played sweepstakes casino games online before.
The upshot of this sweepstakes gaming setup is that brands like Thrillz, Kickr, and Onyx Odds (more on those later) are available to use in more states than their RMG counterparts. That’s because they’re not bound by the same regs and legal stuff, so they generally enjoy better coverage across the States.
How do sweepstakes sports betting sites work?
First up, I should really lose the word “betting”, since that’s not what these sites offer. Instead, you’ll be playing for free using virtual currencies like “Gold Coins” and “Sweeps Coins” – I’ll give you a quick primer on these free-to-collect coins below…
| Virtual currencies | Definition |
| Gold Coins (GC) | Gold Coins are here for your entertainment only, and can’t be redeemed for prizes. You can make just-for-fun sports picks with these, and you can buy more if you run low. |
| Sweeps Coins (SC) | Sweeps Coins are in-demand at sweeps bookies, since they can be redeemed for real prizes like cash and gift cards when certain conditions are met. Note that SC is 100% free to collect, but you can’t buy more of them like GC. |
With this combo of free-to-collect virtual coins, sweepstakes bookies operate what’s called a “dual currency” sweepstakes gaming system. This enables you to switch between “just for fun” play using Gold Coins and “promotional” play with Sweeps Coins, with the latter giving you the chance to redeem any SC you collect for real prizes like gift cards and cash.
Beyond getting to grips with this dual currency system, sweepstakes-ready bookies are designed to work like regular sportsbooks. You make selections on your favorite sports fixtures and teams, and then “bet” using a combination of GC or SC, rather than real cash. If you lose, you lose those free coins only; if you win, you get more GC and SC to play again.
Which sports will you find at online sweepstakes bookmakers?
If you’re completely new to the concept of sportsbooks with a sweepstakes gaming element, you might find it hard to believe that you can make free picks on genuine sports fixtures. But, much like sweepstakes poker, this is the new reality of sweepstakes gaming online.
Trust me: I had a “pinch me” moment when I first came across these free-to-use sports picker brands, too. But they are totally legit and offer an impressive variety of sports markets, including:
- All-American sports like the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL: You can make free selections on the full season of matches in these leagues, at most sweeps sportsbooks in the US.
- Soccer: Given its soaring popularity, soccer is another major sport featured on the web’s best sweepstakes sports betting sites. Expect coverage of the MLS and English Premier League as a minimum.
- Alternative sports: As sweepstakes bookies get more popular, they’re adding to their mix of sports markets and events. You could well find other sports to make picks on, whether that’s tennis, golf, MMA, or motorsports.
5 top-rated sweepstakes sportsbooks to try
Sweepstakes sports betting sites might sound like the stuff of pipedreams, but they’re here, live, and ready to use. In fact, with new brands emerging all the time, you might need a bit of help choosing the best spot to play at.
That’s where I come in. I’ve saved you the trouble of a little legwork by showcasing five of my fave new social sweepstakes sportsbooks down below. Plus, you’ll find sweeps codes and promotional info for all these brands in the banners around this page.
Thrillzz – The ultimate app-based sweeps sportsbook
Thrillzz In A Nutshell
Thrillzz has shot to the top of my list of recommended social sportsbooks, offering the perfect example of what these sites are all about. It uses a combination of “Thrillzz Coins” (equivalent to Gold Coins) and Sweeps Coins to provide a realistic sports betting experience, and is available in 36 US states – considerably more than the next-best RMG sports betting site.
One thing to note about Thrillzz is that it’s an app-only platform, so you won’t be able to use it via your standard web browser; this applies whether you’re using a desktop PC or your smartphone. That shouldn’t be a dealbreaker for your average sports bettor, but if you’re not confident downloading an app and making sports picks on smaller screens, you might like to consider alternatives.
How To Sign Up
- Visit the Website: Navigate to the official Thrillzz website on your desktop or mobile browser.
- Click on “Sign Up”: Look for the “Join Now” button, found at the top right corner.
- Provide your personal information, email address, and create a secure password.
- Verify your email address and complete any KYC requirements.
- Once signed up, you’ll automatically receive your free Thrillzz Coins and Sweeps!
BONUS
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Kickr – Collect “Bits” and “Bucks” while predicting your fave sports
Kickr In A Nutshell
Kickr was one of the first sweepstakes sportsbooks I tested way back when, and it continues to be a dominant name in the industry. Like Thrillzz, this is an app-only gaming platform, and has racked up thousands of positive ratings in the respective iOS and Android app stores. The brand has done a fantastic job of expanding its eligible sports markets, offering motorsports and MMA alongside NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and college football.
When you join Kickr, you’ll get a nice welcome bonus worth 150,000 “Bits” (equivalent to Gold Coins) and 4 “Bucks” (Kickr’s version of SC). If you go on rack up 50 Bucks and play through each of these at least once, you’ll be able to trade ‘em for a gift card; you’ll need 200 Bucks for a cash redemption, which is a little on the high side.
Sportzino – My first non-app-only sweepstakes sportsbook
Sportzino In A Nutshell
That’s right, you can access Sportzino in a few different ways, either via its dedicated mobile app, in a standard browser on your smartphone, or the same on your laptop or tablet, so that could prove a deciding factor for you. Another pretty convincing argument is the brand’s mammoth sign-up offer, which includes 220,000 GC + 10 SC for all new members.
Elsewhere, it’s worth mentioning that Sportzino offers a combination of both sweepstakes sports selector and casino-style games, so you can make sports selections one minute and spin the reels the next. Its sports markets are decent, too, offering everything from homegrown American sports to niche markets like cricket, cycling, and Aussie Rules.
How To Sign Up
- Click 'Sign Up'.
- Enter your personal details in the registration form and click 'Create Free Account'.
- Verify your email address and use your exclusive offer!
BONUS
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Onyx Odds – A low minimum redemption requirement may hold appeal
Onyx Odds In A Nutshell
Onyx Odds is comparable to the likes of Kickr and Thrillzz in both its sports market coverage and the fact that this is an app-only mobile platform. I must say that it looks the part, too, with a premium black and purple color palette that is every bit as good as the equivalent RMG sports betting brand.
Of course, a brand’s color scheme isn’t a very convincing argument. But what might sway it for you is Onyx Odds’ comparatively low minimum sweepstakes redemption threshold. You’ll only need to collect 20 Onyx Cash virtual coins (and play through once per the 1x playthrough requirement) to submit a redemption request, so that could prove a very appealing benefit for some players.
How To Sign Up
- Click 'Sign Up'
- Enter email, username and password. Tickboxes for T&C's. Click 'Create Account'.
- Enter personal details such as full name, date of birth, address.
- Click 'Verify Identity'.
BONUS
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ProphetX – An impressive variety of sports predictor modes
Prophet X In A Nutshell
What I like most about ProphetX is that it’s tried to be a serious sportsbook for serious sports fans, all within the remit of dual-currency sweepstakes gameplay. For example, it offers an impressive variety of ways to make predictions on upcoming (and live) sports fixtures, including moneylines, spreads, futures, and props. There’s also a clever peer-to-peer contest mode, where you can go head-to-head with fellow players by accepting their bespoke odds predictions.
Another aspect of ProphetX that might make it a great option for you is that it’s available in 39 US states – fantastic coverage for a sweepstakes sportsbook of this ilk. You will, however, need to be 19+ to use the site, which is a higher limit than the customary 18+ (something to bear in mind).
How To Sign Up
- Click 'Register'
- Enter emaill address, password, referral code, click 'Continue'.
- Enter personal details such as address and date of birth.
- Tickboxes for age verification and T&C agreement. Click 'Register'
BONUS
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Pros and cons of sweepstakes sportsbooks
- 100% free and no risk of losing money
- New brands emerging regularly
- Redeem Sweeps Coins for prizes
- Free bonuses available
- Limited scope for prize winnings
- Legal status can change without warning
Are sweepstakes bookies worth using in the USA?
I think you already know the answer to that question. It’s a definitive “YES” from me.
To be honest, I’m smitten with this new generation of sweepstakes-ready sportsbooks. Not only are they the perfect solution for sports fans in states with strict gambling laws, but they’re also well worth using in their own right, offering a fun and casual way to make sports predictions without the risk of losing money.
Ready to get started with a top-rated sweeps bookie in your state? Use the links around this page to learn more about the likes of Thrillzz, Kickr, Sportzino, Onyx Odds, and ProphetX.
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Sweepstakes sportsbooks FAQs
Can you get no-deposit bonuses at sweepstakes sportsbooks?
No. Since sweepstakes bookies don’t support deposits, you can’t claim no-deposit offers. There are, however, lots of free promos to enjoy on these sites.
What are the best sweepstakes bookmakers in the USA?
I would say that Thrillzz, Kickr, Sportzino, Onyx Odds, and ProphetX rank as the best bookies for sweepstakes sports predictions in the USA.
Can you win money on sweepstakes sportsbooks?
No. You can collect free Sweeps Coins, which you may be able to redeem for prizes in certain conditions, but this isn’t the same as winning money directly from cash wagering.