Are you curious about How To Play The Football Pools and potentially win big? This detailed guide explains everything you need to know about this classic game, now available online, and provides insights for US players interested in participating. Discover strategies, understand the rules, and learn about the exciting jackpots offered by the Football Pools.
What are Football Pools and How Do They Work?
The Football Pools is a long-standing game centered around predicting the outcomes of Saturday afternoon football (soccer) matches, primarily in the UK. You select a set number of matches, typically 10 out of a list of 49, and aim to predict which ones will result in a score draw (both teams score and the game ends in a tie). Points are awarded based on the accuracy of your predictions:
- Score Draw: 3 points
- No Score Draw: 2 points
- Home or Away Win: 1 point
The points from your best eight selections are totaled, with a maximum score of 24. High scores typically win prizes, with consolation prizes often awarded for scores of 22 or 23. The cost to play usually starts around £1 for 10 selections, with options to increase your chances by selecting more matches at a higher cost.
Scoring System Breakdown
| Outcome | Points Awarded |
|---|---|
| Score Draw | 3 |
| No Score Draw | 2 |
| Home or Away Win | 1 |
Is It Still Possible to Play the Pools?
Football Pools Website
Many people are surprised to learn that the traditional Football Pools game is still available online. Despite not having the same marketing presence as some other betting brands, The Pools has adapted to the digital age, offering the same classic gameplay with the convenience of online access. The core game remains largely unchanged since its inception, with minor adjustments to accommodate the shifting landscape of televised football matches. The inclusion of additional lines for added money is one of the only developments from the original game in 1928.
What Are the Different Spin-Off Games Available?
The Pools brand has expanded beyond the traditional game to include various spin-off games, offering different ways to engage with football predictions. These games often feature different rules, prize structures, and levels of difficulty.
Goal Rush
Goal Rush is based on the popular “Both Teams to Score” (BTTS) bet. Players select 8 matches out of 35 where they believe both teams will score. A jackpot of £1 million is available if the selected matches are the first eight on the coupon. If not, players share the top prize, typically around £800, with consolation prizes for seven correct selections.
Match Bet
Match Bet
Match Bet represents a departure from the traditional Pools format. It involves selecting the Win-Draw-Win result for a list of matches from various leagues across the UK and Europe. It functions similarly to an accumulator bet, with each game individually priced and an overall payout calculated based on the odds.
Soccer 6
Soccer 6 involves predicting the correct result (Home Win, Away Win, or Draw) for six handpicked matches. If all six results are correct, the player wins a share of the pool for that week. Adding additional results for each game increases the number of lines played and the overall cost. The average winning payout for Soccer 6 is around £1,200, but can be much higher.
Premier 10
Premier 10 is an enhanced version of Soccer 6, where players predict the outcome of 10 selected matches (Home Win, Away Win, or Draw). A jackpot of £50,000 is awarded for correctly predicting all 10 results, with a consolation prize for nine correct results. On average, 10 correct results pay out £18,000, while nine correct results pay out £400.
Jackpot 12
Jackpot 12 requires players to predict the results of 12 selected matches. With a starting stake of just 50p per line, it’s the most affordable of all the Pools games. Multiple results can be included for each match, increasing the number of pay lines used.
Other Football Jackpots
Beyond The Pools’ variations, many bookmakers offer their own football jackpots. These typically involve selecting the results of a list of games to win a share of a jackpot. Some argue that Betfred’s Goals Galore coupon, a highly popular offering, originated from the initial Pools jackpots. Most bookmakers have, at some point, offered a football jackpot, largely due to the success of The Pools.
A Brief History of The Pools
Littlewoods Pools
The Pools was founded by John Moores in 1923, who at the time was the owner of Littlewoods. He began selling Pools tickets outside football grounds, including Old Trafford in Manchester. Its success led to the creation of other similar companies, such as Vernons, Zetters, and Brittens.
By 1946, The Pools was thriving and introduced new games like Treble Chance, Penny Points, and Penny Results. Treble Chance was the first to offer large jackpots, setting it apart from other bookmakers at the time.
The launch of the National Lottery in 1994 significantly impacted The Pools, providing an alternative way to win large sums of money with a small initial investment. Before the Lottery, The Pools had over 10 million regular customers. By 2007, this number had fallen to 700,000.
Littlewoods continued to operate, adapting to the online movement and offering a wider range of games. The company was eventually sold for £161 million and became Littlewoods Gaming, part of Sportech PLC. Sportech later acquired Vernons and Zetters before launching “The New Football Pools” on footballpool.com.
In 2017, OpCapita acquired the firm from Sportech and rebranded it back to ‘The Football Pools’.
Famous Winners of The Pools
The first major winner was Nellie McGrail, who won over £205,000 in 1957. Since then, there have been many other notable winners.
Viv Nicholsen Spend Book
Keith Nicholson won £152,000 in 1961, a substantial sum at the time, equivalent to around £3 million today. His wife, Viv, became famous for her vow to “spend, spend, spend” their newfound wealth, which she did on cars, clothes, holidays, and houses. However, this extravagant lifestyle ended after Keith’s death, when Viv was declared bankrupt.
Cyril Grimes won the first jackpot over £500,000 in 1972, and Irene Powell became the first winner over £750,000 in 1979, scooping £882,000. The first million-pound payout came in 1986 to a syndicate of hospital workers from Devizes.
Barry Dinsdale from Kingston upon Hull was the first millionaire made by The Pools, winning £1,910,972 in 1987. Rodi Woodcock won over £2 million in 1991. Michael Elliot won just over £3 million from the new Pools jackpot in 2010, correctly predicting eight 2-2 draws from games across England, Spain, and Scotland.
Key Considerations for US Players
While The Football Pools primarily focuses on UK football matches, US players can still participate. However, consider these points:
- Time Zones: Be mindful of time differences when selecting matches and submitting your entries.
- Currency Conversion: Understand the exchange rates when wagering and calculating potential winnings.
- Legality: Ensure that participating in online betting activities is legal in your state.
- Familiarize Yourself with UK Football: While you don’t need to be an expert, having some knowledge of UK football leagues and teams can improve your chances of making informed predictions. Resources like ESPN FC and BBC Sport offer comprehensive coverage of UK football.
Potential Benefits of Playing the Football Pools
For US players, engaging with The Football Pools can provide several potential benefits:
- Entertainment: It offers an exciting way to engage with and learn about international football.
- Intellectual Stimulation: Predicting match outcomes requires research, analysis, and strategic thinking.
- Potential Winnings: While the odds can be challenging, the potential for substantial winnings adds to the excitement.
- Community Engagement: Connecting with other football fans, both in the US and abroad, can foster a sense of community.
Understanding the Odds
The odds of winning the Football Pools, especially the jackpots, can be quite long. The precise odds depend on the specific game and the number of participants. While winning requires a degree of luck, strategic selection and a good understanding of football can improve your chances.
Responsible Gaming
It’s essential to approach The Football Pools with responsible gaming habits. Set a budget for your wagering activities and stick to it. Avoid chasing losses and only gamble with funds you can afford to lose. If you feel that your gambling habits are becoming problematic, seek help from resources like the National Council on Problem Gambling.
Football Pools: A US Perspective
While The Football Pools originated and is primarily popular in the UK, there’s growing interest among US football fans. The game provides a unique way to engage with the sport, offering a blend of strategy, luck, and potential rewards. As online betting becomes more accessible, it’s likely that more US players will explore the appeal of The Football Pools.
Key Strategies for Playing the Football Pools
- Research: Stay updated on team news, form, and statistics to make informed predictions.
- Diversify Your Selections: Avoid relying solely on favorites; consider underdogs and potential draws.
- Manage Your Budget: Set a budget and stick to it to avoid overspending.
- Understand the Rules: Familiarize yourself with the specific rules and scoring system of each game.
- Analyze Past Results: Review past results to identify trends and patterns.
- Join Football Communities: Share insights and strategies with other football fans.
Football Pools Jargon
- Coupon: The list of matches available for selection.
- Permutation: A combination of different selections on a coupon.
- Banker: A selection that you are highly confident will be correct.
- Consolation Prize: A prize awarded for nearly correct selections.
- Jackpot: The top prize for making all the correct selections.
- Stake: The amount of money wagered on a pool.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Football Pools
Q: What is the Football Pools?
A: The Football Pools is a long-standing game based on predicting the outcomes of football matches, primarily in the UK.
Q: How do I play the Football Pools?
A: You select a set number of matches from a list and predict their outcomes (e.g., score draw, win, loss). Points are awarded for correct predictions.
Q: Can I play the Football Pools online?
A: Yes, The Football Pools is available online through the official website and other platforms.
Q: What are the odds of winning the Football Pools?
A: The odds vary depending on the specific game and the number of participants but are generally long.
Q: What is a score draw in the Football Pools?
A: A score draw is when both teams score and the game ends in a tie (e.g., 1-1, 2-2).
Q: Are there different versions of the Football Pools?
A: Yes, there are spin-off games like Goal Rush, Match Bet, Soccer 6, Premier 10, and Jackpot 12.
Q: Is it legal for US players to participate in the Football Pools?
A: It depends on state laws. Ensure online betting is legal in your state before participating.
Q: How do I claim my winnings from the Football Pools?
A: The process varies depending on the platform you use. Typically, winnings are credited to your online account.
Q: What is the minimum stake for playing the Football Pools?
A: The minimum stake varies but is often around £1 or less for some games.
Q: Where can I find results for the Football Pools?
A: Results are available on the official Football Pools website and other sports news outlets.
Interested in Learning More?
The Football Pools offers an engaging and potentially rewarding way to connect with football. Whether you’re a seasoned football fan or new to the sport, there’s something to enjoy about this classic game.
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