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If you are looking for an alternative to the traditional form of wagering, pool betting could well be for you. Pool betting involves funds being placed into a “pool”, before being shared among the winners. Pool betting is now available with some of the leading bookmakers in the UK. This form of wagering is also enjoying something of a renaissance, so there has never been a better time to get involved. On this page, we will explain everything that there is to know about pools betting. This includes the best sports, examples and leading pools betting sites.
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To activate your Sportsbook 50% Back as a Free Bet up to £35 and 10 Free Spins, simply deposit and bet on any Sportsbook markets of your choice (horse racing, football, tennis, darts etc) at minimum odds of evens (2.00) or greater. At least 3 bets (on different selections) must be placed to qualify for 50% back, 2 of which must be 50% in value of the largest bet you place. Provided you place at least 1 bet of £10 or greater at minimum odds evens (2.00) or greater you're guaranteed a £5 Free Bet and 10 Free Spins either way. Sportsbook losses are calculated from the time of your first settled bet until 23:59 the same day. Only settled bets from the first day of Sportsbook bets qualify for inclusion. Casino losses qualify separately under QuinnCasino 50% Cashback Welcome Offer. If at the end of the day (23:59) your account has losses overall, you will get 50% back as a free bet up to a maximum of £35 plus 10 Free Spins.
18+. Play Safe. 3x £10 free bets. Free bets expire after 30 days. New customers signing up through mobile or tablet device only. Minimum £10 stake on odds of 1/2 (1.5) or greater on sportsbook (excluding Virtual markets). Further terms apply. #ad
Sign up using H30 in the Promo Code section. Once registered, place a £10/€10 bet (at odds of 1/2 (1.5) or greater). Once the qualifying bet has settled, to access your free bet add a new selection to your bet slip. The free bets will be available in the Rewards section. Free bets will be paid as 2 x £15/€15 denominations once the first qualifying bet has been settled; free bets will expire 30 days after the qualifying bet is placed. This Promotion is not available to new accounts depositing funds with Paypal, Neosurf, Paysafe, Neteller, Skrill, ecoPayz, Kalibra/Postpay, William Hill PLUS Card;
18+ New customer offer. Min deposit £10 with promo code: GET40. A qualifying bet is a ‘real money’ stake of at least £10 using Bet Builder. Min odds 2/1 (3.0). Free Bets credited upon qualifying bet settlement, expire after 3 days and valid for football markets only. Free Bet stakes not included in returns. Withdrawal restrictions, payment methods, country & full T&C’s apply. BeGambleAware
You can earn £40 in Free Bets by placing a qualifying bet. You must enter the following promotional code when making your first deposit: GET40. A qualifying bet is your first ‘real money’ stake of at least £10 at odds of 2/1 (3.0) or greater placed using Bet Builder. Bets placed using a Free Bet, Cashed Out, Voided and Permutation bets. Members making their first deposits with PayPal, Muchbetter, Paysafecard, Neteller or Skrill. Free Bets will be credited upon qualifying bet settlement; occasionally, this may take up to 72 hours after bet settlement but no longer. Once credited, Free Bets expire after 3 days. Free Bets will be credited as four separate £10 tokens.
Free Bets can only be used on football markets.
Join today and bet £10 in your first week of play to receive £10 in bonus funds. Marketing opt-in required.
Spend £10 (or currency equivalent) within the first 7 days of your play and we will credit you £10 in bonus funds. The time starts counting from the point when you make your first bet after depositing (Including FreePlays). You can use your bonus funds to fund any bet into a Colossus pool. We will automatically use bonus funds ahead of cash to fund your bets. You can use a combination of bonus funds and cash to fund a bet.
This promotion is only valid for new and eligible customers at clubfp.footballpools.com who play the Classic Pools game (the “Product”) on clubfp.footballpools.com.
Only available to new Classic Pools customers. Must be entered to play every Classic Pools game (at least twice a week) for £10 per month. Must provide valid bank details (DirectDebit) or card details (Visa) or PayPal details. If playing by Direct Debit your first 4 games will be free. If playing by card (Visa) or PayPal you will receive 4 games free with your first payment You can cancel at any time. Offer can only be claimed once per person, household or IP address
What Makes A Good Pool Betting Site
As with traditional betting, there are a number of factors which separate the best pool betting sites from the restl. When we are ranking available platforms in the UK, we take into account the following points:
Usability – Punters should take as red that our top ranked pool betting sites are completely legal and safe. As a result, one of the most important things to consider is how easy it is to place bets. The top pool betting sites come with modern designs and clever designs. Such attributes make browsing markets quick and simple. Operators must also now ensure that pool bets can be placed on mobile devices. When it comes to usability, there are few better sites than Quinnbet. Quinnbet has ensured that pool markets can be accessed in just the click or tap of a button.
Markets – Punters will not have as many options at pool betting sites than they do on traditional sportsbooks. Bets are normally accepted on football, horse racing, tennis and basketball. However, players will still want to have a good number of options to choose from. As such, the leading leagues/competitions must be covered. Punters are likely to find something to suit their needs with Colossus Bets.
Support – While there is a misconception that pool betting is difficult to understand, it is still nice to know that support is on hand when needed. At sports betting sites today, support is available via both email and live chat, with many bookies also offering telephone options. However, being active on Facebook and Twitter, we recommend BoyleSports, who look after their customers well.
Promotions – Promotions are certainly harder to come by when it comes to pool betting. However, they can still be found. Promotions can help punters in maximising winnings and minimising losses. Each offer will come with unique terms and conditions, some of which are more realistic than others. When it comes to pool betting promos, TheFootballBets is well worth checking out. They run regular prize draws, coming with huge cash rewards.
Payments – Funding pool bets and taking home winnings should be simple too. A good number of payment methods are generally available, including bank cards and e-wallets. Payments should be processed quickly and without charge. Offering Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Neteller and Skrill, among others, Betfred are one of the leading bookies in this area.
Top 5 Pool Betting Sites UK
While an increasing number of bookmakers offer pools markets, there are undoubtedly some which stand out from the crowd. Let’s take a closer look at our favourite pool betting sites, including their pros and cons:
1. Quinnbet
Founded in 2017, Quinnbet offers more pool betting markets than most other bookmakers. Pool bets can be placed on football, horse racing, tennis and basketball. Licensed and regulated by the Gambling Commission, Quinnbet has developed an excellent reputation for itself. The number of syndicates ranges between events, with punters being able to join an existing syndicate or create their own. It is easy to see when pools start, as well as how much it costs to enter.
Partnered with Colossus Bets, BoyleSports is another leading platform for pools betting. One of the best things about Boylesports is the fact that prizes can be won by those who narrowly miss out on the jackpot. Known as consolation prizes, an example could be getting 7 out of 8 predictions correct. This is a major selling point. Football, horse racing, basketball and ice hockey are among the available sports. A cash out feature is also available, with Boylesports benefiting heavily from what Colossus Bets has to offer.
As well as the web’s biggest betting exchange, Betfair also offers pools through Colossus Bets. With sportsbook and virtual options also being found, Betfair is quite rightly regarded as one of the leading operators around. Bets can be placed on a dedicated app, which is available on both iOS and Android devices. Meanwhile, punters can also take advantage of a regularly updated sports blog, 24/7 support and betting tips.
What We Like:
Pools accompanied by sportsbook & exchange options
As one of the best known and historic bookmakers in the world, it should come as no surprise that William Hill offers this type of betting too. Tote betting on horse racing is available daily, while football options are also found. There sportsbook makes it easy to find pools, with punters being provided with all necessary information. Bets can be placed on a dedicated betting app too, perfect for mobile customers. Meanwhile, William Hill scores highly when it comes to support, payments and usability.
Betfred had the monopoly on UK horse racing tote betting until from 2011 to 2018, with the bookie still remaining one of the key names in this area. Exacta, trifecta and other bets can be placed on horse racing, while football options are also available. A generous welcome bonus is available to customers, with the Betfred sportsbook featuring daily price boosts.
Having first come to prominence in the 90’s, pool betting is very much back. Popular in the UK and other regions, pool betting is all about community. There are a number of different types of pool markets available today, including Tote and pari-mutuel. While many are put off because of this, those who take the time to do their homework will undoubtedly enjoy pool betting.
Simply put, all punters betting on a particular selection will see their money go into a kitty. Upon that selection winning, winnings will be divided from the pool. It is important to recognise that there are no odds involved. However, some pool betting sites will charge a commission. In order to help beginners understand how pool betting works, let’s take a look at an example:
Based on a Premier League football match involving Manchester United and Liverpool, there are three possible outcomes. Bets can be placed on a Manchester United win, draw or Liverpool win. Let’s say that 10 people have bet on Manchester United, 5 on the draw and 8 on Liverpool to win. Each bet is worth £1. The total jackpot for this event would be £23. Those placing winning bets would share this jackpot.
Horse Racing Pool Betting
Horse racing is the sport most commonly associated with pool betting. Referred to as Tote betting on many sites, win/place, exacta, trifecta and swinger are among the available bets. When it comes to leading meetings from Ascot or Aintree, jackpots can be significant. However, the more people that back the winner, the lower the winnings will be. William Hill regularly offers horse racing pool betting markets, having been one of the first bookies to offer this form of wagering.
Football Horse Racing
There are few better options for fans of the beautiful game than The Football Pools. Here, punters can place classic pools bets, as well as goal rush, jackpot and lucky clover wagers. With football being the most popular betting sport in the UK today, it should come as no surprise that pool options have been made available by many bookies.
Types of Pool Betting
The number of available bets varies between sports. With football and horse racing being the most common and popular sports for pool betting, these are what we will focus upon. With that being said, the following are the different types of pool betting available to punters in the UK today:
Football Pools Online Betting
1×2 – In football, there are three possible match results. A home win, draw or away win. This betting market is known as 1×2. Football pools betting involves predicting the result of selected matches. While it sounds simple, the competitive nature of the game makes it tricky.
Both Teams to Score – Given the amount of attacking quality in football today, betting on both teams scoring during 90 minutes is another popular bet. Punters can stake on either “Yes” or “No”, with goals scored at any time being eligible.
Correct Score – The market with the greatest risk is correct score. Here, punters must successfully predict the exact scoreline at full time. For example, if two struggling teams are going head to head, punters may wish to bet on a goalless draw. Alternatively, anything from 2-1 to 5-0 can be predicted.
Whichever option is chosen, it is worth remembering that the more picks, the higher the potential rewards will be. However, this obviously enhances the risk too. Jackpots can range from £5,000 to millions.
Horse Racing Pools Online Betting
Win/Place – As with fixed odds horse racing, pools players can bet on runners to either win or place. This is the simplest option, meaning that it comes as no surprise that it is the most popular.
Exacta – Here, punters must successfully predict the first two finishers in a race. Straight and reverse exactas are offered by most pool betting sites. The latter means that the horses can finish in any order.
Swinger – Should you back two horses that finish inside the top 3 you will win a share of the pool. Those who successfully back an outsider will receive higher earnings.
Trifecta – A trifecta involves predicting which three runners will finish in the top 3 places. A straight trifecta means that the order is not important. However, some will fancy placing a combination trifecta. This means successfully predicting the exact order, with six possible outcomes being available.
Placepot – Here, punters must bet on a horse to place in the first six races of a particular meeting. This is an excellent option for those looking for major returns from a small stake.
Quadpot – For those looking to avoid the first two races of the day, the quadpot makes it possible to back a place finisher in races 3, 4, 5 and 6 instead.
Jackpot – Available on specific race meetings, punters must successfully predict the winner of the first six races in order to collect the jackpot.
Pool Betting vs. Fixed Odds Betting
At this point, you may still be weighing up whether to stick to fixed odds betting or turn to pools betting. The biggest difference between the two formats is the lack of odds with pool betting. This can be either a benefit or limitation, depending on your needs. Punters will not know how much they are going to win from successful bets.
As such, they must make a prediction on both the result, as well as how other players will bet. While there is a chance to win large amounts, however this obviously depends on the number of bets placed. As such, those wagering on less high profile sporting events may receive relatively small earnings. The following are the main pros and cons of pool betting, perfect for those looking to decide whether it is right for them:
Pros:
Value – For those with an expert knowledge on one of more sports, pool betting offers a good opportunity to win regularly. This is because rather than going head to head with bookies, punters are going up against other bettors.
Excitement – Pool betting is undoubtedly very enjoyable. In comparison to fixed odds and exchange bets, many punters will find pool bets more rewarding, especially if they win!
Outsiders – Pool betting is likely to suit those looking to bet on underdogs. Whether it be in a horse race featuring 20+ runners or a Championship football team to beat their Premier League opponent in the FA Cup, the less bets placed will lead to larger returns.
Cons:
Fewer Markets – Leading sportsbook sites come with 25 to 30 different sports in most cases. However, pool betting customers should not expect such diversity. Generally, only a select few sports will be available to wager on. Football and horse racing are the most common. Tennis and basketball are increasingly common too.
Potential Winnings – With no fixed odds being involved, punters will have no idea about how much they can make from pool bets. As such, it is unlikely to suit those who like to plan out their bets in advance.
An Example of Pool Betting Returns
Before you get involved in betting pools, it is important to understand exactly how things work. Pools betting explained can perhaps be achieved best by looking at an example of how returns can be made. We will look at horse racing, given that this is the most popular pool sports. Imagine that you wish to bet on a number of races at Cheltenham. Winnings will differ, based on the size of the bet and number of lines. Let’s say the placepot is paying £2,000 to a £1 stake, with four winning £0.20 lines having been placed. This would make a total of £0.80 in winning bets, meaning that £1,600 would be won.
Bottom Line on Pool Betting
For those looking for something a little different, pool betting could well be the way forward! Our recommended sites all offer something a little different, with those who successfully predict sporting outcomes being in a position to win significant jackpots. While horse racing and football are the most common sports, others are being added quickly. The lack of odds should not put punters off either. Pool betting comes with a host of benefits, which undoubtedly outweigh the minor limitations. So, be sure to check out our top ranked pools betting sites. As always, each is completely safe and trustworthy.
We’ve enhanced our UK Sportsbook Welcome Offer. Get 50% Back as a Free Bet up to £35 (normally £25) plus 10 Free Spins! A minimum of 3 bets at odds of evens (2.00) or greater is required to qualify for the max free bet, which is based on 50% back of first day losses. Even if your account is up, a single £10 Bet at the minimum odds, secures a £5 Free Bet & 10 Free Spins. UK 18+T&C’s
To activate your Sportsbook 50% Back as a Free Bet up to £35 and 10 Free Spins, simply deposit and bet on any Sportsbook markets of your choice (horse racing, football, tennis, darts etc) at minimum odds of evens (2.00) or greater. At least 3 bets (on different selections) must be placed to qualify for 50% back, 2 of which must be 50% in value of the largest bet you place. Provided you place at least 1 bet of £10 or greater at minimum odds evens (2.00) or greater you're guaranteed a £5 Free Bet and 10 Free Spins either way. Sportsbook losses are calculated from the time of your first settled bet until 23:59 the same day. Only settled bets from the first day of Sportsbook bets qualify for inclusion. Casino losses qualify separately under QuinnCasino 50% Cashback Welcome Offer. If at the end of the day (23:59) your account has losses overall, you will get 50% back as a free bet up to a maximum of £35 plus 10 Free Spins.
Pool Betting FAQs
What is pool betting?
Pool betting involves wagering on the outcome of a sporting event, with winnings being calculated by the number of other bets placed. The total from all bets creates the “pool”, from which winnings are paid out. Pool betting can involve one or a number of events.
What are the most important betting pool rules?
When placing such bets, it is important to remember that there are no odds. As such, punters will not be able to calculate their potential winnings. On top of this, a proportion of your stake is likely to be retained by the operator.
Is pools betting available with all bookmakers?
No. Pool betting is only available with selected online bookmakers. However, punters in the UK will find that many of the leading brands in the industry cater for their needs. Betfair pool betting is hugely popular, while Quinnbet, Boylesports and William Hill are other good alternatives.
What leagues/tournaments are football betting pools available on?
A huge number of football leagues and tournaments are found on pool betting sites today. The English Premier League is undoubtedly the most popular. However, bets can be placed on the Champions League, La Liga and World Cup, among other competitions.
Which sports is online pool betting available on?
The most commonly associated sports are horse racing and football. However, more sports are being added, with tennis and basketball options now being available too.
Are sports betting pool promotions available online?
Promotions tend to be available only to sportsbook and betting exchange customers. However, some of our top ranked pool betting sites also offer promotions. Both new and existing customers will potentially find themselves in a position to qualify.
James Fuller
Betting Expert
James Fuller is a sports journalist based in Bath, England. Specializing in sports and iGaming, he has worked for a variety of leading online publications in the past, having first created content for safebettingsites in 2020. James also has a degree in Sport & Leisure Management from Sheffield Hallam University.
He also has a certificate in Football Communication & Digital Media from the Sports Business Institute in Barcelona, which James has used to help brands enhace their following and reputation on online platforms. With almost a decade of experience in sports writing to his name, James has received outstanding feedback from existing and former clients.