Legal states for social sportsbooks

Where Are Social And Sweepstakes Sportsbooks Legal?

Social sportsbooks and sweepstakes platforms are starting to pop up around the United States, giving users an online gaming alternative. Where are these social sportsbook platforms legal? Here is what you need to know. To be honest, it can be a little complicated.

Social Sportsbooks Legal States

Social sportsbooks are legal in 30+ states in the United States. They operate under sweepstakes laws, which allow them to operate in some states that don’t have legal sports betting because it falls under a different category. The legality of social sportsbooks can change depending on state laws and new legislation passed by representatives.

This is why it can get complicated. You will find a state that will allow one social sportsbook but not another based on the type of sports markets available. Take a look at the states that do allow some social sportsbooks. Also, some of these stakes have a social casino paired with their social sportsbook. The social casino might be legal and available, while the sportsbook might be restricted. Your best bet is to check with the social sportsbook where you are looking to sign up to see if it’s legal in your state.

  • Alaska
  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New Mexico
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • Oklahoma
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming

Interested in sports betting? Check out our guides

Top Social Sportsbooks and Bonuses

There are plenty of social sportsbooks and sweepstakes platforms for users looking for a sportsbook experience. Take a look at some of the top options and their promo codes below, including SportsMillions, Sportzino, and Thrillzz.

Social SportsbookPromo OfferClaim
Legendz500 Gold Coins + 3 Sweeps CoinsClaim Now
Onyx OddsPlay $10 and get 25 Onyx CashClaim Now
SportsMillionsPickem offer: $10 Bonus on Your First DepositClaim Now
Sportzino7 Sweeps Coins + 170K Gold CoinsClaim Now
Stake.us56 Stake Cash + 560K Gold Coins + 5% RakebackClaim Now
ThrillzzPlay $10, Get $50 in CoinsClaim Now

States with Restrictions

There are several states that have restrictions. For example, in Michigan, you can play on some social sportsbooks, but you cannot use one of the virtual currencies. You might be able to use the free coins, but you can’t use the sweepstakes coins, which can be redeemed for prizes. Take a look at the states that we know have restrictions or don’t allow social sportsbooks. Once again, be sure to check the specific social sportsbook or sweepstakes platform to see if it’s legal in your state.

  • Alabama
  • Delaware
  • Hawaii
  • Idaho
  • Louisiana
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio
  • Tennessee
  • Washington

Legality Example from SportsMillions

Since this can be confusing, let’s break down an example of how the legal states for these apps can vary. Let’s take SportsMillions. The platform has a couple of sports pick’em games along with a social casino. The legal status depends on what game you are playing because states might not see one of the games as a sweepstakes contest.

SportsMillions Legal States for Pick’em (Legal states in yellow)

image Betsperts Media & Technology sweepstakes

SportsMillions has a Blitz’em game and a social casino as well. There are more places where you can play these options. Take a look below.

SportsMillions Legal States for Blitz’em and Casino (Legal states in yellow)

image 1 Betsperts Media & Technology sweepstakes

US Sweepstakes Laws

A sweepstakes is a promotion in which a prize is awarded based on chance rather than skill. Also, a sweepstakes platform cannot require a purchase of a product to enter. This is one of the ways these social sportsbooks can operate in states where sports betting is illegal. While you are making picks or “bets” on the platform, you don’t have to purchase anything or make any deposits to do so. You can claim coins and virtual currency just by logging into the site.

These social betting sites aren’t using real money and use a virtual currency instead. They don’t ask for an initial purchase, and you can make your plays, picks, etc. for free. At a real sportsbook, you have to make a deposit to place bets. If you run out of money with a traditional sportsbook, you have to deposit more. This is why there are different rules and laws for sports betting.

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