How to Run a Fair Sweepstake

Updated 27 October 2026 · By SquadGames · 3 min read

A fair sweepstake needs three things: a draw that is truly random, rules everyone agrees before the event, and a way for everyone to see the result. Do those and the arguments mostly disappear.

1. Make the Draw Genuinely Random

Draw in front of everyone, or use an app that draws automatically so the organiser cannot peek or swap. The classic problem with a hat is that the person holding it also knows the names.

2. Agree the Rules First

Write them down in the group chat before anyone draws: what counts as a win, what happens in a tie or a 0-0, and how prizes are shared. Our sweepstake rules guide has a checklist.

3. Make It Visible

Everyone should be able to see who has what. That is the main reason people move sweepstakes off paper and into a group chat or app.

4. Balance Where You Can

If some entries are far stronger than others, such as the Grand National favourite or a top-seeded team, a random draw is still fair, but people can feel hard done by. Two fixes: run several smaller sweepstakes so luck evens out, or give people multiple entries mixing strong and weak.

5. Keep Money Out of It if You Can

A free sweepstake removes most of the awkwardness. If you charge, keep it small and read the legal basics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Use a truly random draw that nobody can influence, agree the rules before the event, and let everyone see the results.

Yes, as long as the draw is done in the open or by an app, so nobody can say the organiser fixed their own entry.

Random draw with everyone watching, or an automatic draw in an app.

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