What Is a Sweepstake?
A sweepstake is a game where everyone in a group is randomly assigned an entry, such as a team, horse or player, and the winner is whoever's entry comes out on top. The draw is pure chance, which is what makes it fair and fun for people who know nothing about the sport.
How a Sweepstake Works
- 1Pick the eventThe Grand National, a World Cup, a single football match: anything with a clear result.
- 2List the entriesHorses, teams, players or numbers, one per person where possible.
- 3Draw at randomPulled from a hat, or done by an app so nobody can fiddle it.
- 4Wait for the resultWhoever drew the winning entry wins.
Common Types of Sweepstake
- Horse racing: each person draws a horse, famously for the Grand National.
- Tournament: each person draws a national team for a World Cup or Euros, and the winner is whoever has the champion.
- Match goalscorer: each person draws a player and wins if that player scores. See the goalscorer sweepstake guide.
- Non-sport: Eurovision, awards shows, even the Christmas number one.
Sweepstake or Bet?
In a sweepstake you do not choose, so there is no skill involved. In a bet you pick your own outcome. A free sweepstake with no money involved is just a game. If your group adds an entry fee, read whether sweepstakes are legal in the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
A game where participants are randomly assigned an entry, such as a team, horse or player, and the winner is whoever's entry wins.
They are similar because both rely on chance. A raffle draws a winning ticket, whereas a sweepstake gives each person an entry in a real event and the result decides the winner.
Yes. Many are free, played for bragging rights, and SquadGames never charges an entry fee.
Run your sweepstake in SquadGames
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