A new pool-based real money gaming platform called Sweepmate has launched in the UK, “to pick up where DraftKings left off”.
A press release issued today (21 November) says the app, available on iOS and Android, aims to blend together elements of traditional sweepstake contests and fantasy sports.
It said it intends to capture the market niche previously occupied by DraftKings’ DFS product, which was one of the country’s only fantasy sports sites prior to its decision to exit the UK market in October 2024.
The company was founded by former Big Four accountancy firm director Lloyd Bidder and Soho Juice Co. founder Johnny Barnes.
Sweepmate looks to fill void left by DraftKings
Barnes said: “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.
“Our goal is to create a product that keeps fans engaged right across the weekend, whether their favourite club is winning or not. It’s about adding an extra layer of excitement to the Premier League and giving players a reason to stay invested in every result.”
The business outlined it received a UKGC licence earlier this year and is being officially launched ahead of the weekend’s Premier League fixtures.
The game works, it added, through a pool-based model that sees prize money split between the players that make successful predictions.
Barnes added: “Sweepmate is simple: pick three teams and if they finish first, fourth or last then you win. No new teams are minted 90 minutes before kick-off so there’s a great scarcity value and you can buy or sell teams during the gameweek.
“Sweepmate is not a bookie as we don’t set odds or take a position. Because we’re a pool-based game, we want people to win and we try to provide as much information as possible to players.”