Social poker provides you with a way to enjoy the full experience of playing poker under the free-to-play sweepstakes model. This makes it more accessible (and fully legal) to those of you looking to join across most of the US.
You will notice that social poker sites primarily utilize two virtual tokens, meaning you can switch between fun and promotional play. For some, this means that you can test out strategies with entertainment as the focus. For others, however, this means that you may be able to leave with real prizes. Strict terms must be met first, of course.
Before we dive into the heart of this one, let us first highlight exactly what is meant by the term “social poker”.
Although some of you have kept things social by playing poker with friends for years, this actually refers to any online poker games or tournaments that run through dedicated sweepstakes casinos or social poker sites.
The idea remains the same. You’ll still compete against other players (or the computer), hoping to leave with your share of the prize pot. You’ll still place small/big blinds, follow the rules of Texas Hold ‘em, free Omaha poker, or whichever alternative you choose, and increase your (social) bets, fold, or call as you go. The main difference is that none of this will be done with real cash. In fact, legally, you don’t need to ever worry about making a purchase to play.
Instead of using your real cash deposits, you’ll find that you can play free online poker using virtual tokens. These virtual tokens are often split into two categories – Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins – allowing you to soon choose whether you wish to enter tournaments for fun or with a promotional element involved.
Of course, this approach means winning cash is completely off the cards. However, those of you who play with Sweeps Coins will open up promotional social poker, leading to the potential redemption of prizes.
To do so, you’ll need to win additional Sweeps Coins through gameplay. Then, once you’ve met the relevant requirements, you can click ‘redeem’ and exchange any redeemable Sweeps Coins for gift vouchers, cash prizes, merchandise, and even hotel stays – just remember that this will vary based on which social poker site you decide to join.
Alternatively, we have found that many players will simply enjoy the free social poker experience for entertainment or to test out strategies. For this, you can soon use your Gold Coins. The Gold Coins found at all social poker sites have no real-world value or any potential to later be redeemed for prizes. Instead, they are simply a way for you to test the waters, claim some bragging rights in the lobby, and enjoy the overall experience.
Legislation surrounding real-money gambling in the US is relatively strict and changes pretty drastically from state to state. However, as social poker falls under a different legal bracket (sweepstakes), you will find that you can actually access these sorts of social sites in just about all US states in September
In fact, as things stand, you will find that only Washington, Nevada, and Idaho have strictly prohibited social poker. That said, we have come across a number of free video poker sites with additional state restrictions in place. The best approach is to use our latest reviews to ensure you know exactly where you can legally play today.
It is also worth bearing in mind that you’ll still legally need to declare any completed prize redemptions over the threshold. Generally speaking, you can request a form, which may even be forwarded to you. This must then be entered or attached to your end-of-year tax return.
Provided you have checked that your preferred place to play is legal to operate in your area, you can soon sign up, release your welcome bonus, and think about roaming the social poker lobby. Here is a closer look at what to expect.
The most popular way to enjoy social poker games is by joining live tables and tournaments. Usually, these will follow a few different formats, including the following:
Although you will find variations from site to site, the most common types of social poker games include the following:
Alternatively, you can look to load up social video poker titles. Live dealers don’t host these casino-style games, and you won’t join other players directly, but you will still be able to use your strategies and play social poker games backed by a random number generator.
The additional features of these types of social poker titles will vary; however, most will provide you with certain multiplier bonuses, and will ensure that you can view in-game pay tables, contribute to daily races, and more. A few of the most common titles to expect include the following:
Of course, before you can play all of these great variations, you’ll need to have signed up to a social poker site in September. All credible social poker sites will still expect you to provide some basic personal details or link one of your social media accounts before verifying your details through a one-time code sent to your email address or smartphone.
Once you’ve shared relevant details and passed basic verification checks, you’ll be free to unlock your new customer offer and begin roaming the lobby. Those playing (not purchasing) with Gold Coins only will find that this is all the information that a social poker site will require. However, those who plan to purchase further Gold Coins or play with Sweeps Coins will find that a few additional details must be provided.
For those purchasing Gold Coins, it is common for your full residential address and social security number to be requested. Once authorized, you’ll then find a range of credible ways to fund the experience. Just remember that purchasing Gold Coins will not enhance your chances of winning; however, you could find additional free Sweeps Coins released as part of a complimentary add-on.
For those looking to use Sweeps Coins and later redeem eligible Sweeps Coins won through gameplay, bear in mind that the following must be provided and authorized before you can get things started.
| Photo ID | Copies, photos, or scans of government-issued ID will be required, including a passport, a driving license, or a military ID |
| Household bill | Copies, photos, or scans of a household bill may also be required for physical gifts, like merchandise. |
| Selfie | Certain social poker apps will require a selfie to match your identity to your chosen photo ID |
As established, you won’t ever need to worry about making a purchase to play a social poker site. Instead, these sites must legally provide you with continued ways to play for free. Naturally, this is achieved by providing you with a selection of promotions to enjoy.
| Welcome bonus | To get you started, you’ll find that a bundle of Gold Coins and free Sweeps Coins are released after creating your account |
| Daily login bonus | Every 24 hours, you’ll be able to log back in and claim more Gold Coins and free Sweeps Coins |
| Refer-a-friend bonus | Use your exclusive code to introduce friends to the site. Any that join (and meet additional requirements) will help you unlock more virtual tokens |
| Social media giveaways | You can interact with social media posts to enter giveaways. Any winners will then be credited with Gold Coins or free Sweeps Coins |
| Purchase promos | Although a purchase of Gold Coins is optional, free Sweeps Coins may be released as an added bonus |
| Alternative Method of Entry (AMoE) | You can also send a mail request. This is a legal requirement of all legitimate social poker sites |
Although live dealers and the use of random number generators will keep social poker outcomes fair, it is always wise to go in with a strategy in place. This is especially true when going up against other players in social poker tournaments or when hoping to keep track of your wins and losses.
It is easy to fall into the trap of checking with Gold Coins “just to see”. However, this isn’t a true reflection of the approach you would take. Make sure that every call, check, or fold is with intent and reflects your chosen strategy.
Although you may want to bluff a few rounds at the beginning to try and throw others off the scent, we still suggest being selective and sticking with strong hands. AA-TT, AK, AQ, AJ, and (suited) KQ and KJ are well worth sticking with.
Big prize pools are always going to stand out. However, you need to consider your own ability, understanding, and virtual pots. If you’re going to leave yourself short or limit your gaming afterwards, it could be worth joining a table with a small prize pool to begin.
Social poker provides you with a fun, free, and legal way to enjoy the online poker experience across most of the US. As you can see, only ID, NV, and WA have fully prohibited sweepstakes action; however, you may find additional restrictions from certain sites.
To get started, you must provide some basic details or link one of your social accounts before unlocking your new customer offer. This comes in the shape of Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins, allowing you to enter social poker games or tournaments with fun or promotional play as the focus. Verification checks must then be performed by those who have won additional Sweeps Coins through gameplay and met the requirements to proceed with prize redemptions.
Check out one of the social poker sites highlighted in the banners on this page to get your search off to a flying start.
For the most part, yes. However, you will find that it is strictly prohibited in WA, ID, and NV. Plus, certain sites may have additional state restrictions.
You will find that this varies from site to site. However, you can find free Texas Hold ‘em, Omaha, and various variations of video poker.
No. You can’t win real money playing social poker, but you will be able to play for fun or with a promotional element involved. The latter requires you to win additional Sweeps Coins through gameplay and meet certain limits before any prize redemptions can occur.
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