How It Works
For HostsRunning a game
From picking a game to announcing winners — here's how hosting works.
Pick a Game
Browse upcoming NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, FIFA World Cup, MLS, or college games. Select the matchup you want to run squares for — game times, team info, and live scores are all handled automatically.
Playoff games marked "If Necessary" may be cancelled if the series ends early — you'll get a full refund automatically.
Configure & Pay
Name your game, choose a prize structure (winner-take-all, by quarter, by period, etc.), and optionally add Advanced Invites for email & SMS delivery. Pay $7.99 to launch.
The $7.99 covers the platform only. You set your own buy-in and manage all prizes directly with participants.
Share Your Join Link
Every game gets a unique join link. Copy it from your Control Panel and share it via text, group chat, email, or social. Participants click the link and pick their squares.
Turn on PIN protection to limit who can join, or use Advanced Invites to send personalized magic links to specific people.
Numbers Assign Automatically
One hour before kickoff, the board locks and numbers 0–9 are randomly assigned to each row and column. No one — including the host — knows the numbers until then.
You can manually lock and assign numbers early from the Control Panel if you need to.
Scores Update Live
Once the game starts, scores refresh automatically from the sports API. The board updates in real time — participants can watch their squares light up as the game progresses.
Winners Detected Automatically
At the end of each quarter (or period/inning), the platform detects which square matches the last digit of each team's score and highlights it as the winner.
Use "Scan to Verify" in the Control Panel to confirm winners and mark their squares as acknowledged at your event.
For PlayersJoining a game
Got an invite link? Here's what happens next.
Get Your Invite
The host shares a join link with you — via text, email, or group chat. Tap it on any device. No app required.
Enter Your Name
Type your name on the join page. If you already have a SportSquares account, sign in to see all your games in one place.
Claim Your Squares
Tap any available square on the 10×10 grid to claim it. You can grab multiple squares up to your limit. When you're happy with your picks, lock them in.
Save Your Ticket
You'll get a unique claim code (like TEAL-8847) and a QR wallet ticket. Save it — the host scans it to verify your squares and acknowledge your win.
Watch & Win
Follow the live score on the board during the game. Your winning squares light up with a trophy at the end of each period.
Your Wallet Ticket
After claiming your squares, you'll see a digital wallet ticket with your unique claim code and a QR code. Screenshot it or add it to your home screen. The host scans it to verify your squares instantly.
Works offline — no signal needed Add to iPhone Home Screen as a web app Host scans to verify in seconds SharingHow to invite players
The join link works everywhere. Here are the most common ways hosts share it.
Public
Anyone with the link can join. Best for friends, family, and small groups where you know everyone who'll receive the link.
PIN Protected
Guests need a 6-digit PIN before joining. Share the link publicly but keep the PIN private — only people you tell can get in.
Private Invites
Each guest gets a unique personal link via email or SMS. They arrive pre-approved with no queue. Requires Advanced Invites add-on ($2.99).
TV / Kiosk ModePut it on the big screen
Display the live board on any TV. A QR code lets walk-up guests join instantly from their phone.
Amazon Fire TV
- On your Fire TV remote, hold the Home button and select "Apps"
- Go to the search bar and search "Silk Browser"
- Open Silk Browser and navigate to your TV Display URL from the Control Panel
- Press the Menu button on your remote and select "Full Screen"
- For best results, set the Fire TV display scale to 100% in Settings → Display & Sounds
Apple TV
- Open the App Store and install any browser (Infuse or Safari Remote)
- Navigate to your TV Display URL from the Control Panel
- Use AirPlay from your iPhone to mirror full-screen
Chromecast / Smart TV
- Open Chrome on your laptop and navigate to the TV Display URL
- Click the three-dot menu → Cast → your Chromecast
- Or use your Smart TV's built-in browser directly
Mobile AppsTake it with you
SportSquares works great in any mobile browser, and native apps give you a faster, more integrated experience.
- Browse and join games on the go
- View your squares and live scores
- Receive winner notifications
- Save your QR wallet ticket to your phone
- Host games from your phone
Requires iOS 15 or later
- Browse and join games on the go
- View your squares and live scores
- Receive winner notifications
- Save your QR wallet ticket to your phone
- Host games from your phone
Requires Android 8.0 or later
- Full game experience in any browser
- Works on iPhone, Android, desktop
- Add to Home Screen for app-like experience
- Your wallet ticket saves as a web shortcut
- No download or account required to join
Always up to date — no updates to install
FAQCommon questions
Ready to run your game?
Browse upcoming games and launch in under 5 minutes for $7.99.