Sweepmate Launches in the UK to Fill the Fantasy Sports Gap Left by DraftKings
Introduction to Sweepmate in the UK Market
UK sports enthusiasts now have a fresh new platform to explore with the arrival of Sweepmate. This innovative product merges sweepstakes contests with fantasy sports, creating a dynamic experience for fans of sports prediction games. Sweepmate enters the UK market aiming to fill the void created by DraftKings’ exit from the region.
The Emergence of Sweepmate in Great Britain
Sweepmate offers a unique blend of traditional sweepstakes and fantasy sports accessible on both Android and iOS devices. The platform caters to the increasing interest in fantasy sports within the UK, a market that has not yet reached the levels of popularity seen in the United States.
The growth of fantasy sports in the UK has faced obstacles, especially after DraftKings withdrew from the local scene in 2024. Sweepmate’s mission is to continue where DraftKings left off by providing advanced and engaging fantasy sports offerings for UK players.
Enhancing the Sports Experience
Created by Lloyd Bidder, formerly a director at a leading accountancy firm, alongside Johnny Barnes, founder of Soho Juice Co., Sweepmate introduces a fresh approach to fantasy sports. Barnes highlights that the platform aims to fill the gap left by DraftKings with an innovative format that spans a wide range of sporting and entertainment events—from major football tournaments like the Euros to cultural events like Eurovision.
Barnes explains the gameplay as straightforward: participants select three teams, and if those teams finish in first, fourth, or last place, they win. This system encourages strategic thinking due to the limited availability of teams close to the match start, creating a scarcity effect.
The prize pool is fairly shared among all winners, fostering a community of engaged players. Barnes emphasizes that Sweepmate is distinct from traditional bookmakers—without setting odds or holding a betting position, its pool-based system is designed to maximize player chances and provide them with ample information to enhance their experience.
Regulatory Approval and Licensing
Sweepmate obtained its license from the UK Gambling Commission on March 27, 2025. It operates legally as both a linked gambling software provider and a pool betting operator, ensuring a regulated and safe platform for UK users.
