A new real-money gaming platform named Sweepmate has officially launched in the United Kingdom, introducing a novel pool-based betting format that blends elements of traditional sweepstakes, fantasy sports, and financial trading.
The platform, which recently secured a license from the UK Gambling Commission, aims to capture a segment of the market that co-founder Johnny Barnes believes was left void following DraftKings’ retreat from the region.
Sweepmate’s initial offering focuses on the Premier League, utilizing data provided by Sportradar to drive its weekly contests.
The game mechanics are distinct from standard fixed-odds betting. Participants predict the outcomes of the league table, which resets every week.
The prize pool is dynamic, determined by the number of entrants, and is distributed based on a specific structure: 50 percent is awarded to the entrant who picks the team finishing first, 20 percent to the team finishing fourth, and 30 percent to the team finishing last.
A key feature of the platform is the “Sweeping” mechanic, which allows players to trade their selected teams during a live “Sprint,” adding a layer of strategic trading to the fantasy experience.
This functionality creates scarcity value, as no new teams can be minted 90 minutes prior to kick-off, allowing users to buy or sell positions as live match results influence the table standings.
The founders emphasize that Sweepmate does not act as a bookmaker setting odds but rather facilitates a peer-to-peer pool environment.
The goal is to maintain fan engagement throughout the entire weekend of fixtures, providing a reason for players to follow results beyond just their favorite club.
Johnny Barnes, Co-founder of Sweepmate platform:
The ambition is to fill the void that DraftKings have left with a novel, original game. The format can apply across almost any sports and entertainment event – from the Euros to Eurovision.
