The Rise of Social Betting in NFL: What’s Driving Its Popularity?

Vinolin Naidoo
Published: Sun Sep 21 2025
Reviewed By Paul Skidmore
The Rise of NFL Social Betting: What's Driving Popularity?
Key Points
  • The NFL is one of the most popular leagues in the US.

  • You can place bets on NFL sports events at social sportsbooks.

  • Social sportsbooks are legal in almost all US states.

Placing football bets at regular sportsbooks is not legal in many US states. Therefore, bettors living in such states rely on social sportsbooks. These sites don’t take real money wagers; instead, they use virtual currencies.

Depending on your chosen social bookmaker, you can bet with Gold Coins and Sweepstakes Coins (or their equivalents). The social sportsbook will offer you these virtual currencies to wager on your favorite NFL sports events through bonuses and promotions. You can also purchase optional Gold Coin packs when you run out of virtual currencies.

Your #1 choice for NFL social betting

How social betting works

In states where online betting is restricted, fans use social sportsbooks to place wagers on leagues like the NFL. These sites don’t allow you to bet with real money. Instead, you’ll receive Gold Coins and Sweepstakes Coins (or their equivalents) to place wagers.

Once you sign up on your chosen sportsbook site on the on-page banners, you’ll get one or both of these virtual currencies to kick-start your betting experience. Gold Coins (GC) are for fun play, while Sweepstakes Coins (SC) are used in promotional mode. You can buy optional GC packs if you run out, but SC are only available as bonuses.

When you collect enough SC to meet the redemption threshold, you can redeem them for real prizes such as gift cards or cash prizes.

Why the NFL is fueling the growth of social betting

Football has always been the top sport at social sportsbooks, with the biggest markets and events. Therefore, it’s unsurprising that many new bettors sign up at social sportsbooks to place wagers on NFL events.

Many also prefer the community feel, as you can share picks with friends, climb leaderboards, and win extra virtual currencies for longer betting sessions at social bookmakers.

There’s never a short supply of football events happening, especially during weekends. What’s more? Bettors can access various markets, similar to those found in regular betting sites, including moneyline, prop, parlay, total (over/under), futures, and more.

Where to bet on football this season

Top factors behind social betting’s increasing popularity

Social betting is booming in the US largely because many states still restrict real-money wagering. The virtual currency model makes these sportsbooks a legal alternative.

These social sportsbooks differ significantly from traditional betting sites in numerous ways. For context, you won’t need to use real money to place NFL bets at social bookmakers. This eliminates the pressure of trying to win your wagers, as you can get virtual currencies to place bets from on-site promotions.

In addition to placing football wagers for free without an initial optional GC pack purchase, you can also bet in promotional mode and accumulate enough SC for redemption. Depending on your chosen social sweepstakes bookie, you can redeem your SC for gift cards or cash prizes after meeting certain requirements.

Most importantly, you won’t be missing anything while betting at social sportsbooks. That’s because these sites offer popular sports like football, basketball, and tennis alongside niche options like MMA, darts, and snooker. The odds are also as competitive as traditional bookies.

The future of social betting in the NFL

Social betting on the NFL is still new, but it shows plenty of promise. More fans are seeking ways to connect with their favorite sport and teams beyond simply watching NFL matches.

Social sportsbooks are filling these gaps due to their numerous advantages over traditional betting sites. In addition to being legal, they’re easy to access. Also, they enhance NFL betting by incorporating chatrooms, friend challenges, and leaderboards.

What’s more? Social sportsbooks’ virtual currency model eliminates the pressure of winning, which appeals to casual and younger bettors.

Furthermore, there’s a potential for a partnership between social sportsbooks and the NFL to enhance fans’ experiences. Simply put, social betting in the NFL is gaining popularity and is likely to maintain this momentum in the years to come.

Place football bets with ease at social sportsbooks

To many, the NFL is the face of American sports, and social sportsbooks allow fans to connect with the league using virtual currencies in states where regular online sports betting isn’t permitted.

Rather than betting with real money, bettors wager with virtual currencies (Gold Coins and Sweepstakes Coins). With a focus on the social aspect of betting, such as competing on the leaderboard, sharing predictions with friends, and engaging in chatrooms, social sportsbooks have become an integral part of the NFL experience.

If you’re ready to place wagers on NFL sports events, check the on-page banners and select one of the trusted social bookmakers, sign up, and claim the welcome offer to start betting.

Bet on NFL games at this social site

Onyx Odds Social Betting Promo
Onyx Odds
100% purchase match for up to 100 in Onyx Cash Free Picks

Covers multiple popular sports. Has a live sports feature. Available in 45 states. T&Cs and 18+ apply

Why Trust Us & Affiliate Disclaimer

Loading …

21+ and present in OH. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Trading on prediction market apps carries risk and may not be suitable for everyone. You could lose the funds and fees you use to enter any transaction. Carefully consider whether participating in prediction markets is appropriate for you, based on your financial situation and experience. All trades and decisions are your own responsibility, and any information provided on this site is for general informational purposes only. Please note that prediction markets fall under the regulatory authority of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).
home sweepstakes-casinos news the-rise-of-social-betting-in-nfl
Close
Do Not Miss Out On Our Best Offers
PlayBracco
PlayBracco Promo
100% Purchase Match up to $100
Our Favorite
T&Cs and 18+ apply
Code:
Open PlayBracco
Get Bonus
Prophet X
Prophet X Promo
Up to 200 Prophet Cash in first 30 days
Best Slots
T&Cs and 18+ apply
Code:
Open Prophet X
Get Bonus