So, are social sportsbooks even available in the US?
In short, yes. Now, that’s a bit too much of a simplified answer, so let’s dig in a little deeper, shall we?
Social sports betting apps
are quite widespread, in total honesty. Well, certainly more so than regular sportsbooks, anyway. This is because social sportsbooks do not use real money. Ultimately, they are totally different from traditional sportsbooks, so of course the availability is also going to be different.
Instead of placing sports bets using real money, you will use virtual currencies. The standard dual virtual currency system uses two types of virtual currencies: Gold Coins (GC) and Sweeps Coins (SC). That said, you might encounter some operators who have renamed the virtual currencies. Even when this happens, the roles of the virtual currencies remain. With that core difference between present, social sportsbooks are welcome in many states where traditional sports betting is not.
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What virtual currencies are actually used for
If you are staring at the terms Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins, wondering what on earth they do, you are not alone. The whole virtual currency set-up is known for sounding a bit more complicated than it actually is. The trick is paying attention to the core purposes of these virtual currencies. Just remember that Gold Coins are for social bets, while Sweeps Coins are for redeeming prizes - once you have met some conditions. Yeah, alright, there is a bit more to it than that, so here’s a full explanation.
💰 Gold Coins
Gold Coins are there so that you can place social sports bets. If casino-style games are available, you can use them to play, too. But that’s where their usefulness ends. You can not redeem Gold Coins for prizes or anything else with monetary value. Gold Coins can be claimed through all manner of promotions, and you will also win more GC if you win. Yes, sportsbooks will also offer you GC packages to buy. No, you do not have to purchase them. It’s totally optional.
🏅 Sweeps Coins
Now, Sweeps Coins are the virtual currency you should pay attention to if you are interested in an SC redemption. SC redemptions will allow you to convert your eligible SC winnings into real-world prizes. Think cash, gift cards, and practically any other item with monetary value that the operator wants to offer. Although cash and gift cards are generally more common. Seeing as you will not encounter any SC packages, your only hope of acquiring them is through promotions - just a heads up.
Ready to go ahead and join? Follow this step-by-step guide
So, you now know that social sportsbooks are quite widespread. The actual accessibility ultimately varies a little from site to site, but the great news is that you can find plenty of available social sportsbooks in the on-page banners. Once you have picked out your favorite operator, the next step is to create an account. It’s not a mammoth task, but here’s a guide on how to do it anyway:
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Browse the recommended social sportsbooks by clicking the promotional banners on this page
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Click ‘Sign Up’ or whatever variation of ‘give us your details’ they are using
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Enter a few personal details, including your name and date of birth
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Read and accept the T&Cs - these will tell you if you’re actually eligible to be there (pretty important stuff)
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Submit the form and, congratulations, you are in
With that done and dusted, the next step is to verify your account. Most social sportsbooks do not require you to prove your identity straightaway, but it’s still a good idea to get it done early on. Sometimes, you will need to complete the verification before you can buy Gold Coin packages or request an SC redemption.
This usually requires you to upload a copy of your photo ID, proof of address, and a live selfie. Exactly what gets requested varies on the site. If you are wondering why on earth a social sports betting site needs these details, it’s all in good faith - honest. The bottom line is that the brand needs to verify that you are who you say you are. Not everyone’s honest online these days, so you can’t really blame them.
Pros and cons of social sportsbooks legality
The biggest selling point of social sportsbooks is easy: access. Regular online sportsbooks are not available in all US states. On the other hand, thanks to the virtual currency system, social
sportsbooks are legal in North Dakota
and several other states. Using virtual currencies comes with a few perks - getting involved for free is a major one. With all that in mind, let’s weigh up a few of the most notable pros and cons of the whole situation:
Pros
+
Available in more US states
+
Compliant with US sweepstakes law
+
GC offers free entry
+
SC redemptions are available
Cons
−
Some states are excluded
Conclusion: Play smart by checking the accessibility rules first
So, are social sportsbooks legal? Well, that’s the age-old question, and it’s variable. Ultimately, the answer depends on where you are and your chosen social sportsbook. It’s totally possible to find two social sports betting sites, and only one of them is accessible in your state. That’s an important part that’s worth remembering - always check the list of restricted states.
The reason why social sportsbooks are so widespread is the virtual currency system. Instead of using real money, these sites use virtual currencies. So, even in states where traditional sports betting is off-limits, you may find social sportsbooks. The virtual currency system sure helps brands roll out in various states, but it does not grant a magic hall pass across all states. Some state laws differ, and some social sportsbooks might not be available in specific states, even if they are technically allowed to operate in the state.
Keen to get started? Now that you have learned more about social sportsbooks availability, you are probably good to go. You can follow the promotional banners on this page to find a few recommended brands if you are a little stuck for a starting point. Remember, don’t just ask whether a social sportsbook is legal. Ask and clarify if your chosen site is available to you under the specific rules of the state you live in.
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Are social sportsbooks legal? FAQs
💰 Do I have to pay to use a social sportsbook?
No. Not at all. That’s also kind of the point of social sportsbooks. You can enter for free using Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins by picking them up in various promotions. There are optional GC packages, but buying those is not required to gain access and continue. Yes, buying Gold Coins is available. No, you do not need to.
🌍 Can I access my social sportsbook account anywhere in the US?
Nope. Where you reside should be a permitted state for your chosen social sportsbook. If you travel around the US at some point, your access may be limited in some areas. You are not automatically allowed to log in just because you have a legitimate account. You still need to abide by the state laws of any state you are visiting at the time.
🔍 Why do I need to verify my social sportsbook account?
Because ‘trust me, bro’ isn’t enough, apparently. Most of the time, verification checks are not required until just before you want to buy some Gold Coins or redeem eligible SC winnings. This check usually requests a copy of your photo ID, proof of address, and perhaps a live selfie. It helps the site to enforce rules such as minimum age requirements, location restrictions, and so on.
