How big is sweepstakes poker? New traffic data reported by Pokerfuse, drawn from SharkScope through Poker Industry PRO's database, gives a rare snapshot. Global Poker leads with about 12,000 daily multi-table tournament entries, followed by Stake's international network at around 8,800, Clubs Poker at about 7,200 and Stake.US at more than 6,000. Those are meaningful numbers for a segment that barely existed a few years ago, and they arrive just as state lawmakers are closing in on the model.
The Numbers
The data, published alongside the news that Stake signed Colombian pro Farid Jattin as its first poker ambassador, covers daily MTT entries and occupied cash-game seats:
| Site | Daily MTT entries | Occupied cash seats |
|---|---|---|
| Global Poker | about 12,000 | not reported |
| Stake international | about 8,800 | roughly 250 |
| Clubs Poker | about 7,200 | not reported |
| Stake.US | more than 6,000 | around 210 |
ClubWPT Gold is not included in the dataset, so the full picture of the sweepstakes market is incomplete. SharkScope-style figures also tell us about tracked tournament entries rather than unique players, and they may under- or overcount depending on how each site reports to the tracking service. Treat the numbers as indicative, not exact. We covered the Stake signing in our Jattin article.
What the Figures Tell Us
Tournaments Dominate
The first lesson is that tournaments drive traffic. Global Poker's 12,000 daily entries is far larger than any cash-game number reported. Stake's 250 and 210 occupied cash seats are tiny by comparison. A cash game needs enough players at similar stakes to run tables, whereas a tournament can gather a field over hours and run on a schedule. Recreational players tend to prefer tournaments because the downside is capped by the buy-in.
Stake Is Punching Above Its Weight
Stake launched poker in mid-2024, according to Pokerfuse, yet its international network now sits second in the table and its US-facing site is roughly level with Clubs Poker on tournament entries. The growth of the Stake Showdown guarantee from $125,000 to $200,000 within weeks supports that picture; see our Showdown coverage. Stake benefits from being part of a larger casino and sportsbook brand, which gives it a built-in audience to cross-sell.
The Gap Between Sweepstakes and Mainstream Poker
These numbers are modest compared with leading regulated and offshore rooms. Our online poker cash traffic report discusses the wider market, and our poker networks page compares the major platforms. Sweepstakes rooms occupy a niche: they serve US players in states without regulated poker, using a legal structure that avoids classification as gambling.
The Legal Squeeze
That structure is now under pressure. Stake.us is exiting Oklahoma after October 30, ahead of the state's SB 1589, which takes effect November 1 and classifies dual-currency online gaming as online gambling. PokerListings counts nine states with enacted sweepstakes bans, and Oklahoma would be the tenth. Pennsylvania has a pre-filed bill with penalties up to $500,000, and Wyoming has a committee-sponsored bill that would extend gambling rules to sweepstakes models. See our Oklahoma exit article for details.
What does that mean for traffic? Each state exit removes a pool of potential players. A site with 6,000 daily entries across 30-plus states can absorb the loss of a smaller state, but repeated exits erode liquidity and make guarantees harder to sustain. Our state-by-state tracker shows the pace of change.
Different Exposure Across Operators
Not every operator is equally exposed. A site with a regulated or real-money component, like Stake's international network, can continue to serve players in unaffected jurisdictions. A site that relies solely on US sweepstakes play has more at stake. We lack data on how each operator's traffic splits across states, so it would be speculation to rank their risk. What we can say is that concentration matters: the more a platform depends on a handful of states, the more vulnerable it is.
How Sweepstakes Poker Works
For readers new to the model, sweepstakes poker uses two virtual currencies. Gold Coins (or similar) are purchased and used for social play. Sweeps Coins are given as a free bonus and can be redeemed for prizes under certain conditions. Because players do not pay directly to gamble for cash, operators argue the games are not gambling under state law. Regulators and legislators increasingly disagree, which is why the new laws target dual-currency models.
Players should be aware of the risks. Terms differ by site, redemption can take time and a state ban can change your access at short notice. Our regulated vs offshore guide and safe poker sites page help weigh the trade-offs, and our US poker overview explains where genuinely regulated play is available.
What This Means for Players
Expect thin cash games. If you prefer cash poker, sweepstakes sites may not offer the games you want. With roughly 200 to 250 occupied seats on Stake's networks at the time of measurement, there will be gaps at many stakes. If cash is your priority, look at our cash games page for broader options.
Tournaments are the best bet. With thousands of daily entries, tournament schedules are more reliable. Check guarantees against historical field sizes to spot overlays.
Mind your jurisdiction. Availability can change quickly. Check your state's status regularly and redeem winnings promptly.
Beware of bonus gimmicks. Promotions on sweepstakes sites often look generous but come with conditions. Read terms before playing, and consider our bonus guide.
What This Means for the Industry
The traffic data shows that sweepstakes poker has built genuine scale, with each of the four tracked sites running thousands of daily entries. That is enough to sustain guaranteed series and ambassador deals. But the model's future depends on law, not just players. If more states follow Oklahoma, Maine, Louisiana and others, operators will need to either reduce their footprints, convert to licensed real-money models where possible or shift focus to markets outside the US. Stake's expansion into Mexico, its Alberta launch and its New Zealand application suggest it is already hedging.
In the long run, regulated state-by-state online poker, such as the existing multi-state compacts, is a more stable foundation, but it is limited to a small number of states. Our real money poker page explains the differences.
Final Thoughts
Sweepstakes poker is a real market with real players, and the latest data confirms that it supports daily tournament fields in the thousands. It is also a market living with regulatory risk, where operators are leaving states and legislatures are writing new rules. For players, the sensible approach is to enjoy the games, keep balances small, understand the terms and have a plan for what happens if your state changes the rules.
Figures are as reported by Pokerfuse citing SharkScope data via Poker Industry PRO and are approximate. This article is not legal advice. Gamble responsibly.