Football pools are the oldest form of organised football betting in the UK, dating back to 1923 when Littlewoods launched the first postal coupon.
How Football Pools Work
The concept is straightforward: you receive a coupon listing that weekend's football fixtures and select matches you believe will end in score draws (1-1, 2-2, 3-3, etc.). Every entrant pays a fixed stake into a shared pool, and those with the most correct predictions share the prize.
Unlike bookmaker betting, you are not betting against the house — you are competing against other entrants. The operator takes a percentage (typically 25-30%) for administration, and the remainder forms the prize pool.
The Treble Chance Format
The classic Treble Chance scoring system awards points as follows:
- Score draw (1-1, 2-2, 3-3): 3 points
- Goalless draw (0-0): 2 points
- Away win: 1.5 points
- Home win: 0 points
You select 8 matches from the coupon. A maximum score of 24 points (8 score draws) would guarantee a top prize share, though this is exceptionally rare.
Pools vs Fixed-Odds Betting
The key distinction is how your return is calculated:
| Feature | Football Pools | Fixed-Odds Betting |
|---|---|---|
| Payout | Share of pool | Guaranteed by odds |
| Opponents | Other entrants | The bookmaker |
| Operator profit | Commission on pool | Margin in odds |
| Stake | Fixed entry fee | Your choice |
Playing Pools Today
Modern pools operate primarily online. The Football Pools website lets you play the classic Treble Chance format digitally. Newer operators like Colossus Bets offer pool-style betting on specific matches with variable jackpots.
Entry stakes are typically £1-£2 per line, making it an affordable weekly flutter. Many players use permutation entries (selecting more than 8 matches and covering all combinations) to increase their chances, though this multiplies the cost.
Strategy Considerations
While pools involve significant luck, some analytical approaches help. Study fixture lists for matches between sides with similar league positions, check recent form for teams prone to drawing, and note that early-season and late-season matches between sides with little to play for often produce draws.