Best New Sweepstakes Poker Sites in May 2025

Sweepstakes poker sites are an increasingly popular commodity, particularly for the states’ poker players, as they cannot access real money poker sites.

You're using virtual currencies instead of cash, yet you have the chance to win real cash prizes.

A virtual currency in Stake.us is called sweep coins.

The best new sweepstakes poker sites give you free coins to get you started, so you can start playing immediately.

They are meant to be easy and fun for anyone, even novices.

In this guide, I’ll detail the best sweepstakes poker sites and tips on how to get started.

Comparing the best sweepstakes poker sites

Here's a quick rundown of the best sweepstakes poker sites available to players in the U.S.:

Reviews of the top poker sweepstakes sites & apps

After trying loads of sweepstakes poker sites, I’ve narrowed it down to the top five options for US players.

Here’s my review of these poker sites based on thorough testing and gameplay:

1. Global Poker - Best for a variety of poker tournaments

Global Poker overview

If you’re excited about trying sweepstakes poker, Global Poker is an excellent option.

It has many big poker games like Texas Hold'em, Omaha and Crazy Pineapple, whatever poker style you prefer it has.

The site has a variety of Sit & Go's, ring games, and tournaments held daily.

There are usually about 100 tables running during peak hours meaning that games are easy to find.

Upon signup and a $20 purchase, new players are awarded 100,000 Gold Coins and 20 Sweeps Coins.

Cashing out is easy. You only need to acquire 50 Sweeps Coins and a 1x playthrough to redeem the winnings.

Global Poker does not offer a VIP program or traditional loyalty rewards but has leaderboard events and daily promotions to keep things appealing.

The platform can be used in any browser from a desktop or a phone, as there is no app.

Overall, Global Poker is an easy-to-use and enjoyable poker site without all the fluff.

Read our complete Global Poker review.

Global Poker pros & cons

2. Stake.us - Best for unique poker games & live poker

Stake.us overview

Having only launched in 2022, Stake.us has quickly become one of the most popular U.S. sweepstakes poker sites.

It includes original titles, such as Stake Poker and Video Poker, as well as live poker by Evolution, such as Texas Hold'em Bonus, Three Card Poker, and Caribbean Stud.

New players will get a welcome bonus of 250,000 Gold Coins + 25 Stake Cash.

Stake.us only deals with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, which means payouts are quick and are processed within about an hour.

Although there is no VIP program, you can benefit from daily promotions.

Flip side: if it’s loyalty rewards you’re specifically chasing after, it may not be the right calling card for you.

Stake.us works well on mobile web browsers, but there is no downloadable app to make the gameplay experience even better on smart devices.

Overall, Stake.us is a safe site for sweepstakes poker, offering simple yet high-quality gameplay high-quality games.

But the small selection of poker titles might encourage players to look elsewhere to see what else is "on offer".

Read our complete Stake.us review.

Stake.us pros & cons

3. Clubs Poker - Best for diverse poker variants and social gaming

Clubs Poker overview

Clubs Poker is a top-notch option for poker fans who want diversity.

Launched in 2024, the site features more than 20 varieties of poker, including Texas Hold'em, Omaha, Seven Card Stud, Razz, and HORSE.

The platform further offers various tournament formats such as bounty tournaments ,progressive knockouts, Sit & Go's and Spin 'n Go's suitable to different players.

Mini-games are offered at the poker table in Clubs Poker, including the likes of slot games and table games, so you can have some more fun gaming action without leaving the poker table at Clubs Poker.

Distinctive features such as “Rabbit Hunting” let you peek at the next card after folding, “Bomb Pots” add extra chips to random pots, and “Run It Twice” deals community cards twice to reduce risk.

The site also has a Bad Beat Jackpot for when a player's strong hand loses and “Straddles” that ramp up the stakes by blind betting.

Players who are tired of poker can also take a break and unwind with other casino games available at Clubs Poker.

For instance, there are numerous slots with different themes, while table games include Blackjack, Hi-Lo, Baccarat, and Twenty-One.

New players receive 5,000 Gold Coins and a 100% match on their first purchase.

There isn’t a VIP program or any loyalty rewards, however, the site does offer promotions and bonuses daily.

Although there's no mobile app available, Clubs Poker performs reliably in any browser as an alternative for players who like a combination of poker and other game modes.

Read our complete Clubs Poker review.

Clubs Poker pros & cons

4. High 5 Casino - Best for exclusive poker variants

High 5 Casino overview

High 5 Casino has in-house poker games you may not find elsewhere.

They include Video Poker, Three Card Poker, Four Card Poker, and Casino Stud Poker.

Those exclusives offer a gameplay experience unique to Sega's console.

New players will receive a hearty welcome bonus of 250,000 GC, 5 SC, and 600 Diamonds.

It’s worth noting that the minimum cash-out is $100, which is higher than some other platforms.

Despite the absence of a VIP or loyalty program, High 5 Casino makes up for it with its daily promotions, which give you added value.

The mobile app is easy to use and play away from home.

If you want to try some poker variants you've never heard of, High 5 Casino is worth a look.

If you’re looking for more (or other) poker variants, however, you may find the selection lacking in that case.

Read our complete High 5 Casino review.

High 5 Casino pros & cons

5. ClubWPT - Best for tournament play

ClubWPT overview

With ClubWPT, you don’t pay every time you want to play poker.

Instead, players will pay a monthly fee to access all tournaments.

They even provide a 14-day free trial to help you decide.

The site includes a selection of popular poker games such as Texas Hold'em, Omaha, and Sit & Go tournaments.

All the games run as smoothly on their site, and there’s nothing to worry about.

Please note that there is no cash-out option.

You can receive cash prizes and other rewards from tournament wins, but don't expect to be able to cash out as you can on other sites.

ClubWPT does not have a VIP program, meaning there aren’t any loyalty rewards to speak of.

While no app exists, you can still easily play thanks to your phone’s browser.

To conclude, ClubWPT provides a great opportunity for tournament poker lovers who want to know what they’ll pay each month (rather than pay per tournament).

Just keep in mind that tournament victories determine rewards and not cashouts.

ClubWPT pros & cons

How we test & rank sweepstakes online poker sites

There are many sweepstakes poker sites available for US players, which makes it challenging to find the best one.

I check every site carefully and test all the important features that you care about to save you the hassle.

Game variety

The best poker sites offer a wide variety of games.

I’m watching out for Texas Hold’em, Omaha, or something a bit more interesting like Crazy Pineapple, Seven Card Stud, or Razz.

Some work in multi-table tournaments, others are in quick Sit & Go's, and in bounty tournaments.

The wider the range of products you can supply, the better.

A wider array of alternatives helps to maintain interest in the game for both regular and casual players.

Security and privacy

While sweepstakes poker sites may not involve real cash deposits, security is still significant.

I look for SSL encryption to protect your data.

Leading websites have transparent privacy policies that outline how they manage your data.

I also check user reviews and forums to see if there are any red flags.

You're looking for a platform that values your privacy and protects your data.

Promotions and bonuses

Bonuses can boost your play significantly.

I look for welcome bonuses, like free sweepstakes coins or extra tournament entries.

I look for daily login bonuses, tournament boosts, or things like giving players prizes for playing regularly.

The top sites have bonuses that come with fair terms and simple T&Cs.

Frequent and straightforward promotions keep the experience fun and rewarding.

Loyalty and rewards programs

Loyalty programs benefit habitual players.

I seek out sites that have redeemable points or coins, special tournaments, or VIP programs.

Some offer sweep coins or entry bonuses for regular logins.

A solid loyalty system is a big plus, particularly for players who spend a considerable length of time with one site.

Payment options and redemption

Most sweepstakes poker operators allow you to play for free, but also sell coin packages themselves.

Before I deposit money, I check payment options such as credit cards, e-wallets, or cryptocurrencies.

And fees and transaction speeds factor into that.

With sites that have prize redemptions, I check how easy it is to cash out.

A painless, no-fee redemption is what makes for a good experience.

Customer support

Having dependable help at the ready is essential in case of a malfunction.

I spend time on each site’s help section, going through the FAQs and questions that are most common.

Next up, I test its support options (live chat, email, phone) and see how fast it responds to them.

The subject is extremely solid. A well-written submission.

Fast, helpful support is a strong indicator that the site cares about its players.

Responsible gaming

Responsible gaming is important, even in sweepstakes poker.

I seek out sites that provide tools for responsible play, such as time limits, spending caps, and self-exclusion options.

Some platforms also offer information on responsible gaming.

These elements demonstrate that the site genuinely cares about its users’ well-being, even with no financial gain at stake.

What is sweepstakes poker?

Sweepstakes poker is my favorite way to play online poker for nothing legally in the US.

However, it deprived of utilizing cash, instead of which virtual currencies like Gold Coins or Sweeps Coins are used.

This makes it legal even in states that ban traditional poker.

You can play Texas Hold'em, Omaha, and several other games for free without putting anything financially at risk.

Plus, it's a great way to practice your play and win prizes.

How to win real prizes in sweepstakes poker

To win real prizes in sweepstakes poker, follow these steps:

1. Select platforms with prize options: Ensure the site offers real prize redemptions, such as cash or gift cards. Not all platforms provide this feature.

2. Understand coin minimums for cash-out: Most sites require you to accumulate a minimum amount of Sweeps Coins before cashing out. For example, many platforms set this threshold at $100.However, some sites, like Stake.us, have no minimum requirement.

3. Be aware of playthrough requirements: Before redeeming Sweeps Coins, you may need to meet a playthrough requirement. Typically, this is a 1x requirement, but some sites might ask for a 3x playthrough.

4. Review payout options: Different sites offer various methods to cash out, including bank transfers, cryptocurrency, or gift cards. Payout times can vary; some are instant, while others may take a few days.

By considering these factors, you can effectively navigate the process of winning and redeeming real prizes in sweepstakes poker.

Gold Coins vs. Sweeps Coins

Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins are the two main types of virtual currency used on most sweepstakes poker sites:

• Gold Coins: These are for fun and casual play. You can buy them or get them as bonuses, but they cannot be redeemed for cash. They are mainly used for non-monetary play.

• Sweeps Coins: These are valuable and can be redeemed for cash or prizes once you meet the required minimum. Sweeps Coins are often given as bonuses with Gold Coin purchases or earned through rewards. Each Sweeps Coin typically equals $1, and most sites require a $100 minimum to cash out.

Subscription models

Certain sites, like ClubWPT, don’t use coins.

Instead, they required a monthly subscription.

That fee will allow access to all games and tournaments.

You won't need to buy coin packs.

It's a good option if you want unlimited play and tournament access without having to purchase more credits.

Games available at sweepstakes poker sites

Sweepstakes poker sites allow you to play a combination of different poker games to keep the site fresh.

Here are the main types and why to give them a try:

Texas Hold’em

Texas Hold’em is a classic poker game.

It’s the one you’ve seen on TV and at the biggest events.

You have two private cards, and five community cards are dealt on the table.

Your goal is to make the best hand using those cards.

It's simple, but its combination of drama and strategy has made it a fan favorite.

Omaha

Omaha is one level up in complexity from Texas Hold’em.

You have four private cards instead of two, but you must use exactly two of them.

This is an added difficulty because you have to keep more hands in mind.

Omaha Hi-Lo splits the pot between the best high hand and best low hand, adding yet more strategy to poker.

It's a great choice if you're looking for a change.

Crazy Pineapple

Crazy Pineapple is similar to Hold’em but with a twist.

You start the game with three private cards, but must discard one of them after the first round.

This adds additional tension that conveys an aspect of decision-making earlier on.

It's a nice change of pace if you are familiar with Hold'em and want to experience something new.

Jackpot Sit & Go’s

Jackpot Sit & Go’s are great for when you’re in a rush.

You’ll play with a small group of two or three players, and the prize pool is randomly bumped up.

That means you can win both a low prize or a very big one, depending on where the spin lands.

It’s quick, it’s fun, and the possibility of winning big has excitement built in.

Progressive knockouts

In Progress Knockouts, every player has a bounty.

Every time you knock out someone, you will receive some of their earns as a bounty whilst your own bounty will increase.

As eliminations rack up, so do the rewards – and your prestige makes you a target.

Good for competitive players, every knockout matters.

Bounty tournaments

In Fixed Bounty tournaments, they remain fixed.

Each time you KO someone, you get a fixed reward.

It's a great way to earn rewards without winning the entire tournament.

Sit & Go’s

Sit & Go’s are fast tournaments that start as soon as enough players join.

They’re easy to learn and quick to start, which is especially helpful if players are feeling impatient to get into the action right away.

Perfect for a little lunchtime or leisure time scroll.

Spin & Go’s

Spin & Go’s add a lottery angle.

You join in with a couple of other players, and the prize pool is randomized, from a small prize to something way bigger.

If you're feeling lucky, then Spin & Go's may be the fun and exciting option.

Bad beat jackpot

The Bad Beat Jackpot rewards you for getting unlucky.

Getting beaten with a good hand like four of a kind can earn you a jackpot.

It’s a nice security blanket when the cards don’t break your way.

Bomb pots

In Bomb Pots, all players throw in an extra ante of chips before the hand begins, creating bigger pots to play for from the get-go.

This creates some very unusual, bizarre hands and injects excitement, adding a fun departure from the regular poker rhythm.

FAQs

References

• American Gaming Association

• National Indian Gaming Association

• Department of Revenue Gaming