Social sportsbooks are like the sports betting version of social casinos and sweepstakes casinos, offering all the excitement of traditional sportsbooks without the need for real money gambling. In this article, we’ll highlight the best social betting apps of 2024, where you can bet for free, compete with friends, and even win real cash prizes.
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In recent years, online sports betting has surged in popularity, giving fans a way to elevate their sports-watching experience and potentially turn their passion into profit.
While traditional sportsbooks like DraftKings and FanDuel have long been the go-to choice for wagering on sporting events, a new option has emerged on the scene, changing the game entirely: social sportsbooks.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at social sportsbooks and explore the unique opportunity they present to sports fans all over the world.
We’ll explain how social betting sites work and introduce you to some of the top options on the market today. By the time we’re finished, you’ll have a full understanding of how social sportsbooks are changing the online betting landscape for the better.
Whether you’re a die-hard sports enthusiast looking for a new way to engage with your favorite teams or someone intrigued by the idea of combining social interaction with sports wagering, this article will equip you with the knowledge to navigate this exciting world of sports betting in the digital age.
Now, let’s dive right in!
Best Social Betting Sites & Apps – November 2024
Since social sportsbooks are a relatively new phenomenon, there aren’t too many options that have firmly established themselves as industry leaders.
However, here are some promising social betting sites to keep an eye on going forward and perhaps even consider trying for yourself, based on their emerging reputation and exciting features:
Fliff Social Sportsbook
- Full Review: Fliff Social Sportsbook Review
- Available States: 48 of 50 U.S. States (all but ID & WA)
Fliff Social Sportsbook was first launched in 2019 and is the current leader in this emerging industry. The platform boasts a comprehensive selection of sports and betting markets, covering everything from the NBA and NFL to international soccer leagues and esports competitions.
In addition, Fliff offers plenty of different types of bets, including but not limited to point spreads, over/under totals, moneylines, prop bets, parlays, same-game parlays, and futures.
Those who enjoy live betting will even find an outstanding in-play experience, with real-time odds updates available nearly 24/7 for games and sporting events across the globe.
The social betting site operates using Fliff Coins and Fliff Cash, with the former working just like Gold Coins and the latter being the equivalent of Sweeps Coins.
Once a minimum of $50 in Fliff Cash has been won, it can be redeemed directly for real money and transferred to your bank account or Skrill wallet in just 1-3 business days.
Adding to its appeal, Fliff Social Sportsbook offers a top-tier customer rewards program.
Players can earn experience points (XP) by placing bets, completing daily challenges, and inviting friends to the platform, and XP can be used to claim gift cards to all their favorite stores, restaurants, and brands (Airbnb, Grubhub, Chipotle, etc.).
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Thrillzz Sportsbook
- Full Review: Thrillzz Sportsbook Review
- Available States: 36 of 50 U.S. States (all but AL, GA, ID, IN, IA, KY, LA, MI, MN, MS, NV, OH, SC, & WA)
Thrillzz isn’t just another social betting platform; it’s a revolution in the way sports enthusiasts interact with their favorite games.
With Thrillzz, you can experience the thrill of making picks in a safe and secure online environment, all without spending a dime. Their innovative approach combines sports strategy, knowledge, and a touch of luck to deliver an unparalleled gaming experience.
Thrillzz is packed with features designed to enhance your gaming experience:
- Diverse Gaming Options: Whether you’re a fan of mainstream sports or niche events, Thrillzz has something for everyone.
- Sports Stats Widget: Access real-time data and statistics to inform your picks and enhance your overall gameplay.
- Accessible Anytime, Anywhere: With our responsive interface, you can enjoy Thrillzz on multiple devices, ensuring seamless gameplay whether you’re at home or on the go.
- User-Friendly Experience: From sign-up to making your first pick, Thrillzz offers an intuitive and hassle-free gaming journey.
- Rewards Galore: Earn rewards just for playing, including free sweepstakes promotions and loyalty points.
BetRivers.net
- Full Review: BetRivers.net Review
- Available States: All 50 U.S. States
Another interesting option in the social gaming industry is BetRivers.net, not to be confused with BetRivers Sportsbook or BetRivers Casino.
The innovative platform doubles as both a social sportsbook and social casino, allowing users to seamlessly transition between sports betting and casino gaming within a single, user-friendly interface.
The BetRivers Sports Zone offers an astonishing number of betting markets, including all of the most popular leagues in the United States and beyond as well as niche options like darts, floorball, table tennis, and trotting. Users can even bet on television and entertainment events like the Emmys and Oscars.
If players ever want a break from betting on all their favorite sports and leagues, they can switch over to the BetRivers Casino4Fun, which offers over 500 casino-style games (slots, table games, live dealer games, etc.) from some of the leading providers in the iGaming industry.
BetRivers.net is currently available in all 50 U.S. states and all of Canada, and it is certainly a standout platform in the social gaming industry. However, it’s important to note that BetRivers.net does not offer any real cash prizes and is intended to be used for entertainment purposes only.
Sportzino Social Sportsbook & Casino
- Full Review: Sportzino Social Sportsbook & Casino Review
- Available States: 46 of 50 U.S. States (all but GA, ID, MI, & WA)
Last but not least, Sportzino is the newest social sportsbook and casino on the block. Like BetRivers.net, it offers both free sports betting and free online games, giving users a well-rounded gaming experience.
Created by Blazesoft, the same company behind popular platforms like Fortune Coins and Zula Casino, Sportzino has already made a splash since its launch. It’s quickly becoming a go-to spot for sports bettors and casino fans across the United States.
Players can now dive into betting on a wide variety of sports and leagues from around the world, try their luck on the latest slots, or enjoy classic table games like blackjack and roulette.
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List of Other Social Sports Betting Sites reviewed by ATS.io
What Is Social Sports Betting?
Social betting represents a unique form of engaging with sports wagering, where individuals participate in betting pools or place bets against friends or within a community, rather than betting against a bookmaker.
This approach emphasizes the social interaction and fun aspects of betting, focusing on the experience rather than financial gain. Unlike traditional sports betting, social betting often involves virtual currency or is structured in a way that doesn’t require a financial stake, making it accessible without a bankroll.
Crucially, since social betting doesn’t involve real money gambling in the conventional sense, it operates within a legal gray area, allowing it to be offered in many states where traditional online sports betting is not yet legal.
This makes social betting a popular and legal option across a wide array of jurisdictions, catering to those looking to enjoy the communal aspects of sports betting without the financial risks associated with traditional gambling.
How do Social Betting Sites work?
A social betting site is an innovative, free-to-play platform that delivers the excitement and thrill of traditional online sportsbooks, all without the financial risk typically associated with sports betting.
These social betting sites allow users to make picks against the spread, build parlays, place prop bets, and get in on the action without risking any of their hard-earned money.
Instead of using real money, players will wager virtual currencies (e.g., Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins), which can be acquired through in-game purchases or earned for free through a wide range of bonuses and promotions.
This adds a fun and gamified element to the betting experience while also encouraging responsible gaming by preventing any actual gambling from taking place. In addition, it brings sports betting to the masses, democratizing the activity and making it available to sports fans in California, Texas, and many other states where traditional sports betting is prohibited or heavily restricted.
However, the best part of social sportsbooks is that they typically incorporate sweepstakes elements, which give players a chance to win real cash prizes and other exciting rewards. Therefore, users can enjoy the adrenaline rush of sports betting without any financial investment and potentially even provide a nice boost to their bank account along the way.
Pros & Cons of Social Betting Sites
Before we go any further, let’s take a quick look at the biggest advantages and disadvantages offered by social sportsbooks. This will further introduce you to these exciting new platforms and give you a better idea of what to expect going forward.
Pros
- 100% Free To Use & No Risk Involved
- Chance To Win Real Cash Prizes
- Wide Range of Sports & Betting Markets
- Exciting Bonuses & Promotions
- Widely Available in the United States & Beyond
Cons
- Limited Number of Options Available Today
- Do Not Offer Real-Money Wagering
How Do Social & Sweepstakes Sportsbooks Work?
If you’re familiar with platforms like Stake.us and Chumba Casino, then understanding how social sportsbooks work will be a breeze for you.
Social betting sites work just like social casinos, which have been around for over a decade and deliver risk-free entertainment to online casino enthusiasts all over the United States and beyond.
However, if you’re unfamiliar with this unique gameplay structure, we’ve provided a full breakdown below:
Gold Coins vs. Sweeps Coins
As previously mentioned, social sportsbooks operate using virtual currency instead of real money. Most social betting sites operate using a dual-currency system, and although these virtual currencies can take on various names, two of the most common denominations you’ll frequently encounter are “Gold Coins” and “Sweeps Coins.”
- Gold Coins: Gold Coins are a “play-for-fun” currency. They hold no monetary value and cannot be redeemed for any real cash prizes. Gold Coins are used primarily for entertainment purposes, but they do give you an opportunity to experiment with different types of wagers, test out new betting strategies, explore different markets, and hone your skills without risking any real money.
- Sweeps Coins: Sweeps Coins, on the other hand, are the more valuable currency used by players on social betting sites. Unlike Gold Coins, they can be directly redeemed for cash, digital gift cards, and other real-world prizes.
Both Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins can be earned by players for free through welcome offers, daily login rewards, social media giveaways, mail-in sweepstakes entries, referral bonuses, and other various in-game promotions.
In addition, most social sportsbooks operate using a “freemium” model, which allows users to purchase Gold Coins in order to extend their gaming sessions and keep placing bets on all their favorite players and teams.
Sweeps Coins, on the other hand, cannot be directly purchased; however, they are often provided as an added bonus when you purchase any Gold Coin packages.
Can You Win Real Money on Social Sportsbooks?
Yes, it is possible to win real money on social sportsbooks, albeit through a different mechanism than traditional sports betting. Social sportsbooks primarily operate using virtual currency, allowing users to place bets in a risk-free environment focused on the fun and social aspects of betting.
The unique aspect of these platforms is their use of a sweepstakes model. In this model, users do not make purchases to bet but can earn or receive virtual currency through various activities or promotions.
Crucially, the virtual currency accumulated on these platforms can sometimes be exchanged for real cash prizes or other rewards, making it possible to win real money without direct gambling. This setup differentiates social sportsbooks from traditional betting, where bets are placed with real money.
The legality and availability of exchanging virtual winnings for real money can vary, so users are encouraged to review the specific rules and regulations of each social sportsbook.
It’s also quite common for social gaming sites to present players with the choice of redeeming their winnings for digital gift cards.
Players often have the flexibility to decide whether they prefer to receive a cash reward or opt for gift cards from some of their favorite brands and retailers, including but not limited to Amazon, Walmart, Starbucks, and Uber.
How To Sign Up on Social Sports Betting Apps
Time needed: 5 minutes
Are you ready to sign up for a social sportsbook and start placing bets on all your favorite sports and leagues? Just follow the steps provided below!
- Choose Your Social Sportsbook
Begin by selecting the social sportsbook that suits your preferences and offers the betting markets and specific features you’re interested in. Take your time to explore your options and make an informed choice. We highly recommend Fliff, BetRivers.net, and Sportzino.
- Register for an Account
Click on the “Sign Up” or “Register” button on the chosen sportsbook’s website or mobile app. You’ll need to provide your personal information (name, email address, date of birth, etc.) and create a username and password to finish registering for an account.
- Claim Your Welcome Offer
After you finish signing up, you will automatically receive free Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins (or similarly named virtual currencies) through your social betting site’s no-deposit bonus. As the name implies, no initial deposit, purchase, or payment of any kind is required to claim this welcome offer for all new players.
- Make a Purchase (Optional)
You will then have the option to purchase additional coins using your preferred method of payment (e.g., debit/credit cards, online banking, and digital wallets). However, this step is completely optional. Social sportsbooks are completely free to use, and no purchases are required to participate.
- Start Placing Bets & Winning Prizes
Use your coins to start placing bets on any of the betting markets offered by your social sportsbook. Once you’ve won enough Sweeps Coins, you can redeem them for real cash prizes and other incredible rewards. Good luck!
Social Sportsbook Bonuses & Promotions for FREE SC
Although they are free-to-play platforms, social sportsbooks do not provide you with an unlimited supply of virtual currency.
However, they do typically offer plenty of bonuses and promotions that allow you to earn Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins without making any purchases. Here are a few of the exciting opportunities you can expect to find on social betting sites:
No-Deposit Bonus
All social betting sites provide no-deposit bonuses or sign-up bonuses for new players, which allow them to quickly fill up their virtual bankroll without spending any real money. These bonuses are typically awarded as soon as you complete the registration process and create your account.
The exact amount or type of virtual currency you receive may vary from one social sportsbook to another, but it’s a fantastic way to get a taste of the platform and start placing bets without any initial financial commitment.
First-Purchase Exclusive Offer
In addition to no-deposit bonuses, social sportsbooks typically provide a first-purchase exclusive offer. This limited-time deal allows new players to purchase Gold Coin packages (which typically include Sweeps Coins as an added bonus) at a steep discount from the standard pricing.
The first-purchase exclusive offer is an enticing way for newcomers to the platform to extend their sports betting sessions, as these packages typically offer significantly more value than regular purchases.
However, these special deals for new players are completely optional, and you are not required to take advantage of them if you prefer to just claim the site’s no-deposit bonus.
Daily Login Rewards
Another exciting feature of social betting sites is daily login rewards. This opportunity encourages consistent engagement with the platform by providing you with bonuses or virtual currency for simply logging into your account each day.
These daily rewards can vary in terms of their value and what they offer. Some social sportsbooks may provide escalating rewards, where the longer you log in consecutively, the greater the bonuses you receive. Others may offer random surprises, such as bonus coins, free bets, or odds boosts.
Ultimately, claiming your daily login rewards is an effortless way to steadily build your virtual currency balance over time, increasing your capacity to place bets and enjoy all of the sportsbook’s offerings without making any financial commitment.
Social Media Giveaways
Lastly, social sportsbooks often engage with their users through various social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, etc.), and this interaction can lead to exciting giveaways and promotions.
By following your chosen sportsbook’s official social media accounts, you can participate in contests, trivia challenges, and special promotions.
These giveaways can offer a range of prizes, from additional virtual currency and exclusive betting opportunities to real sports merchandise or even tickets to live sporting events.
Engaging with the sportsbook’s social media community not only offers the potential for bonuses and rewards but also keeps you informed about the latest news, updates, and upcoming promotions.
Where Are Social Betting Apps Legal & Available?
Since social sportsbooks do not offer actual gambling, they are not subject to the same laws and regulations imposed on traditional online sportsbooks like DraftKings or FanDuel.
As a result, social betting sites are widely available in the United States and give those who live in states or jurisdictions where online sports betting is prohibited or heavily restricted a way to join in on the excitement in a safe and legal way.
These platforms offer a legal and enjoyable avenue for sports fans to engage with their favorite sports and teams, all while staying within the confines of the law.
In the table below, you’ll find a complete breakdown of where some of the world’s top social sportsbooks are currently legal and available in the United States.
State | Fliff | Sportzino | BetRivers.Net |
Alabama | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Alaska | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Arizona | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Arkansas | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
California | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Colorado | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Connecticut | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Delaware | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Florida | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Georgia | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
Hawaii | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Idaho | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
Illinois | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Indiana | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Iowa | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Kansas | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Kentucky | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Louisiana | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Maine | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Maryland | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Massachusetts | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Michigan | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
Minnesota | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Mississippi | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Missouri | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Montana | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Nebraska | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Nevada | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
New Hampshire | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
New Jersey | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
New Mexico | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
New York | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
North Carolina | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
North Dakota | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Ohio | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Oklahoma | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Oregon | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Pennsylvania | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Rhode Island | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
South Carolina | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
South Dakota | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Tennessee | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Texas | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Utah | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Vermont | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Virginia | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Washington | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
Washington, D.C. | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
West Virginia | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Wisconsin | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Wyoming | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
How To Choose the Perfect Social Sportsbook for You
If you’re having trouble deciding which social sportsbook works best for you, consider taking the following steps to help you make an informed choice:
- Read User Reviews: Look for user reviews and feedback on various social sportsbooks. Hearing about the experiences of other users can provide valuable insights into the platform’s reliability, user-friendliness, and overall quality.
- Explore Available Sports: Check if the sportsbook offers the sports and leagues you are interested in. Some platforms may focus on specific sports, while others provide a wide range of options. Ensure it aligns with your sports betting interests.
- Examine Bonuses & Promotions: Review the bonuses and promotions offered by each sportsbook. Compare the value of no-deposit bonuses, first-purchase offers, and other rewards to see which one suits your goals and provides the best value.
- Check for Social Features: If social interaction is important to you, see if the sportsbook offers features like leaderboards, challenges, or the ability to connect with friends. Social elements can add to the fun and competition.
- Evaluate User Interface: Test the user interface and overall usability of the platform. A well-designed and intuitive interface can significantly enhance your betting experience, so choose a sportsbook that you find easy to navigate.
- Review Customer Support: Investigate the availability and responsiveness of customer support. Knowing that you can get assistance promptly if you encounter any issues or have questions is crucial.
- Consider Local Laws: Ensure that the social sportsbook you choose is legal and accessible in your region. Some platforms may have restrictions based on location, so confirm that you can use the service where you live.
Social Sports Betting Apps FAQ
Social sportsbooks are online platforms that allow users to engage in sports betting for fun and entertainment using virtual currency rather than real money. These platforms simulate the experience of sports betting without the financial risk and often offer real cash prizes through sweepstakes-style promotions.
Yes, all of the social sportsbooks discussed in this article are legitimate platforms. They operate legally under each state’s sweepstakes laws and give players a chance to win real cash prizes without risking any of their hard-earned money.
Yes! Once a player has won enough Sweeps Coins on their social sportsbook, they can redeem their virtual winnings for real money, digital gift cards, and other incredible prizes. Winnings are typically paid out directly to the user’s bank account or digital wallet at their convenience.
No, social sportsbooks are not the same as traditional sportsbooks. The key difference lies in the use of virtual currency instead of real money. Traditional sportsbooks involve actual gambling with the risk of losing real money; meanwhile, social sportsbooks operate using Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins, the latter of which can be redeemed for real cash prizes through sweepstakes-style promotions.