A Melbourne Cup sweep is a lottery where entrants are allotted a horse running in the Melbourne Cup and prize winners are determined by the horse’s place in the race. All the money collected in the sweep must be returned as prizes. Check this page for information on Melbourne Cup sweeps.
Determining winners
There are no set guidelines on how the winners are determined. The most common method is to give prizes to the horses that run first, second, third and last place in the race. However, this can be varied, and prizes can be paid on other places. It is important that the prize list has been finalised and is clear to entrants before the sweep commences.
You may need to consider how to deal with scratched horses. You may decide to go 'all-in' which means that no refund will be given to a person whose horse has been scratched from the race. Alternatively, you may decide to pay a refund and alter the prize list. Both methods are acceptable, provided entrants are advised.
Prize money
The prize money is determined by how much money is collected from entrants. There is no minimum or maximum entry fee. All of the money collected in the sweep must be returned as prizes, and the total value of prizes distributed must not be more than $5,000.
Location of Melbourne Cup sweeps
A Melbourne Cup sweep can be conducted anywhere. They are often run in the workplace or at a licensed premises. It is important that the organiser of the sweep cannot retain any money for costs or expenses.
This information does not apply to the Calcutta Sweepstake which can be done by a club under a permit issued by the Minister for Racing. Any club intending to conduct a Calcutta Sweepstake should visit Calcutta sweepstakes applications and approvals (opens in a new window)to obtain a permit application form.
Sweeps on other races
A sweep can be conducted on horse races other than the Melbourne Cup. For example, a sweep can be run on the Caulfield Cup, W.S. Cox Plate or any of the country cups in regional Victoria.
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