Sweepstakes Sports Betting in the United States: Guide to the Top Apps
Sports betting in the United States has undergone a dramatic transformation since the repeal of PASPA in 2018. While regulated sportsbooks like DraftKings, FanDuel, and Caesars have expanded rapidly in states that legalized wagering, a parallel market has emerged in the form of sweepstakes sports betting apps. These platforms operate under promotional gaming and sweepstakes laws, allowing users to make sports predictions with virtual currencies that can, under certain conditions, be redeemed for cash or prizes.
Sweepstakes sportsbooks are particularly attractive in states where traditional sports betting remains restricted. They provide a legal, accessible, and social alternative that blends the excitement of wagering with the safety of free-to-play mechanics. This article explores the sweepstakes model in detail, highlights its advantages and limitations, and profiles the top sweepstakes sports betting apps in the U.S. as of 2025.
What Is Sweepstakes Sports Betting?
Sweepstakes sports betting apps mimic the structure of a sportsbook but replace real money wagers with dual currencies:
- Play Coins (Gold Coins, Onyx Coins, Fliff Coins, etc.)
- Used for free play and entertainment.
- Cannot be redeemed for cash or prizes.
- Often distributed daily or through promotions.
- Sweeps Coins (Sweeps Cash, Onyx Cash, Fliff Cash, etc.)
- Redeemable for cash or prizes once eligibility requirements are met.
- Earned through purchases, promotions, or mail-in entries.
- Operate under sweepstakes rules, meaning no purchase is necessary to participate.
This model allows apps to operate legally in most U.S. states, even where traditional sports betting is prohibited. Users can enjoy spreads, totals, parlays, and prop bets in a social environment without violating gambling laws.
Advantages of Sweepstakes Sports Betting
- Legal accessibility: Available in nearly all U.S. states, unlike regulated sportsbooks limited to specific jurisdictions.
- Low risk: Free play options mean users can participate without spending money.
- Social features: Leaderboards, challenges, and community engagement replicate the fun of fantasy sports.
- Promotions: Frequent bonuses and daily coin drops keep users engaged.
- Educational value: A safe way for new bettors to learn odds, markets, and strategies before transitioning to regulated sportsbooks.
Limitations and Considerations
- Redemption caps: Many apps impose minimum thresholds or maximum redemption limits.
- Verification requirements: Identity verification (KYC) is mandatory before redeeming prizes.
- Promotional dependency: Sweeps coins are often tied to purchases or promotions, meaning free paths to redemption can be slow.
- Not real-money wagering: While prizes are redeemable, sweepstakes apps are not substitutes for regulated sportsbooks in terms of liquidity or market depth.
Top Sweepstakes Sports Betting Apps in the U.S.
1. Fliff
Fliff is one of the most recognized sweepstakes sportsbooks. It offers a polished mobile experience, extensive market coverage across major sports, and a clear dual-currency system: Fliff Coins for free play and Fliff Cash for redeemable prizes. Fliff emphasizes daily challenges, loyalty rewards, and a user-friendly interface. Its broad availability and transparent redemption rules make it a leader in the space.
2. Onyx Odds
Onyx Odds positions itself as a prediction-first social sportsbook. Users play with Onyx Coins and earn Onyx Cash through promotions or purchases. The app highlights identity verification for redemptions and offers a wide range of sports markets. Onyx Odds appeals to players who want a streamlined prediction experience with clear sweepstakes mechanics.
3. Kickr
Kickr combines sportsbook-style markets with casino-style sweepstakes play. It is notable for its generous welcome packages, frequent free coin drops, and availability in most U.S. states. Kickr emphasizes daily engagement, offering leaderboards and VIP tiers that reward consistent play. Its hybrid model attracts users who enjoy both sports predictions and casual gaming.
4. Legendz
Legendz blends sportsbook markets with sweepstakes casino features. It offers Gold Coins for free play and Sweeps Coins for redemption. Legendz is known for its large promotional packages, extensive sports coverage, and in-play betting options. Its hybrid design appeals to users who want a mix of sports and casino-style entertainment.
5. DraftKings Pick6
DraftKings Pick6 is a peer-to-peer pick’em product from one of the largest names in U.S. sports betting. While not a traditional sweepstakes sportsbook, it operates under similar promotional rules in certain jurisdictions. Pick6 allows users to compete against each other in structured contests, with credits and bonuses available through promotions. Its familiar DraftKings interface and brand recognition make it a strong option for users seeking legitimacy and scale.
How Sweepstakes Apps Compare to Regulated Sportsbooks
While sweepstakes apps provide legal accessibility, they differ from regulated sportsbooks in several key ways:
- Liquidity: Regulated sportsbooks handle real-money wagers with deep markets; sweepstakes apps rely on virtual currencies.
- Regulation: Licensed sportsbooks are overseen by state gaming commissions; sweepstakes apps operate under promotional gaming laws.
- Prizes vs. payouts: Sweepstakes apps offer redeemable prizes, not direct cash winnings from wagers.
- Accessibility: Sweepstakes apps are available in nearly all states, while regulated sportsbooks are limited to states with legal frameworks.
The Future of Sweepstakes Sports Betting
As more states legalize traditional sports betting, sweepstakes apps will continue to serve as an accessible alternative for users in restricted jurisdictions. They also provide a valuable entry point for new bettors, offering education and entertainment without financial risk. The future likely includes:
- Expanded social features: More leaderboards, tournaments, and community-driven contests.
- Integration with fantasy sports: Hybrid models combining DFS and sweepstakes betting.
- Enhanced promotions: Larger welcome packages and daily bonuses to compete with regulated sportsbooks.
- Cross-platform expansion: Greater emphasis on mobile web apps and progressive web apps for seamless access.
Conclusion
Sweepstakes sports betting apps have carved out a unique niche in the U.S. market. By combining free play mechanics with redeemable sweepstakes currencies, they provide a legal, accessible, and entertaining alternative to regulated sportsbooks.
The top apps in the U.S. today—Fliff, Onyx Odds, Kickr, Legendz, and DraftKings Pick6—each offer distinct advantages, from polished interfaces and generous promotions to hybrid casino features and peer-to-peer contests. For users in states without legalized sports betting, these platforms represent the best way to enjoy sports predictions while staying within legal boundaries.
As the industry evolves, sweepstakes sportsbooks will continue to innovate, blending social engagement, gamification, and promotional gaming to attract a broad audience of sports fans.
Sources
- Legal Sports Report, Social Betting Sites 2025: US Sweepstakes Sportsbooks [6]
- The Game Haus, Sweepstakes Betting Apps: Best Social Betting Apps in 2025 [7]
- Strafe, Sweepstakes Sports Betting Apps 2025: Top Picks & Features [5]