What is the horse race?
The horse race is a fun, exciting way to draw lots: several horses compete in a race and the winner is decided at random. Instead of an instant result, the decision becomes a little spectacle with comebacks and suspense right up to the finish line.
Each participant picks a horse and chance does the rest, making it more entertaining than a simple coin or die.
When to use the race?
- Picking a winner among several people in a fun way.
- Deciding who pays or who treats with a bit of added suspense.
- Group activities and parties where everyone backs a horse.
- Breaking a tie more dramatically than with a coin.
How does our race work?
When the race starts, each horse advances at a random pace generated by the browser’s pseudo-random engine, so the result is unpredictable until the end. Every horse has the same chance of winning and each race is independent of the last.
The whole simulation happens in your browser, with nothing sent to a server.
How to run a sweepstake with the race
The race is great fun in a group if you turn it into a little sweepstake. Before you start, have each person pick (or be randomly assigned) a horse; you can put anything on the line: who pays for the next round, who chooses the film, or simply the glory of winning. Since every horse has exactly the same chance, there's no need for handicaps or odds — it's fair by design. For big groups you can run several rounds and keep a scoreboard, or play a "final" between the winners of each race. And if you only need to decide between two people, assign a horse to each and let the final sprint bring the tension.
Frequently asked questions
Do all horses have the same chance of winning?
Yes. No horse is favored; the winner is decided completely at random.
How many horses compete?
Several horses race each time so every participant can pick one.
Is the result decided in advance?
Each horse’s pace is generated at random during the race, so the finish is unpredictable.
Are results stored?
No. Everything happens in your browser and nothing is sent to our servers.
Can I put each person's name on a horse?
This version uses numbered, colored horses so each participant can pick theirs at a glance. If you'd rather type specific names and have chance pick one, the name draw or the wheel will suit you better, since you enter the list of participants there.
Why does a horse sometimes surge at the end?
Because each horse's pace is recalculated at random throughout the race, not just once at the start. That's why one running last can put on a burst of speed and win at the finish line, just like a real race.
Does it involve money betting?
No. It's a purely recreational way to draw lots at hangouts, meals or livestreams; there's no real money involved.