How to Run a Sweep at Work or in a Pub
Running a sweep looks slightly different depending on the setting — a workplace sweep is usually casual and quick, while a pub or club sweep often involves more people and a louder atmosphere.
This guide explains how to handle both using traditional paper methods, and where a few smart tweaks can make things run smoother.
Last Updated on October 8, 2025
Running a Sweep at Work (Office Style)
Office sweeps are usually small, friendly and low-stakes. Most use a clipboard or printed sheet to collect names during lunch or over a group chat.
Keep it simple:
Set a clear entry price ($2 or $5 is common)
Collect names and payments upfront
Use a printed list of horses or write them on a notepad
Draw horses visibly — even just standing around a desk
For step-by-step guidance, the How to Run a Sweep guide walks through the exact process in more detail.
Running a Sweep in a Pub or Club
Venues often have more moving parts — more entries, background noise and less time to manage paperwork.
To avoid confusion during busy service:
Keep a visible master sheet behind the bar
Mark paid entries immediately to avoid the classic “I already paid” dispute
Announce prize splits upfront — see the Prize Payouts guide (link: /prize-payouts)
Draw names in view of patrons or have a staff member read out names clearly
For fairness tips in busier environments, see the Keep Sweep Fair guide.
Announcing Winners in Each Setting
In an office, announcing winners is often just a group chat or quick hallway reveal.
In a venue, it's worth making it a moment — read winners out loud or display the results clearly so there’s no doubt.
If you're unsure about how to structure payouts or handle dead-heats, the Sweep Rules guide breaks down the rules clearly.
When Digital Helps (Optional Mention)
Paper sweeps work fine in quiet settings, but in pubs or clubs with crowd volume and dozens of entries, manual tracking can get messy fast.
Digital sweep tools exist purely to remove these admin steps. They still follow the same sweep tradition — just without the paperwork.
If you're weighing up both styles, the Digital vs Paper guide offers a neutral comparison.
FAQs — Office vs Pub Sweeps
Do sweep rules change if it’s run in a workplace instead of a venue?
No — the core rules are the same. The main difference is scale and how visible you need to make the draw and payout.
How do I handle entries if people are at different desks or on shift?
For workplaces, a quick email or group chat plus a clipboard works fine. In a venue, mark entries as paid instantly to avoid back-and-forth later.
Is it okay to run multiple sweeps in a pub?
Yes — pubs often run 2–3 sweep sheets when more than 24 entries come in. Just clearly label each one as Sweep A, Sweep B, Sweep C so payouts don’t get mixed up.
This guide is part of our Melbourne Cup Sweep knowledge base, covering setup, rules, prize payouts, templates and digital sweep tools.