Tote betting is a type of betting system where all stakes go into a pool, and payouts depend on the number of winners. It’s popular for horse and greyhound racing, offering a refreshing alternative to fixed odds betting.
This guide will explain how Tote betting works, the main bet types, and how payouts are calculated, along with tips to help you make the most of it. You’ll also learn more about the Tote betting site itself, and an alternative brand which offers both traditional and pool-based betting.
How does tote betting work?
Tote betting is a system where all bets placed go into one main prize pot, rather than being settled according to a bookmaker’s fixed odds. All the money staked on a particular market is placed into a
betting pool, and the winnings are shared among the successful bettors once the event is over, minus a small commission deducted by the site hosting the event.
The basics of betting at the tote
All bets of the same type are combined into one single pool. After the race or event finishes, winnings are paid out from this pool. This means the potential payout isn’t defined ahead of the event, it will depend on how much money is in the pool, which is then divided between the people who placed winning bets.
How are returns calculated in tote betting?
The returns for tote betting are determined mathematically. The total pool amount is divided by the number of winning bets, minus the bookmaker’s commission. The more people who win, the lower the payout will be. Conversely, if just a few people back the winner, the return increases.
Guide to tote betting commissions and deductions
Before winnings are paid out, the betting site hosting the event deducts a commission from the prize pool. This helps to cover the operating costs of the betting site and contributes to future pools, or special promotions. The commission rate varies depending on the type of bet, but it generally ranges from 15% to 20%.
Pros and cons of the Tote betting in the UK
Pros and cons
- Alternative to fixed odds
- Easy to understand
- Low entry cost
- Multiple bet types
Try two of the hottest UK tote betting sites right now
The Tote and The Pools are the main UK tote betting sites. If you’re specifically interested in Tote betting, then there is a clear choice. However, The Pools offers both fixed odds and tote betting, so you get the best of both worlds. It’s a difficult choice, so here’s a little more about each of these sites to help you:
The Tote – A top choice for tote betting beginners
As a new bettor at the Tote, you’ll be welcomed with £40 in bonuses when you deposit and place a £10 qualifying bet. This site focuses entirely on tote betting so if you’re new to the concept, you’ll find the site offers detailed guides and support. You can place Tote bets on the official website or via a downloadable mobile app, with both offering excellent usability. There’s also live streaming available for selected sports, including horse racing and greyhound racing, with no noticeable signs of lag or delay.
The Pools – Offers both fixed odds and tote betting
The welcome bonus at The Pools includes £20 of free bets when you register and place a £10 bet at odds of 1.50 or higher. Thanks to this sportsbook's range of popular payment methods like PayPal, Visa, and Mastercard, you’ll have no issues claiming this bonus. The Pools doesn’t just offer tote betting, you’ll find plenty of fixed odds betting opportunities as well. Those include thousands of daily betting markets for popular sports like football, tennis, cricket, basketball, and more. And should you ever need any additional support, the live chat team is available 24/7.
Which sports have tote bets available?
Tote betting is most commonly associated with horse racing and greyhound racing. While these remain the primary sports for tote betting, you may occasionally come across the same style of event for other sports and events. The range of bets varies, but horse and greyhound racing consistently offer the widest variety.
Here are a few examples of the different types of bet you can place:
| Bet type | Description |
| Win | Bet on a selection to finish first. |
| Place | Bet on a selection to finish in the places (typically 3 places available). |
| Each-way | A combination of Win and Place bets. |
| Forecast/Exacta | Predict the first and second in exact order. |
| Tricast/Trifecta | Predict the first, second, and third in exact order. |
| Swinger | Bet on two selections to finish in the top three in any order. |
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How to place your first bet at the tote: A step-by-step guide
Placing your first bet is generally an easy process, but it helps to know what to expect. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to get you going:
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Choose Your Event
– Select a horse or greyhound race that offers tote betting.
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Decide on Your Bet Type
– Pick the type of bet you want to place
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Choose Your Selection
– Choose the horses or greyhounds you wish to back
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Enter Your Stake
– Decide how much you want to wager
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Confirm the Bet
– Check your selections, stake, and bet type, then place your bet
Top tips for betting at the tote
Ready to enter the world of tote betting? Before you do, you might want to consider these five things:
📊 Check the Total Betting Pool
This type of betting relies on the total amount of money in the pool, so it’s a good idea to check that before placing your bet. If the pool looks small, your potential returns might not be as large as you’d like. On the flip side, big pools like those on major race days often mean better potential returns. Timing your bet can sometimes make a difference, especially if you’re targeting value.
💡 Choose the Right Bet for You
Tote betting is available for a range of bet types, from simple Win and Place bets to more advanced ones like Exacta and Trifecta. If you’re just starting, stick to simple betting options while learning how the pool system works. Once you’re comfortable, you can experiment with more advanced bet types, including combination bets. Each bet type has its own potential level of risk and reward, so you’ll need to balance these two factors carefully.
🌐 Pick the Site that Best Meets Your Needs
As you’ve seen in our mini reviews, each of our two tote betting sites offer a different experience. While the Tote only offers pool betting markets, The Pools features fixed odds betting as well. Both offer convenience with fast withdrawals, excellent mobile apps, and generous bonuses. Before signing up, check which site offers the features and benefits that matter to you.
📰 Stay Updated on Race Information
Staying informed about horse form, jockey performance, ground conditions, and recent race trends can make a real difference. Even though odds aren’t fixed, understanding which horses are performing well helps you identify value in the pool. Many sportsbooks and racing sites offer expert previews or live updates before events that you can use to support your own research.
The verdict: Should you try tote betting?
If you’re interested in an alternative to the traditional fixed-odds betting setup, why not try tote betting? This betting system offers something unique and different to get excited about. All bets of the same type for a given event are added to a prize pool that is divided among the winners. There is a small commission deducted by the host site, but it’s no more than the margins built into standard fixed odds bets.
If you’d like to give it a go, then make sure you follow one of our links to the Tote. Alternatively, if you’d like a more traditional sports betting experience with some opportunities for tote betting, be sure to check out The Pools.
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Tote betting FAQs
❓ What is tote betting?
Tote betting is a system where all bets of the same type for the same event are combined. The total pool is then divided among the winners after a small commission has been deducted by the site hosting the event.
🔎 How is tote betting different from fixed-odds betting?
For fixed-odds betting, you know your potential return before placing your bet. For tote betting, the payout depends on the total pool and how many people backed the winning selection.
🤔 How can I bet on the Tote?
You can place Tote bets online by signing up for an account on the official Tote site. Alternatively, you can place Tote bets in person at most UK racecourses.
