Guide to Social Casinos in the US

Social casinos function as an alternative to real money online casinos, offering a fun and engaging way to enjoy casino games without the risk of losing real money. But what exactly are social casinos, what makes them different from real money online casinos, and which ones are the best? Let's dive in and explore!

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Top Ranked Social Casinos
Operator Bonus Available In Pros & ConsAction
#1
Stake US Casino bonus
Stake US Casino bonus
Stake US Casino
4.9/5
25 Free Stake Cash + 250,000 Gold Coins
Promo Code: UGPROMO
Available In
FL
CA
TX
+41
Pros & Cons
Play for free or real money
Exclusive game titles
Daily giveaways & raffles
Only accepts crypto payments
No mobile app
#2
WOW Vegas Casino bonus
WOW Vegas Casino bonus
WOW Vegas Casino
4.8/5
Get 1.75 Million WOW Coins + 35 FREE Sweepstake Coins
Available In
NY
FL
CA
+43
Pros & Cons
Over 1000+ slots & live dealer games
Welcome bonus & Daily login bonuses
Star VIP program
24/7 Customer Support
No mobile app
PayPal not accepted
#3
Legendz Casino bonus
Legendz Casino bonus
Legendz Casino
4.8/5
3 SC + 500 Gold Coins FREE
and 10% extra on your First Purchase!
Available In
Pros & Cons
Casino, live casino, & sports
Instant redemptions
High RTP casino games
No live chat
No mobile app yet
#4
McLuck Casino bonus
McLuck Casino bonus
McLuck Casino
4.6/5
7,500 Gold Coins + 2.5 Free Sweepstakes Coins
Available In
NY
FL
CA
+40
Pros & Cons
Daily rewards
Clean & user-friendly design
Great loyalty VIP program
Limited payment methods
Primarily slots
#5
Pulsz Casino bonus
Pulsz Casino bonus
Pulsz Casino
4.5/5
5,000 Gold Coins + 2.3 Free Sweepstakes Coins
Available In
NY
FL
CA
+44
Pros & Cons
900+ casino games
VIP loyalty program
Daily log in free coins
Limited table games
No chat or phone support
#6
Hello Millions bonus
Hello Millions bonus
Hello Millions
4.5/5
Get 15,000 Gold Coins & 2.5 Sweepstakes Coins
Available In
NY
FL
CA
+35
Pros & Cons
Exclusive jackpots
Slots sourced from top providers
Regular bonuses & rewards
Limited payment options
#7
PlayFame bonus
PlayFame bonus
PlayFame
4.2/5
GC 10,000 + Free SC 3
Available In
Pros & Cons
Over 800 Vegas-style games
Jackpots on every game
Live dealer options
Limited payment methods
No VIP rewards yet
#8
Spree Casino bonus
Spree Casino bonus
Spree Casino
4.1/5
30,000 GC + 30 FREE SC
Available In
NY
FL
CA
+40
Pros & Cons
100% legal & safe
No deposit sign up bonus
700+ slots
Well-thought out game library navigation
Not available in AL, GA, ID, KY, MI, MT, NV, or WA
Relatively high minimum withdrawal (75 SC)
No mobile app for iOS & Android
#9
Jackpota Casino bonus
Jackpota Casino bonus
Jackpota Casino
4.1/5
7,500 GC + 2.5 SC Free
Available In
NY
FL
CA
+36
Pros & Cons
Daily log in bonus: GC 1,500 + SC 0.20
Great selection of slots from top developers
Intuitive and stylish platform
Lacks table games
Only accepts Visa & Mastercard for payments
#10
BetRivers.NET bonus
BetRivers.NET bonus
BetRivers.NET
3.8/5
Win up to 1,000 Virtual Coins
Available In
NY
FL
CA
+44
Pros & Cons
Get Free Virtual Credits Every 4 Hours
No dedicated app

How We Rank Social Casinos

As online casino experts with years of industry experience, we've developed a comprehensive rating process to evaluate social casinos, ensuring we provide players such as yourself with accurate and reliable information. Here are the key factors we consider when assessing and ranking social casinos:

Social Casino Ranking Factors

Ian Rutherford
Ian Rutherford - Senior Editor

1. Game Selection: We evaluate the variety and quality of games available at the social casino. This includes:

  • Diversity: A wide range of games such as slots, poker, blackjack, roulette, and more.
  • Quality: Games from top developers known for their engaging graphics, sound effects, and smooth gameplay.
  • Innovation: Unique game features, themes, and mechanics that enhance the gaming experience.

2. User Experience (UX): A seamless and enjoyable user experience is crucial. We assess:

  • Interface: Intuitive and easy-to-navigate interfaces for both desktop and mobile platforms.
  • Graphics and Sound: High-quality visuals and sound effects that contribute to an immersive experience.
  • Loading Times: Quick loading times and minimal lag during gameplay so you spend more time playing and less time waiting.

3. Bonuses and Promotions: We examine the bonuses and promotions offered, considering:

  • Welcome Bonuses: Attractive and fair welcome bonuses for new players.
  • Daily Bonuses: Regular rewards for logging in daily.
  • Special Events: Exciting promotions and events that offer extra incentives and keep the gaming experience fresh.

4. Payment Methods: We review the options available for purchasing virtual currency, including:

  • Variety: A range of payment methods such as credit/debit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, crypto, and prepaid cards.
  • Security: Secure payment processing to protect players’ financial information.
  • Ease of Use: Convenient and hassle-free transaction processes.

5. Social Features: We look at the social aspects of the casino, including:

  • Interaction: Features that allow players to interact with friends, such as leaderboards, friend challenges, and chat functions.
  • Community: Active and engaging communities that enhance the social gaming experience.

6. Fairness and Transparency: Ensuring fair play and transparency is vital. We assess:

  • RNG Certification: Use of certified Random Number Generators (RNGs) to ensure game outcomes are fair and random.
  • Clear Terms: Transparent terms of service, including clear information on how virtual currency and bonuses work.

7. Customer Support: Effective customer support is essential for a positive experience. We evaluate:

  • Availability: 24/7 customer support availability through various channels such as live chat, email, and phone.
  • Responsiveness: Quick and helpful responses to player inquiries and issues.
  • Knowledge: Well-informed support staff capable of addressing a wide range of questions and concerns.

8. Security and Privacy: We prioritize the security and privacy of players, considering:

  • Data Protection: Strong measures to protect players' personal and financial information.
  • Compliance: Adherence to relevant laws and regulations to ensure a safe gaming environment.

Best Social Casinos in the US

Below you will find a list of the current top-rated social casinos available in the US along with some useful information about each one!

1. Stake.US

25 Free Stake Cash + 250,000 Gold Coins Promo Code: UGPROMO
🎰 Number of Slots794
🎲 Types of GamesSlots, Crash, Blackjack, Roulette, Hi-Lo, Plinko, Baccarat, Scratch Cards, Poker, Keno, + more
🤵‍♂️ Live Dealer GamesBlackjack, Roulette, Baccarat, Sic Bo, Teen Patti
⚙️ Game ProvidersPragmatic Play, Hacksaw, Twist, OneTouch, Slotmill, BGaming, Titan, + 7 more
💳 Payment MethodsCryptocurrency (BTC, ETH, LTC, USDT, DOGE, + 15 more)
🖥️ Desktop Sitestake.us
⛔️ Restricted StatesIdaho, Kentucky, Michigan, Nevada, New York, Vermont, and Washington

Why Stake.US is the Best Social Casino

🔥 Best welcome bonus
🔥 Games from the best developers
🔥 Best selection of table & variety games

Stake.us is quickly becoming one of the most popular online social sweepstakes casinos in the US, featuring well over 700 free-to-play slots and various casino games.

For players in states without legal online casinos, Stake.us offers the closest alternative to a real money casino, with players able to enjoy casino games and even win real prizes.

With a deep selection of both exclusive and popular game titles, regular promotions, Stake Cash giveaways, and interactive social features, we highly recommend Stake.us to anyone seeking a social sweepstakes casino experience in the US.

2. WOW Vegas Casino

Get 1.75 Million WOW Coins + 35 FREE Sweepstake Coins
🎰 Number of Slots1,356
🎲 Types of GamesSlots, Megaways, Jackpots, Live Dealer
🤵‍♂️ Live Dealer GamesRoulette, Blackjack, Baccarat
⚙️ Game ProvidersPragmatic Play, Betsoft, Rogue, 3 Oaks, Bgaming, Habanero, NetGaming, Booming Games, Evoplay + 9 more
💳 Payment MethodsVisa, Mastercard, American Express, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Skrill, Trustly online banking
🖥️ Desktop Sitewowvegas.com
⛔️ Restricted StatesIdaho, Michigan, Nevada, and Washington


What We Like About WOW Vegas Casino

🔥 Plethora of promos & rewards
🔥 24/7 customer support
🔥 1300+ slot titles

WOW Vegas truly excels as a premier social casino, offering a robust library of over 1,300 slot games and an exciting selection of live dealer options. From classic slots to the latest Megaways and jackpot titles, WOW Vegas provides a visually engaging experience on a user-friendly platform.

The recent addition of live dealer games, including Roulette, Blackjack, and Baccarat, adds an interactive layer to WOW Vegas, enhancing the excitement and variety available to players. Additionally, the Star System rewards program allows players to earn stars, level up, and unlock daily bonuses, making each gaming session more rewarding. Frequent promotions offer further chances to win sweepstakes prizes, such as cash, gift cards, and other rewards.

When compared to other social casinos like Stake.US and Jackpota, WOW Vegas stands out with its diverse game selection, seamless integration of live dealer games, and robust rewards program. For players seeking variety, generous rewards, and a top-quality gaming experience, WOW Vegas is a fantastic choice.

3. McLuck Casino

7,500 Gold Coins + 2.5 Free Sweepstakes Coins
🎰 Number of Slots833
🎲 Types of GamesSlots, Slingo, Crash, Jackpots, Roulette, Blackjack, Baccarat
🤵‍♂️ Live Dealer GamesRoulette, Blackjack, Baccarat
⚙️ Game ProvidersNetEnt, RubyPlay, Fantasma, Relax Gaming, 1x2 Network, Pragmatic Play, EvoPlay, BGaming, + 9 more
💳 Payment MethodsVisa, Mastercard
🖥️ Desktop Sitemcluck.com
⛔️ Restricted StatesAlabama, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Michigan, Nevada, and Washington


What We Like About McLuck Casino

🔥 Superb selection of slots from top providers
🔥 Easy to navigate platform
🔥 Offer multiple crash games


With over 800 slots to play, a fair selection of live dealer games, and a healthy assortment of arcade-style crash games, it's not hard to understand why McLuck is a fan-favorite amongst social casino players.

McLuck offers players a top-tier experience thanks to a well-designed platform that makes finding and playing casino-style games incredibly user-friendly. Additionally, McLuck is known for offering players a generous welcome bonus and regular rewards and offers. The one area we think McLuck can improve is the accepted payment options, which currently only cover Visa and Mastercard.

4. Pulsz Casino

5,000 Gold Coins + 2.3 Free Sweepstakes Coins
🎰 Number of Slots920
🎲 Types of GamesSlots, Slingo, Plinko, Jackpots, Hilo, Mines, Dice, Blackjack, Texas Holdem Poker
🤵‍♂️ Live Dealer GamesNone
⚙️ Game ProvidersNetEnt, Pragmatic Play, Habanero, Booming Games, Playson, EvoPlay Entertainment, Relax Gaming
💳 Payment MethodsVisa, Mastercard, Skrill, Online banking
🖥️ Desktop Sitepulsz.com
📱Mobile AppsiOS & Android
⛔️ Restricted StatesIdaho, Michigan, Nevada, and Washington


What We Like About Pulsz Casino

🔥 One of the biggest selection of slots
🔥 Choose between dark or light mode
🔥 iOS & Android apps available


Pulsz Casino boasts a collection of over 900 slot titles, making it a top choice for players seeking to spin the reels of online slots. With a wide variety of Megaways, jackpots, Slingo, exclusive titles, and hold-and-win slots, there’s something for everyone.

While Pulsz doesn't offer live dealer games, it makes up for this with a fun selection of arcade games like Hilo Deluxe, Triple Plinko, Classic Mines, Classic Dice, and Classic Hilo. Mobile gamers will be happy to know that Pulsz has apps available for both iOS and Android in the App Store and Google Play Store.

5. Hello Millions Casino

Get 15,000 Gold Coins & 2.5 Sweepstakes Coins
🎰 Number of Slots821
🎲 Types of GamesSlots, Slingo, Crash, Jackpots, Roulette, Blackjack, Baccarat
🤵‍♂️ Live Dealer GamesRoulette, Blackjack, Baccarat
⚙️ Game ProvidersNetEnt, Fantasma, Relax Gaming, RubyPlay, Playson, Pragmatic Play, Habanero, BGaming, + 9 more
💳 Payment MethodsVisa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, Google Play, Bank transfer
🖥️ Desktop Sitehellomillions.com
⛔️ Restricted StatesAlabama, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Nevada, Michigan, and Washington


What We Like About Hello Millions Casino

🔥 Filter games by provider
🔥 Unique design theme
🔥 Good live dealer options


Hello Millions is a new social casino launched in 2024
, boasting a chic and unique pop art design. Built on the same technology as McLuck Casino, Hello Millions also has an intuitive layout that makes navigating the site very easy.

With over 800 slots from top providers like NetEnt and Pragmatic Play and a selection of live dealer games that cover roulette, blackjack, and baccarat, this social casino has plenty to enjoy. New players are greeted with 15,000 Gold Coins and 2.5 free Sweepstakes Coins, in addition to plenty of regular promos and offers. Although iOS users will have to play on the mobile site as they wait for an app, Android users can play via the dedicated app available for download in the Google Play Store.

6. PlayFame

GC 10,000 + Free SC 3
🎰 Number of Slots800+
🎲 Types of GamesSlots, Jackpots, Live Dealer, Spins & Wins, Hold & Win, Megaways
🤵‍♂️ Live Dealer GamesRoulette, Blackjack, Baccarat
⚙️ Game ProvidersPragmatic Play, Evo Play, Relax Gaming, BGaming, Fantasma Games, NetEnt, 1×2 Gaming, Habanero, Playson, Ruby Play, Slotopia, Swintt, Print Studios, Gaming Corps, Novomatic, Spade Gaming
💳 Payment MethodsVisa, Mastercard, Discover, ACH
🖥️ Desktop Siteplayfame.com
⛔️ Restricted StatesAlabama, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, Washington, Louisiana, Delaware, Ohio and New Jersey


What We Like About PlayFame

🔥 Over 800 Vegas-Style Games
🔥 Smooth & Polished Platform
🔥 Good Selection of Live Dealer Games

PlayFame social casino brings a dynamic gaming experience with over 800 high-energy games, including slots, live dealer games, and jackpots, from top-tier developers like Pragmatic Play, NetEnt, and Relax Gaming. Designed for players who crave both excitement and style, PlayFame’s bold visuals and vibrant gameplay create an immersive casino experience on par with the hottest trends. New players get an instant boost with free coins upon signup, followed by a packed lineup of daily rewards, promotions, and tournaments, adding nonstop entertainment to the platform.

PlayFame offers a hassle-free gaming experience with flexible purchasing options via Visa, Mastercard, and Discover, and efficient redemption choices, including ACH transfers or gift cards, processed within 72 hours. With its high-energy design and thrilling jackpots, PlayFame stands out as a social casino that embraces the spotlight, encouraging every player to step into a world of fame and fortune.

7. Spree Casino

30,000 GC + 30 FREE SC
🎰 Number of Slots701
🎲 Types of GamesSlots, Blackjack, Roulette, Video Poker, Baccarat
🤵‍♂️ Live Dealer GamesBlackjack, Roulette, Baccarat
⚙️ Game ProvidersRelax Gaming, Playson, Pragmatic Play, RubyPlay, Evoplay, Beter Live + 10 more
💳 Payment MethodsVisa, Mastercard, Apple Pay
🖥️ Desktop Sitespree.com
⛔️ Restricted StatesAlabama, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, and Washington


What We Like About Spree Casino

🔥 Optimized mobile site
🔥 Easy to navigate game lobbies
🔥 Superb gameplay experience


Having launched earlier this year, Spree.com is the latest addition to the expanding list of social casinos in the US. Spree Casino provides players with over 700 slot games from top providers like Relax Gaming, Pragmatic Play, and Playson. In addition to a hefty selection of slots, players will also find options for blackjack, poker, roulette, baccarat, and live dealer games.

New players receive a generous no-deposit welcome offer when they sign up, plus a first purchase deal that gives them a large amount of Gold Coins and Spree Cash. These two currencies can be used to play games completely for free and even win cash prizes on the platform.

We highly recommend giving this new social casino a try!

8. Jackpota Casino

7,500 GC + 2.5 SC Free
🎰 Number of Slots300
🎲 Types of GamesSlots, Jackpots, Hold & Win, Slingo, Megaways
🤵‍♂️ Live Dealer GamesNone currently
⚙️ Game ProvidersNetEnt, EvoPlay, Pragmatic Play, Booming Games, Habanero, Novomatic, 3 Oaks, Gaming Realms, Relax Gaming, RubyPlay, Slotopia, 1X2, Playson, Fantasma, Swintt, Spadegaming, BGaming, Slot Mill
💳 Payment MethodsVisa, Mastercard
🖥️ Desktop Sitejackpota.com
⛔️ Restricted StatesAlabama, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Michigan, Nevada, Washington, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, Delaware, and Montana


What We Like About Jackpota Casino

🔥 Daily log in bonus
🔥 Slots from a wide range of game studios
🔥 Intuitive & stylish platform


Jackpota Casino is a brand-new social sweepstakes platform where players can win real cash prizes without wagering real money.

Offering a wide variety of top-tier slots from providers like NetEnt and Pragmatic Play, Jackpota ensures a secure and legal gaming experience for U.S. players across mobile and desktop devices.

With exciting promotions, progressive jackpots, and personalized game recommendations, Jackpota delivers a fun, risk-free gaming experience with 24/7 customer support. Players can enjoy extended gameplay and win real prizes, all while playing safely and securely.

9. BetRivers.NET

Win up to 1,000 Virtual Coins
🎰 Number of Slots798
🎲 Types of GamesSlots, Blackjack, Roulette, Craps, Baccarat, Poker, Dice, Sic Bo, + more
🤵‍♂️ Live Dealer GamesBlackjack, Roulette, Baccarat, Dream Catcher, Sic Bo, Texas Hold'em, Crazy Time, Craps
⚙️ Game ProvidersPragmatic, NetEnt, Greentube, Everi, Konami, Habanero, 3 Oaks, AGS, Red Tiger
💳 Payment MethodsVisa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, PayPal, Pre-paid cards, Online banking
🖥️ Desktop Sitebetrivers.net
⛔️ Restricted StatesIdaho, Nevada, and Washington


What We Like About BetRivers.NET

🔥 Large selection of live dealer games
🔥 Distinguished iGaming operator
🔥 Collect free Virtual Credits every 4 hours


BetRivers.NET is a play-for-fun social casino that offers players the chance to enjoy popular online casino games such as slots, blackjack, roulette, and more without using real money.

Players can acquire free Virtual Currency (VC) through daily bonuses, gameplay, and other challenges. While no sweepstake prizes are offered at BetRivers.NET, the platform is a great place to practice different strategies players can then take to real money online casinos, or just enjoy playing top casino games 100% for free!

10. Chumba Casino

2M Gold Coins and 2 Sweeps Coins for FREE
🎰 Number of Slots150+
🎲 Types of GamesSlots, Blackjack, Roulette, Video Poker, Slingo, Bingo
🤵‍♂️ Live Dealer GamesBingo
⚙️ Game ProvidersRelax Gaming, Playtech, NetEnt, Red Tiger, ReelPlay, Atlantic Digital + more
💳 Payment MethodsVisa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, Skrill, Paysafecard, Trustly, Bank transfer
🖥️ Desktop Sitechumbacasino.com
⛔️ Restricted StatesMichigan, Montana, and Washington (Sweep Coin play restricted in Idaho)


What We Like About Chumba Casino

🔥 Available on desktop and mobile
🔥 Well-designed platform
🔥 Helpful customer support


Chumba Casino is one of the most popular social sweepstakes casinos in the US allowing players to play over 150 slots in addition to blackjack, roulette, video poker, and even daily live bingo.

Chumba Casino uses two virtual currencies for casino play, Gold Coins and Sweep Cash, meaning players can play for free with Gold Coins or with Sweep Coins to win sweepstake prizes such as cash or gift cards.

11. Funrize Casino

Get 125,000 Coins Upon Registration
🎰 Number of Slots137
🎲 Types of GamesSlots, Jackpots
🤵‍♂️ Live Dealer GamesNone
⚙️ Game ProvidersNetEnt, NetGame
💳 Payment MethodsVisa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, online banking, gift cards
🖥️ Desktop Sitefunrize.com
📱Mobile AppsiOS & Android
⛔️ Restricted StatesIdaho, Michigan, Washington, and Wyoming


What We Like About Funrize Casino

🔥 Funrize Club rewards program
🔥 App for both iOS & Android
🔥 Large sign-up bonus & daily free coins


Despite only offering video slots, slot enthusiasts will find over 100 titles that cover a wide array of genres. Whether you are a fan of ancient Egyptian games like Book of Nile and Cleo's Heart or prefer playing fruit-themed games like Fruit Burst and Royal Fruits 20, Funrize does a good job of covering all the bases.

Another great thing about Funrize Casino is that there are dedicated apps for both iOS and Android, which make for an enjoyable and smooth mobile gaming experience. For players looking for a more complete casino experience that offers more table games and live dealer games, we recommend a different social casino such as Stake.US or BetRivers.NET.

What Are Social Casinos?

Social casinos are free-to-play online platforms where players can enjoy popular casino games like slots, poker, and blackjack without risking real money. Instead of wagering with real money, players use virtual currency (commonly referred to as Gold Coins and/or Sweep Cash) to play and compete with friends or other players.

While social casinos are purely for fun, many also operate as sweepstakes casinos, where players can compete for prizes, including cash.

Social casinos are extremely popular thanks to the fact that they are widely available in many states that currently do not allow real money online gambling, with the only exceptions being Idaho, Nevada, and Washington.

Understanding Social Casinos

Ian Rutherford
Ian Rutherford - Senior Editor

Social casinos mimic the experience of traditional casinos, offering a wide range of games and interactive features, with the key difference being social casinos do not require players to deposit any real money to play. They are primarily for entertainment and do not involve real-money gambling.

Types of Games Available on Social Casinos

From classic slots and poker to roulette and blackjack, social casinos offer a wide variety of games to cater to all types of players. Many platforms, such as Stake.US and Funrize, regularly update their game libraries to keep the experience fresh and exciting. Some social casinos may even offer exclusive and original titles that help create unique gaming experiences for players.

Slots largely dominate the selection of games at most social casinos, however, players can still find a wide variety of other online casino games, such as:

  • Slots
  • Jackpots
  • Megaways
  • Live dealer games
  • Blackjack
  • Roulette
  • Poker
  • Dice
  • Keno
  • Mines
  • Plinko
  • Hi-Lo
  • Baccarat
  • Sic-bo
  • Teen patti
Social Casino Games

Most popular social casino games explained

Slots

Slots are undeniably the most popular games on social casinos. Most social casinos feature slots from top developers like NetEnt, IGT, Pragmatic Play, and Hacksaw Gaming. This means the slots on social casinos are often the same as those in real money casinos, with the key difference being that players use virtual currency instead of real money. Winning on slots is all about luck, as each game's outcome is determined by a Random Number Generator (RNG), ensuring randomness similar to rolling dice.

Blackjack

Blackjack is one of the most popular card games available at social casinos. The objective is to beat the dealer by having a hand value closer to 21 without going over. This straightforward yet engaging card game boasts one of the lowest house edges among table games, making it popular with players of all skill levels.

Roulette

In roulette, the wheel has red and black pockets numbered from 0 to 36. Your goal is to predict where the dealer-spun ball will land. You can bet on red or black, odd or even numbers, or specific ranges, among other options. Roulette's simplicity appeals to both new and seasoned gamblers alike.

Key Features of Social Casinos

Social casinos are intentionally designed to emulate the experience of playing on a real money online casino, however, some key features set social casinos apart from traditional online casinos:

Social Interaction
  • One of the main attractions of social casinos is the ability to interact with friends and other players. Through features like leaderboards, chat functions, and multiplayer games, players can enjoy a communal gaming experience not typically found on traditional real money online casinos.
Social Interaction Icon
Virtual Currency and In-Game Purchases
  • Instead of depositing and wagering real money, players use virtual currency to play games on social casinos. This currency can be earned through welcome bonuses, gameplay, top-up bonuses, or purchased with real money. In-game purchases often include special items, additional virtual currency, or bonuses that enhance the gaming experience.
Gold Coins Icon
Rewards and Bonuses
  • Social casinos often reward players with bonuses, daily rewards, and special promotions. These incentives keep players engaged and encourage regular play. For example, Stake.US allows players to claim a daily bonus of 10,000 Gold Coins + 1 Stake Cash just for logging in to their account.
Welcome Bonuses

How To Get Gold Coins on Social Casinos

Gold coins are the primary virtual currency used in most social casinos, allowing players to wager on casino games without risking real money.

Here are the most popular ways to acquire gold coins at social casinos:

Welcome Bonus

The most common way players can receive gold coins is through a social casino's welcome bonus. Nearly every single social casino offers a welcome bonus that rewards players with a substantial amount of free gold coins when they sign up. If you want to start playing at a social casino, we highly recommend you take advantage of any welcome bonus currently being offered to ensure you get a nice sum of gold coins from the get-go!

Daily Bonus

Many social casinos reward players with gold coins simply for logging in daily. Depending on the social casino, these daily bonuses can increase with consecutive logins, encouraging players to return each day.

For example, players at Stake.US can claim a bonus of 10,000 gold coins + 1 stake cash every 24 hours!

Social Media Offers

We recommend following your favorite social casinos on social media platforms, such as X or Telegram. They often host giveaways, contests, and promotions where you can receive gold coins by participating in activities or sharing content.

In-Game Achievements

Earning achievements within the games can often lead to rewards in the form of gold coins. Whether it’s reaching a certain level, completing specific challenges, or hitting a big win, these milestones can significantly boost your coin balance.

In-Game Gifts

Staying true to their social nature, select social casinos allow players to send and receive gifts from one another. Friends within the game can send you gold coins, which can be a fun and collaborative way to increase your balance.

Referral Programs

Many social casinos encourage players to join the social casino through player referral programs. These platforms reward both the referrer and the new player with gold coins when the new player signs up and starts playing.

Top Up

On some social casinos, if your gold coin balance ever goes below a certain threshold, you can open up your wallet and head to the "Top Up" section to claim a free top-up of gold coins.

Purchasing Gold Coins

If you want to increase your coin balance quickly, you also have the option to purchase gold coins using real money. Most social casinos offer various packages to suit different budgets. Payment methods include credit/debit cards, ACH, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, cryptocurrency, and more.

Pro Tips for Maximizing Gold Coins

Ian Rutherford
Ian Rutherford - Senior Editor
  • Log in Daily: Take advantage of daily bonuses by logging in regularly.
  • Participate in Events: Engage in special promotions and events to earn extra gold coins.
  • Be Social: Refer friends and participate in social media activities for additional rewards.
  • Watch Ads: We know ads can be annoying, but we recommend watching ads for free coins whenever available (they really add up over time).

How to Purchase Coin Bundles on Social Casinos

If you want to increase your coin balance quickly by purchasing coin bundles using real money, here's how you can do that:

1
Select the bundle you want to purchase

Social casinos typically offer several options for coin bundles, each varying in size and price. Start by selecting whichever one you would like to purchase.

Stake US Casino Buy Gold Coins
2
Select your payment method

Social casinos offer a wide range of payment methods when purchasing coin bundles, select your preferred payment type from the list of accepted payment methods, which can include options such as:

  • Credit/debit cards
  • ACH
  • Apple Pay
  • Google Pay
  • Cryptocurrency
  • and more
Stake US Casino How to Buy Coins Step 2
3
Complete transaction

Once you've selected your preferred payment method, follow the instructions on the screen to complete the purchase.

Once the payment has been completed, you will instantly receive your gold coins plus any extra gift(s) that come with the coin bundle.

Stake US Casino How to Buy Coins Step 3

Social Casinos vs Real Money Online Casinos

Social casinos and real money online casinos are similar in the fact that they both allow players to enjoy online casino games from the comfort of their home, however, they cater to different audiences and operate under different regulations in the US. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between the two:

1. Legal Status

Social Casinos

  • Broad Legality: Social casinos are legal in all US states - except for Washington, Idaho, and Nevada - because they do not involve real money gambling. They operate under the principles of entertainment and, in some cases, sweepstakes laws.
  • UIGEA Compliance: Because social casinos use free virtual currency, they comply with the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) by not facilitating real money transactions for online gambling.

Real Money Online Casinos

  • State-Dependent: The legality of real money online casinos varies by state. Currently, there are only seven states with a legal framework in place to allow online casinos, they are Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia.
  • Regulatory Oversight: In states where online casinos are legal, the casinos must be licensed and regulated by state gaming authorities, ensuring they adhere to strict standards for fairness, security, and responsible gaming.

2. In-Game Currency

Social Casinos

  • Virtual Currency: Players use virtual currency, such as gold coins or credits, to play games. This currency cannot be directly cashed out for real money.
  • Sweeps Coins (in Sweepstakes Casinos): Some social casinos use a dual-currency system where Sweeps Coins can be won and redeemed for real prizes, including cash.

Real Money Online Casinos

  • Real Money: Players use real money to place bets and can win real money payouts. Deposits and withdrawals are handled through various payment methods like credit/debit cards, bank transfers, and e-wallets.

3. Game Variety

Social Casinos

  • Limited Selection: Compared to real money online casinos, most social casinos offer far fewer types of casino games, with many social casinos strictly offering online slots.
  • Social Features: Social casinos offer more interactive features than real money online casinos, such as leaderboards, friend challenges, and social media integration.

Real Money Online Casinos

  • Extensive Library: Real money online casinos typically offer a far more comprehensive selection of casino games, including live dealer options, where players can wager and win real money.
  • Progressive Jackpots: Players at real money online casinos have the chance to win significant cash prizes through progressive jackpots, a feature not commonly found on other social casinos.
Benefits of Playing at Social Casinos

Why do so many people enjoy social casinos? Here is a summary of the key benefits:

No Financial Risk:
Since social casinos use virtual currency, there's no risk of losing real money. This makes them a great option for casual players who want to enjoy the excitement of casino games without financial stress.

Wide State Availablity:
Social casinos offer players who are located in states without real money online gambling the chance to play online casino games for fun, and in some instances for real sweepstake prizes.

Convenient and Accessible:
Accessible from computers, tablets, and smartphones, social casinos allow you to play your favorite games anytime, anywhere. This convenience makes them an attractive choice for busy individuals looking to relax and have fun.

Social Casinos FAQ

What are social casinos?

Social casinos are online platforms that offer completely free-to-play online casino games, where players use virtual currency to place wagers instead of risking real money. They are commonly used as legal alternatives for real money online casinos.

Is social gambling legal?

Yes, social casinos are legal in the US because they use virtual currency instead of real money, and players cannot cash out winnings for real money, making them compliant with online gambling laws. Additionally, many operate under sweepstakes laws, offering prizes without requiring a purchase. They are legal in all US states except for Idaho, Nevada, and Washington.

How old do you have to be to use social casinos?

You must be 18 years or older to play games on social casinos in the US.

Are social casinos free to play?

Yes, social casinos use virtual currency instead of real money, making them completely free to use.

What states allow social casinos?

Social casinos are allowed in all states except for Idaho, Nevada, and Washington. Some social casinos may not be available in select states, however.

Ian Rutheford
Ian Rutheford
Senior Editor & Casino Expert

Hailing from the San Francisco Bay Area, Ian has been a passionate fan of the Giants, Warriors, and 49ers since childhood. His deep love for sports inspired him to join UnitedGamblers.com in 2021, where he discovered and cultivated a new passion for the iGaming industry. Now an expert in online sportsbooks and casinos, Ian's insights and expertise have been featured in esteemed industry publications like IGB.

He also regularly contributes to our sister sites, BettingApps.com and SportsbooksOnline.com, sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm for iGaming with a wider audience.