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Sweepstake vs
Prediction Game

Updated 29 October 2026  ·  By SquadGames  ·  3 min read
In a sweepstake you are drawn a player or team at random, so it is luck and anyone can play. In a prediction game you guess the scores or results yourself, so it rewards football knowledge. SquadGames is a free sweepstake app: no entry fees, no real money, no gambling.

Side by Side

Sweepstake (SquadGames)Prediction game
What you doGet dealt a player at randomPick scores or results yourself
Skill or luckLuckFootball knowledge
Need to follow football?NoHelps a lot
Typical lengthOne match or one eventA matchday, tournament or full season
How you winYour drawn player scores first, next or lastMost points on the leaderboard
Real money involvedNoVaries by app, many are free
Best forMixed groups who want a quick, fair matchday gameKeen fans who like a season-long league

Why People Mix Them Up

Both are free ways to add stakes to a match among friends, and both use private groups and a leaderboard, so they get lumped together. People also search for a way to “bet with friends for free”, which is how they land on either. The difference is who decides the outcome of your pick: you, or the draw.

When a Prediction Game Is Better

If your group loves arguing about scorelines and wants a season-long table, a prediction game is the better fit. It rewards the friend who follows every fixture. Apps such as Superbru and tackl are built for this.

When a Sweepstake Is Better

If the group includes people who barely follow football, a sweepstake keeps it fair: everyone has the same chance, and nobody needs to research the lineups. It also takes about two minutes to set up for a single match, so it works for a quick Saturday or midweek game.

How a SquadGames Sweepstake Works

Create a squad, share the invite link in your group chat, and when the lineups are out everyone is drawn a player at random. Goals are tracked live, and the winner is whoever’s player scores first, next or last, depending on the game you chose. Read the step-by-step guide or see Premier League sweepstakes.

Frequently Asked Questions

In a sweepstake you are given a player or team at random and play for whatever happens to them. In a prediction game you choose the scores or results yourself and earn points for being right. A sweepstake is luck, a prediction game is football knowledge.
Yes. Many people search for a free way to bet with friends. SquadGames is a free sweepstake: there are no wagers, no entry fees and no real money. Everyone in the squad is drawn a player at random for the match and plays for bragging rights.
No. Because the draw is random, a first-time fan has the same chance as a season-ticket holder. A prediction game rewards knowledge, so it suits the group member who follows every fixture.
No. SquadGames is a sweepstake app. You do not pick scores. Players are drawn at random from the starting lineups for first, next or last goalscorer sweeps on Premier League matches, and goals are tracked live.
Yes. Plenty of groups run a season-long prediction league for the knowledge side and use SquadGames for a quick no-skill sweepstake on the big matches. Share the SquadGames invite link in the same group chat.

More Sweepstake Guides

Best football apps to play with friendsPremier League sweepstakeGoalscorer sweepstakeHow to run a football sweepstakeSquadGames vs spreadsheets and WhatsAppFAQ

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