CardCrush
#1 · Tier 1
8.6/10
The only RPG card-battler in the category and the most widely legal skill-contest brand we rank.
Single-currency skill contest13 states
Reviews · 8 brands
Every brand we rank, reviewed in depth.
One fixed rubric, six weighted categories, applied identically to all 8 brands. No paid placement — brands are scored before any commercial outreach. Each review covers legality, content, prizes, bonuses, trust and UX.
Tier 1 · legal core
Horseplay
#2 · Tier 1
8.1/10
The biggest welcome bonus in the category, riding a federal parimutuel model that preempts state sweeps bans.
ADW parimutuel13 states
GiddyUp
#3 · Tier 1
7.4/10
Zero-cost entry on the same parimutuel legal model as Horseplay — newer, smaller, but free to start.
ADW parimutuel13 states
ClubWPT Gold
#4 · Tier 1
7.0/10
World Poker Tour brand trust and broad NY access — but it's poker-only, with no slots or table games.
Sweepstakes (subscription)11 states
Tier 2 · national alternatives
Modo.us
#5 · Tier 2
7.2/10
The deepest game library among the alternatives — roughly 8× CardCrush's count — but blocked in CA and NY.
Dual-currency sweepstakes11 states
Stake.us
#6 · Tier 2
6.9/10
A recognizable casino-plus-poker brand with strong UX — but a high $100 redemption floor and no CA / NY access.
Dual-currency sweepstakes11 states
McLuck
#7 · Tier 2
6.7/10
A well-known sweeps brand with a broad slots-and-table library — but it exited CA / NY in late 2025.
Dual-currency sweepstakes11 states
Crown Coins
#8 · Tier 2
6.3/10
A focused slots catalog on the dual-currency model — but no live dealer, and it exited California in Jan 2026.
Dual-currency sweepstakes11 states
How we review
Six categories, fixed weights.
25%
Legality & state coverage
20%
Game & card content
15%
Prizes & redemption
15%
Bonuses & value
15%
Trust & compliance
10%
UX & platform
Reviews FAQ
How many brands do you review?
We currently review 8 brands across two tiers, all scored on the same fixed-weight rubric.
Do reviews change based on affiliate deals?
No. Brands are scored before any commercial outreach, and affiliate links never change a score or ranking. See the methodology.
JM
Written & maintained by
J. Marsh
Independent reviewer covering sweepstakes and skill-contest gaming since 2021. Scores brands against a fixed rubric before any commercial outreach. No brand pays for placement or ranking. More about the editor →