Pool betting is a unique type of sports betting, where all wagers are combined into a single prize pot, called a pool. The funds are then divided between those who predict the correct outcome. While there’s a bit more to it, that’s the basics.
In this guide, we will walk you through how this unique way of betting works and discuss a top UK site that specialises in this feature. If this type of betting interests you, we have everything you need right here. Whether you’re a complete novice or simply looking for new ideas, this guide is written for you.
What is pool betting?
Pool betting is quite different from standard, fixed odds betting, as your potential returns are not based on odds. Instead, your stake, along with other punters’ bets, goes into a single pool. When the result is announced, everyone who made a correct prediction will win a portion of the prize pool.
There is another difference between the two types of betting you should know about. Where a bookmaker’s overround is built into the fixed odds price
before
any bets are taken, for pool betting, a small commission is deducted from the pool by the host site
after
the event.
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New customers: Deposit £10+ within 7 days and place a sports bet. Get 4 x £10 Free Bets (2 x £10 Bet Builders & 2 x £10 Sports Bet). Valid 7 days. Min odds apply. Excludes virtual sports, esports and non-UK/IE horse racing. 18+. T&Cs apply.
18+. T&Cs Apply.
GambleAware.org.
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Bet now
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Pool betting explained: Learn how pool betting works
Your bet options aren’t just outright winners, there are plenty of other bet types available. At the
UK Tote betting
site, the basic options like Win, Place, and Each Way are always popular because you can back a single horse in a single-leg pool, but you’ll also find many other multi selection options like Trifectas and the daily Placepot too.
Still unsure about how it works? Let’s walk through it with an example:
-
You place a bet on a horse
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Yours and everyone else's bets are placed in one pot
-
The more punters involved, the bigger the pool
-
If your horse wins, you will share the pot with everyone who also backed the winning horse
Is pool betting the same as Tote betting?
Although the principle is the same, and pool betting is offered by some bookmaker brands, Tote betting is specific to the UK Tote site. There are no differences between the way they work though. While you will commonly hear this referred to in connection with horse racing, pool betting can also be used for other sports. For example, football pool betting follows the same principle by predicting a match result along with a pool of bettors.
Is sports pool betting the same as fixed odds?
Fixed odds betting is completely different from pool betting. Fixed odds betting refers to betting on a market where the odds have been set by the bookmaker. The sportsbook will set the odds based on their own predictions and analysis, and if you win, your payout is calculated with those fixed odds regardless. With pool betting, your return is based on the pool itself, and will depend on how many others made an accurate prediction.
Understanding pool betting odds
Odds are pretty straightforward to calculate, as there isn’t much to it. Quite simply, the odds are calculated by dividing the pool by the number of bettors. In this case, it’s only the bettors who made the correct prediction.
Here’s an example of how the odds are calculated:
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You and 99 other punters bet £10 on a horse
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The total pool is £1,000
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The sportsbook takes its commission, let’s say this is £100, leaving £900 in the pool
-
You and 28 other people predicted the correct outcome
-
You and the other 28 punters receive an equal share of £900
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Popular types of bets for pool betting in the UK
Now that you have a good understanding of how pool betting works, we will take a closer look at the most popular bet types.
Win
This is the most straightforward bet type, as you simply pick who you think will win. Your wager is then combined into a pool along with the other participants, where you will win a share of the pool amount if you win.
Win/Place
Win/Place is a variation of the Win bet that allows you to select a horse that you predict will either win or place. Whether your horse finishes the race first, second, or third, you can still win a share.
Jackpot
Tote jackpot
betting is a little less common, but it’s still available. In this market, you will choose a winner of the first six races, giving you the chance to potentially win huge amounts.
Exacta
With an exacta bet, you will need to choose two horses that you think will finish first and second. You must select the horses and in the correct order; otherwise, you don’t win a share of the pool.
Reverse Exacta
This is just like an exacta bet, but you don’t have to predict the correct order. Provided that you guess the horses that will place first or second, you will win.
Match
If you participate in football pool betting, you can wager on the outcome of the match. When it comes to football match pools, there are a variety of bet types available. For example, you can choose markets like correct scores, the first goal scorer, both teams to score, and total goals.
Ranking the best of pool betting sites: The Tote
The Tote only offers pool betting, so we couldn’t create this guide without shining a light on it. Coming up, we will give you an overview of Tote and its offerings, so you can make an informed decision.
Why is Tote the best UK brand for pool betting?
The Tote is a superb choice for anyone who is looking for a new bookmaker to enjoy pool betting. The excellent
Tote welcome offer, ongoing promotions, and features like the Tote Guarantee make this site well worth exploring.
| Welcome Bonus | Bet £10 and Get £30 + 25 Free Spins |
| Ongoing Promotions | 10% cashback on losing Exactas/Trifectas |
| Mobile App | iOS & Android |
| Key Feature | Tote Guarantee ensures payouts that are equal to the SP |
| Betting Options | Diverse selection, including Trifecta, Quinella, Swinger, Exacta, and Placepot |
There are plenty of reasons why the Tote is the most popular pool betting site. Firstly, the Tote Guarantee promises that if you win, the payout will be the same as the SP, at a minimum. Where possible, you will receive bigger payouts with lower commission taken by the Tote.
When it comes to mobile betting, you can enjoy a seamless experience on both iOS and Android devices, thanks to the responsive app. Unlike many sports betting apps, the Tote app supports live streaming, so you never have to miss out on the action.
To add another layer of depth, you can read analytical information and expert insights from race ambassadors. These are fantastic for punters who want to make an informed bet, using the information and professional tips.
The only drawback we could find is that the Tote only currently accepts Visa and Mastercard debit cards. If you prefer to use an alternative payment method, it isn’t available as of yet. We are hoping to see e-wallets and other methods added later on, which will strengthen the offerings no end.
Pros and cons of pool betting
Pool betting comes with plenty of strengths, but with that, there are some drawbacks to note, too. Here’s a quick look at the main pros and cons:
Pros and cons
- Huge potential returns for smaller stakes
- Variety of bet types
- Not just available for horse racing
- Only debit cards accepted
Conclusion: Discover the world of online pool betting
While pool betting might sound a little complex at first, you can see that it’s actually rather a straightforward market. You don’t need to have a lot of knowledge on horse racing or football either, as it’s a fun way to get involved.
If you like the sound of pool betting and are intrigued by the offerings at the Tote, why not tap the promotional banners to get started? Just be sure to read our full
Tote UK review
first to find out everything you need about the site.
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Betting pool FAQs
🏊 How does pool betting work?
Pool betting allows you to place a bet that is combined into a pool of other participants' stakes. The pool is then divided equally among everyone who makes a correct prediction, meaning that the odds aren’t released until after the event has taken place.
❓ Is it harder to win a pool bet?
No, it’s no different to win a pool bet than any other stake. You will still need to make a correct guess to win, just like all bets. However, you can potentially win a bigger amount for the same bet than you would for a fixed odds wager.
⚽ What sports are pool betting available for?
Horse racing is the most popular sport when it comes to pool betting, because it offers fantastic markets. But you can also enjoy football pools betting, where you can predict the total goals, teams to score, and much more.
