The Pools

The Pools Sister Sites 2025

The Pools has been around since 1923, which means people have been making money out of betting on football for over a century. Is the modern version of The Pools a direct continuation of that company which started in the 1920s? It would very much like you to believe it is, but the truth is difficult to ascertain. The Pools broke off in several directions in the 1990s and never quite put all of its pieces together again, so there are a few companies that now claim to be “the one true Pools.” Football Pools Limited is the biggest of them, and The Pools is the biggest of the individual iGaming sites carrying the name. There used to be a few Pools sister sites – including a couple devoted to individual football clubs – but now there’s just one.

Football Pools

At first glance, you might struggle to notice any significant differences between The Pools and The Football Pools other than the decor. Truth be told, you might still be struggling to spot any significant differences between the two after a second glance. Try a third, though, and you might spot that The Football Pools is a slimmed-down version of The Pools. The modern version of The Pools is a vast, sprawling website which includes slots and other forms of iGaming. The Football Pools, by contrast, offers only football pools and lottery games. Each of The Pools sister sites operates within a niche, and the niche of The Football Pools is to provide a straight-to-the-point user experience to players who couldn’t care less about slots and simply want to bet on matches without being distracted by side games. It’s a little plain, but that’s the point of it.

The Pools News

6th April 2025: The Betting Lounge has recently covered the ins and outs of the banking procedures at the Pools sister sites. After putting the site’s updated withdrawal system to the test, their findings paint a far more efficient picture than expected. The Pools, which has been part of the British betting scene for decades, recently lowered its minimum withdrawal threshold from £10 to £5 and now supports quicker payout options for those using Visa Direct. In the test run, money requested through a Visa debit card hit the account in just 45 minutes, giving it an edge over other platforms that still leave customers waiting a few business days. Mastercard and PayPal withdrawals are also accepted, but both come with longer processing windows of two to five working days. No transaction fees are attached to any of the withdrawal methods, which removes an extra concern for those cashing out smaller wins.

Getting started with a withdrawal was described as straightforward. From the logged-in dashboard, players can access the cashier, select a preferred method, enter the amount (no less than a fiver), and confirm the request. Once that’s done, the transaction begins its journey. The rapid turnaround for Visa users is due to Visa Direct, which a number of UK betting sites have now adopted to provide faster banking services. Though the selection of methods remains limited, the improvements made so far are a step in the right direction for The Pools, especially as its sportsbook and casino continue to grow. For those who appreciate prompt processing and minimal fuss, this setup will likely tick the right boxes.

7th March 2025: The Pools is currently undertaking a major rebrand, and plenty of publications focused on the iGaming and spectator sports industry have taken note. Once a household name in British betting, the brand is stepping into a new era with a modernised identity that merges nostalgia with a forward-thinking approach. The company has introduced a refreshed logo alongside a large-scale marketing campaign spanning out-of-home advertising and radio promotions. The aim is to preserve the legacy that long-time players associate with The Pools while attracting new customers with a more contemporary look and digital experience. A key part of the relaunch is the digital reinvention of Classic Pools, allowing members to select their preferred games and set monthly spending limits while gaining access to exclusive perks, including free-to-play games and free bets.

Liverpool and Manchester have already seen the first wave of advertising installations, with the “The Parents” campaign making its debut, reconnecting audiences with the brand’s history while introducing it to a fresh wave of players. A television and video-on-demand campaign is set to follow, further extending the reach of the rebrand. Alongside this transformation, The Pools’ online platform has been upgraded through its partnership with Gaming Innovation Group, ensuring an improved user experience with the adoption of GiG’s SportX sportsbook and CoreX gaming platform. The rebrand is being positioned as more than just a visual overhaul—it’s a shift towards a more interactive and engaging gaming experience that retains the familiarity of the original while adapting to the digital landscape.

10th February 2025: The Treasure Island Madness promotion is still going strong across The Pools sister sites, giving players the chance to land one of 1,750 prizes each week, including a daily top prize of £1,000. The promotion is simple to enter—just launch Treasure Island during the event period and opt in to be eligible for random cash drops. With a minimum qualifying bet of just £0.20, it remains accessible to players of all levels, and since prizes are awarded as cash with no wagering requirements, any winnings can be withdrawn immediately. Running until the 5th of March, the promotion operates on a weekly cycle, with prize drops taking place every day. The prize pool is shared across the participating network, meaning every spin carries the potential to trigger a reward, with prize amounts ranging from £5 to £1,000.

Each day, the system updates in real time, showing how many prizes remain and keeping players informed about their chances of securing a win. The mechanics are straightforward—any real-money bet in the game can activate a prize drop, and since there’s no limit on how many times a player can win, multiple rewards are possible in a single session. The promotion is powered by Pragmatic Play, known for its network-wide prize campaigns, ensuring a consistent and well-structured system for distributing rewards. The total expected prize pool for the entire event is an impressive £252,000, making it one of the most rewarding ongoing promotions on the platform. While the format is familiar to players who have participated in similar campaigns, the real-time prize table and guaranteed cash payouts make it an attractive option for those looking for an extra boost while spinning the reels.

12th January 2025: This week, Betting.co.uk published everything you need to know about the withdrawal times at The Pools, providing a detailed breakdown of what players can expect. Known for its straightforward approach, The Pools has streamlined its withdrawal process to ensure transactions are quick and user-friendly. The site currently supports only debit card withdrawals through Visa and Mastercard, with a minimum withdrawal limit set at £10. The guide informs that transactions are processed within three days, and players typically see their funds arrive in their bank accounts within three to five working days, although many report receiving their money even sooner. Eligibility requirements play a key role in ensuring a smooth withdrawal experience. Players must verify their identity and residency before initiating transactions, and the card used must be registered in the player’s name.

The Pools maintains strict adherence to these measures, ensuring compliance with UK gambling regulations while prioritising security for its users. Betting.co.uk also highlighted the absence of maximum withdrawal limits on The Pools, a feature that appeals to high-stakes players looking for unrestricted cashouts. The platform’s simplicity extends to its withdrawal process, with step-by-step instructions available to guide users from logging in to submitting a withdrawal request. For those encountering delays or issues, customer support options include live chat, email, and phone assistance, ensuring players have access to help when needed. The article also emphasised that The Pools’ withdrawal process reflects its reputation as a trusted platform in the UK. By sticking to its promise of quick payouts and offering a no-fee policy on withdrawals, the platform is frequently lauded for its reliability.

11th December 2024: The Pools may be better known as a platform which presents unique and lucrative pool betting opportunities, but this year, it laid out one of the best selections of Christmas slots, including Reindeer Royale. This latest release from ELK Studios takes a festive twist on the studio’s 2023 hit Rabbit Royale, blending holiday charm with a darker, chaotic edge. The game features a group of vengeful reindeer set on collecting cash values through a variety of features, including respins, free spins, and a new Ghost Collect mechanic. Its high volatility and 94% RTP make it a bold choice for players seeking festive thrills, with the potential to win up to 25,000x the stake. Set against a chilly, desolate snowscape, the 5×5 grid offers 259 ways to win, with payouts triggered by adjacent symbol connections. The reindeer themselves play a central role in collecting ammunition cache values, which act as cash prizes, while also collecting from adjacent reindeer.

The added tension of respins ensures the action keeps players on their toes. Meanwhile, free spins bring sticky reindeer into the mix, ramping up opportunities to stack winnings as they persist through the feature. ELK Studios’ X-iter bonus buy options give players flexibility, ranging from spins with guaranteed reindeer to fully loaded bonus rounds featuring multiple reindeer in play. These features complement the striking visuals and intense sound effects, creating a gaming experience that captures the chaos of the season in an unconventional way. While symbol payouts are lower than in its predecessor, the game’s mischievous aesthetics more than compensate.

13th November 2024: The Pools sister sites don’t often get a look in when lists of the best UK sports betting platforms are being drafted, but they did when the Rangers Review provided their list of top 10. This recognition comes at a pivotal time when The Pools has been quietly upgrading its betting options and tools to better serve a diverse clientele. The focus on popular sports like football, horse racing, golf, and tennis, coupled with a straightforward but compelling welcome offer of a £10 weekly ACCA free bet plus 100 free spins, was enough to seal 6th place on the Rangers Review’s list as such promotions are particularly valuable for loyal customers and reflect a commitment to value over flashy gimmicks.

The Pools is praised for maintaining the traditional charm of football pools betting, an attraction for those nostalgic for the betting experiences of yesteryear but still seeking modern betting conveniences. Unlike many of its competitors, The Pools also incorporates a decent casino section, providing an all-rounded gambling experience. Payment methods are kept streamlined with options like debit cards and e-wallets, and support is readily available via email or phone, highlighting their customer-centric approach. While The Pools might not boast the same exhaustive range of sports markets as some higher-ranked competitors, its focused approach and weekly betting incentives make it a notable contender. The simplicity of its platform, combined with the classic betting options it offers, positions The Pools not just as a nostalgic nod to the past but as a viable choice for today’s punters who value consistency and reliability in their betting experience.

18th October 2024: Reading the terms and conditions for welcome bonuses can be confusing, which is why Goal.com frequently explains in crystal-clear terms what players can expect from welcome packages. This week, the betting experts turned their attention to the betting offer at The Pools. In a straightforward breakdown, Goal.com explains that the welcome offer grants new users £10 in free bets for a £20 qualifying stake. To partake, newcomers must invest in two £10 stakes on 4+ leg pre-match accumulator bets, where each must carry odds of at least 2/1 (3.0). Once these are settled, players are awarded a £10 free bet, which can be used on a 3+ leg accumulator with each leg having odds of 1/2 or higher.

The process to claim this offer involves simple steps: navigating through a provided link, registering with personal details, and making a deposit—no promo code required. This streamlined approach makes it easy for all players to participate without the worry of missing out due to an unentered code. However, the offer has its challenges; the initial £20 stake is somewhat steep compared to industry standards where a £10 bet is usually sufficient to unlock welcome bonuses. Moreover, the specific requirements for both the qualifying and free bets demand strategic choices by the bettor, which adds an element of skill to claiming the reward. Comparatively, The Pools’ offer is modest, with competitors often providing higher bonus amounts or lower qualifying stakes. Yet, it remains attractive due to its straightforward nature and the absence of a promo code.

10th September 2024: The Pools only managed to garner a 3.7 / 5-star review from Bojoko recently, with its banking options severely letting the side down. Despite providing a unique betting experience, this was not enough to significantly impress the reviewers at Bojoko who weren’t in favour of how the betting brand combines a deep heritage with modern betting convenience. Starting with the positives, Bojoko mentioned that the bookmaker offers competitive odds across more than 30 sports, including eSports, and distinguishes itself with its classic football pools. This format allows bettors to predict match outcomes to accumulate points towards a grand prize, maintaining a link to the brand’s historic roots while adapting to current market demands. However, while the site boasts broad betting markets and has evolved to integrate a comprehensive sportsbook, certain areas have not kept pace, particularly the banking processes.

Bojoko warned punters face a narrow range of payment methods and slow withdrawal times, aspects that significantly detract from the overall user experience. Additionally, despite its solid customer service and user-friendly platform, the absence of live streaming capabilities further limits its appeal to modern bettors looking for a dynamic betting environment. However, it may still be worth giving The Pools sister sites a try as for those new to The Pools, the welcome incentives include over £50 worth of weekly free bets and 100 free spins on casino slots. This approach, focusing on regular small bonuses rather than a large one-off welcome bonus, might appeal to regular punters who prefer incremental benefits over time.

14th August 2024: The Pools has selected 12 football matches to integrate into its Premier 12 competition, offering players the chance to predict the outcomes and win a share of the prize pool. This weekend’s Premier 12 features a mix of fixtures from the English Championship and League One, with several intriguing matchups. Among them is the Cardiff vs. Sunderland game, where Cardiff, who finished 12th last season, are looking to improve their home form. However, Sunderland, under new manager Regis Le Bris, might have the upper hand, making a draw or an away win a strong possibility. Another notable fixture is Leeds vs. Portsmouth, where Leeds, fresh from a narrow miss in last season’s promotion play-offs, will be eager to start strong against newly promoted Portsmouth.

The in-house blog which announced this week’s prediction challenge suggests that Leeds are likely to secure a home win. Middlesbrough, who are also eyeing promotion, are expected to have the edge over Swansea in their upcoming match, having ended last season in good form and recently extending Michael Carrick’s contract as manager. The Pools’ competition also includes the Millwall vs. Watford clash, where Watford might avoid defeat despite Millwall’s strong finish to last season. Finally, Norwich, under new management, travel to face Oxford United, who are adjusting to life in the Championship after their promotion. Norwich is tipped to take all three points in this encounter. Participants in the Premier 12 competition can either take note of The Pools’ overview of these key matches or act on their own intuition as they aim for a slice of the prize pool.

17th July 2024: The Pools isn’t as famous as it used to be, so user reviews on Trustpilot are a great way to get a feel of the site before you invest any time, money or luck into it. With a TrustScore of 3.5 out of 5 from 582 reviews, The Pools provides a mixed experience according to its users. Positive feedback frequently highlights the excellent customer service, particularly the live chat support. One satisfied user recounted how they were initially nervous about having to provide additional verification for a withdrawal, but after reassurance from chat support, the process was smooth and completed within 24 hours. Another user mentioned that an agent named Rita efficiently handled their minor issue, showing the promptness and effectiveness of the support team.

However, the site also has its share of criticisms. Some users have reported slow responses from the online chat, which, although eventually resolving their issues, added to their frustration. There are also complaints about delays in withdrawal processing. One user expressed disappointment over a pending payment that had not been resolved despite several escalations to customer support. Additionally, another reviewer had a negative experience with the casino aspect of the site, finding it unreliable in terms of payouts and bonuses. Despite these setbacks, it is evident that The Pools does strive to address issues, even if the resolution process can be slow at times. The customer service team, especially agents like Rita, receives praise for their friendliness and effectiveness when managing problems. This balance of feedback suggests that while The Pools has room for improvement, particularly in speeding up customer service responses and withdrawal processes, it remains a viable option for those seeking online betting services.

18th June 2024: This week, Hacksaw Gaming’s Stormforged received the honour of being named the Slot of the Week at the Pools sister sites, meaning that by engaging with this game, you can claim 10 – 100 free spins, depending on how much you stake. Stormforged, released on 30 March 2023, has enthralled players worldwide with its blend of Norse mythology and high-volatility gameplay. The game features a 5-reel, 4-row layout with 14 betways, offering a maximum win potential of 12,500 times your bet. Its return to player (RTP) varies between 88.46% and 96.41%, catering to different risk preferences – be sure to check the RTP before you start spinning so there aren’t any nasty surprises!

The slot’s theme immerses players in the epic clash of fire and ice, featuring two distinct bonus games set in the realms of Muspelheim and Midgard. The Hand of Surtur scatter symbol triggers the Portal to Muspelheim, which can turn standard symbols into wilds with potential multipliers ranging from 2x to 200x. If the portal intersects a Treasure Chest symbol, players can win additional cash prizes up to 2,500 times their bet. Another feature, Surtur’s Vengeance, awards up to 14 free spins with sticky wilds that persist through the bonus round. In the Warriors of the Storm bonus feature, triggered by landing Viking scatter symbols, players receive up to 14 free spins. During this feature, the Hammer of Thor scatter can transform reels into Storm Reels filled with wilds and multipliers. These multipliers can significantly boost winnings, with values reaching up to 200x for the Berserker warrior.

23rd May 2024: The Pools has launched an enticing new promotion for Premier League Darts fans, offering a chance to earn free bets during the final. To participate, customers need to place a £10 stake on any Premier League Darts Specials. In return, for every checkout of 100 or more during the Premier League Final, they will receive a £1 free bet. This offer is limited to one per customer, with a maximum reward of £10 in free bets, which expire seven days after being awarded. To qualify, bets must be placed on the specified Premier League Darts Specials, accessible through The Pools’ website. Once a qualifying bet is settled, eligible players will see the free bets credited to their accounts the following day. The free bet stakes are not included in returns, and they must be used on odds ranging from 1.5 (1/2) to 101 (100/1).

Participants must be 18 or older and UK residents. The promotion can only be entered once per customer, and any attempts to breach this rule, such as using multiple accounts, may result in disqualification and forfeiture of winnings. If players wish to withdraw from the promotion, they can contact customer service to cancel their participation. This offer underscores The Pools’ commitment to facilitating additional enjoyment of Premier League Darts by providing additional incentives. However, they emphasise fair play and may take action against any activities deemed to exploit the promotion unfairly. Full terms and conditions apply, which participants are encouraged to read thoroughly to ensure compliance and a smooth betting experience.

Can The Pools Be Trusted?

★★★★

The Pools is a 4-star trusted casino.

1. Licenses and Fines	The Pools holds a UK Gambling Commission licence, but regulatory action was taken against the operator in 2025. See our review below for full details.
2. Accepts UK players?	This is an iconic UK-only betting brand.
3. Trustpilot Score	3.4/5.0 (>775 reviews).
4. Operator Name & Location	Football Pools Limited is based in Liverpool.
5. Bonus Terms	Generally no wagering requirements.
6. Customer Support	Email, live chat and telephone support are all provided.
7. Withdrawal Speed & Options	PayPal or debit card, 2-5 business days.
8. Number of Sister Sites	The Pools sister sites are listed above.
9. Games portfolio	While this a sports betting site, Pools Casino has expanded considerably in recent years, offering lotto and free-to-play games as well as slots.
10. On GamStop?	The Pools is on GamStop.
Overall SCORE >	★★★★★ – 4/5 Stars

The Pools Review 2025

We mused on the topic of whether or not this version of The Pools can claim the heritage of the version of The Pools that began in the 1920s at the top of this page, and we’ll try to answer the question towards the bottom of it. Whether it can or it can’t, it’s the most popular version of the original game still in operation today – and there’s now a whole lot more to the official website of The Pools than just the game that made it famous. Pools Casino, in particular, is now a huge part of the site. What does it have to offer you in its modern incarnation? Let’s take a closer look and find out.

The Pools Welcome Promotions

Given that The Pools is a basic game of football predictions, you’d likely assume that its format makes welcome promotions impossible. That assumption would be incorrect. The Pools operates a subscription model for people who want to play every week. If you’re willing to subscribe as a new player, you’ll receive four free games which combine to provide you with a shot at winning £3m. It’s effectively just four free shots at playing the pools, but it’s better than nothing.

If you’ve come to The Pools to play casino games instead of predict football matches – presumably someone must do it – there’s a separate casino welcome promotion. New players can claim fifty free spins, one of the newest and most popular slots at Pools Casino, when they deposit and spend £25 on selected slot games. Anything won from the free spins comes with an x1 wagering requirement, which is perfectly fair and reasonable. Fifty free spins for £25 is a little steep, but given that this isn’t really a casino site, perhaps we shouldn’t sniff at it.

Other Promotions

The Pools offers a variety of promotions and bonuses tailored to suit different types of players. For those looking to win big, the Ultimate Jackpot Bundle boasts a combined jackpot of £17.5 million, making it an attractive option for thrill-seekers. If you’re new to subscription games, the Super Subs Bundle lets you try them out for just £3.50, a reduction from the usual £4.50. Additionally, sports enthusiasts can benefit from a £10 bonus to use on accumulator bets when placing two £10 accas within the week.

Regular players at Pools Casino can join the Slots Club*to earn up to 100 free spins on the ‘Slot of the Week’. Meanwhile, football fans can participate in the Original Football Pools for a chance to win a top prize of £3 million, with the first four games free if you subscribe at £10 per month. For added value, staking £30 on Pools games earns you a £5 Pools Bonus. All promotions are subject to terms and conditions, and are available to UK residents aged 18 and over.

What are the Pros and Cons of The Pools Casino?

Pros: If you love playing the pools – and we know there are millions of people in the UK who do so religiously – there’s nowhere better to do it. This is the version with the best claim on being connected to the original, and it’s delivered with a comprehensive level of customer support. There are promotions available on the pools, and plenty of things other than playing the pools to do for those after a more complete iGaming experience.

Cons: Given how modern the rest of the website is, it’s surprising that The Pools doesn’t offer more deposit and withdrawal options. It’s also both surprising and disappointing that the site can’t provide same-day withdrawals. On top of that, the terms and conditions of the promotions that the site offers aren’t always presented as plainly as they ought to be.

Top Games at The Pools

We keep saying that there’s an online casino attached to The Pools, but treating it as a regular iGaming or casino site is the wrong way to look at it. This is a site with a specific purpose, and the purpose is to provide players with access to The Pools. Saying anything other than The Pools is the top game here would be wrong on every level. That being said, if you’re interested in the top slots at the casino, it seems to be especially fond of the latest entries in the Fishin’ Frenzy series, the latest Big Bass Bonanza games, and classics like Vegas Cash Spins.

The “classic” Pools game is the main attraction offered at the site, but the classic version isn’t the only way to play the game. Alternatives include The Pools: Loaded 4 Life, which pays out a prize of £100,000 per year for thirty-five years. There’s also The Pools: Premier 10, which offers a £50,000 payout for those who can correctly predict the outcome of ten matches. Other variants of the core game are available, along with a wider range of traditional sports betting.

Withdrawal Processing & Support

There are only two ways to get money in or out of your account with The Pools – via a debit card or via PayPal. The good news for debit card users is that all verified cards are supported, including Maestro as well as Visa and Mastercard. There’s no support for any e-wallets other than PayPal, though, and electronic bank transfer services like Trustly aren’t supported either. The real problem with withdrawal processing at the site, though, is the amount of time that it takes. All withdrawals are subject to at least a two-day processing period after they’ve been requested, and that could extend to five working days. Taking weekends into account, that could mean waiting a full week for your money, even if you’re using PayPal. That’s far too slow.

Customer Services & Licensing

While The Pools might be a letdown when it comes to withdrawal processing, you can at least rest assured that there will almost always be someone to speak to while you’re waiting for your withdrawal. Live chat assistance is available between 8:30am and 10pm every day except Sunday when the hours change to 12pm-10pm. The team can be contacted on live chat, over the phone on 0800 500 000, or through email at [email protected]. The licence that covers The Pools is held with the UK Gambling Commission by Football Pools Limited under account no. 48272. It also covers The Pools sister sites. In 2025. Football Pools Limited agreed to pay £375,000 as a settlement after a UKGC investigation found evidence it had broken licence conditions that govern anti-money laundering and social responsibility obligations.

The Pools – The Verdict

You won’t find anywhere better to play the pools. Given that playing the pools is the whole point of this website, that should be the be-all and end-all of this review. The fact that you can do so many things other than play the pools here is a bonus, and the promotions are a nice-to-have pleasant surprise. The site could still use a few more payment methods, though – especially those that might move things along faster than they move at the moment. Minor concerns aside, it’s a good iGaming site.

What are players saying about The Pools?

Here are our condensed / readers’ digest summaries of recent The Pools reviews from real players.

• 24-Mar-2025 by Steve:
  Arline helped figure out why I couldn’t make a deposit and promised it would be sorted within 24 hours. I was a bit frustrated that Classic Pools and Goal Rush are still only available by subscription, but Arline said that soon they’ll be playable with wallet funds, and in the meantime I could still call in my entries. Later, I couldn’t find the fixtures, so I went back on live chat and Maureen talked me through how to locate them. Great support from both of them. – source: Trustpilot
• 22-Mar-2025 by Albert:
  Really pleased with the service I received. Everything was straightforward and handled well. No complaints at all. – source: Trustpilot
• 22-Mar-2025 by David:
  Karen over at The Pools was brilliant. She sorted all my issues quickly and without any hassle. Excellent customer service — couldn’t fault it. – source: Trustpilot
• 21-Mar-2025 by Daniel:
  Had a really good experience with The Pools. The live chat support was great — Richard in particular was very helpful. The games are enjoyable and the odds are decent too. – source: Trustpilot
• 21-Mar-2025 by Denise:
  Colette was incredibly helpful and handled everything in a professional manner. I really appreciated the assistance — thank you. – source: Trustpilot
• 20-Mar-2025 by Paul:
  I’ve been using Classic Pools and Lucky Clover for several months, but due to some financial changes I had to cancel both. I spoke to Colette, who was understanding and kind throughout. She helped me cancel my memberships without any issues. I plan to return when things settle. Thanks again, Colette. – source: Trustpilot
• 17-Mar-2025 by Alex:
  Sharon sorted my issue out in no time. Really efficient and professional service. Thanks for the help — much appreciated. – source: Trustpilot
• 15-Mar-2025 by Richie:
  Using the website felt like standing at a bus stop in the rain — slow and frustrating. It’s honestly one of the worst sites I’ve used. The whole thing needs a serious overhaul. – source: Trustpilot
• 14-Mar-2025 by Mark:
  Paula handled my query quickly and politely. Everything was dealt with efficiently, and I really appreciated the service. Top marks. – source: Trustpilot
• 08-Mar-2025 by Dominic:
  Would absolutely recommend The Pools. I had a small issue with my welcome offer not being credited because I placed a bet at SP, and it didn’t register properly. Colette on live chat fixed it straight away and added the free bets. Very happy with the help I received. – source: Trustpilot

The Pools – A Deeper Dive

A Legendary Way To Bet

Ask a child in a UK school what their biggest dream is, and they’ll probably tell you that it’s winning the National Lottery or Lotto. Even as a child, we know that the colossal sums of money involved in such a win would change life forever for us, our families, and (if we’re feeling generous) our friends. That hasn’t always been the case. There was no such thing as the National Lottery in the UK until 1994. Before that, the biggest gambling wins in the country came through the football pools. It was the pools that people dreamed of winning and, on websites like The Pools, those prizes can still be won today.

The Pools might not be as famous or dreamed-of as a prize as they once were, but the name still means something in the UK and the casino website at thepools.com trades off those memories. Based on its success so far, it does well with the theme and the concept.

Hard-To-Follow History

We’ve already said that the pools, which are also sometimes called the football pools, existed before the National Lottery. They had the lottery beaten by several decades, but working out exactly when and where they started is easier said than done. Several people had the same – or similar – ideas at the same time in different parts of the UK, and some had more luck with the idea than others.

The first documented football pools company was started by Bill Hughes, Colin Askham, and John Moores in October 1922 under the name of “The Littlewood Football Pool.” The idea was a simple one. The men would hand out paper coupons to people attending football matches and offer them the chance to predict the results and put a stake on their predictions. The person with the most successful predictions would win the combined total of all the bets (hence the word “pool”) minus a ten per cent cut for the company. Despite this, the idea didn’t catch on immediately. The Littlewood Football Pool was almost shut down in 1925 after three years of constant losses, but Moores bought his partners out rather than agreeing to close the business. By 1930, the success of the pools had made Moores a millionaire.

As others took note of what the Littlewood Football Pool was doing, they attempted to replicate it. Moores and his workers couldn’t be everywhere at once, so a copycat company called Vernon’s Pools started in Liverpool in 1925, and Zetter’s Pools opened in London in 1933. By 1934 there were so many pools companies involved in football that a Football Pool Promoter’s Association had to be formed to help determine who could work in which territory, when, and how.

The Second World War led to the temporary suspension of football in the UK, and not every pools company returned after the war was over. By 1947, the biggest players in the business were Cope’s, Sherman’s, Vernon’s, and Littlewoods.

Introducing The Panel

After initially resisting the idea of widespread betting activity around their fixtures, the English FA and Football League grew to appreciate the amount of money that it could bring to their sport. By 1963, the prospect of a betting slip being invalidated by the late cancellation of a fixture had become intolerable. To counteract the risk, the first-ever “pools panel” was set up. Back then, the panel consisted of five respected former footballers. They would reach a majority decision on what the result and score of any cancelled fixture would have been, and any bets that matched that result would be honoured. Amazingly, the same system is still in use today.

Historic Jackpots

The football pools were responsible for the first million-pound gambling jackpot in the UK. It happened in 1986 when a syndicate of hospital workers in Wiltshire won a combined total of £1,017,890. That’s a lot of money now, but its purchase power was far higher at the time.

The two million pound barrier wasn’t cracked until 1991 when an individual called Rodi Woodcock pocketed £2,072,220. They chose to avoid publicity, so their story and what they did with the money is unknown.

The biggest pools win in the history of the format happened in 2010, when a Michael Elliott of Brechin landed £3,001,511 by predicting an unprecedented eight 2-2 draws on the same day. The prizes dished out by the National Lottery had long exceeded £3m by that point, but the win is a reminder that football pools wins can still be life-changing if your luck is in and your predictions are accurate.

Is The Pools A Continuation Of All This?

The big question about The Pools, or the website that appears at thepools.com, is how it’s connected to all of this history. That’s a very difficult question to answer. The site often claims to be “the original” pools and is mentioned as such in newspapers like the Daily Mirror, the Daily Star, and the Sun. The opinion of thepools.com is often sought when sportswriters at those newspapers want a bookmaker’s prediction about a major sporting event that’s scheduled to happen in the near future. In January 2020, the Daily Mirror even went as far as naming thepools.com “the oldest and most original” betting outlet in the world. That implies a link between The Pools and The Littlewood Football Pool. We’ve tried, but we can’t find any evidence that any such link exists.

Littlewoods Pools was sold to a company called Sportech in the year 2000 for £161m. Sportech followed that up by acquiring Zetters and creating a company called The New Football pools. That company has since been rebranded as The Football Pools and still exists today. In fact, it has its own casino website and offers very similar betting options as The Pools. If there’s a claim to be made about a solid connection with the origins of the format, it probably belongs to that company.

That isn’t to say that The Pools isn’t old, or its claims to be the original aren’t valid. Sportech didn’t buy every version of the pools when it went on its spending spree, and as we said at the start of the article, the same idea happened in many places at the same time anyway. The Pools might not be the casino website of the de facto oldest gambling format in the world, but it comes with the same spirit.