The Pools Review 2026

Is The Pools Right for You?

The Pools is best suited to players who want something a little different from a standard sportsbook. It works well for football fans who enjoy pool-style betting and for casual bettors, as the rules are simple. For anyone seeking a feature-rich, combined sportsbook and casino with lots of markets and extras, better options are available.

The Pools is great for:

• Football fans who enjoy traditional pool betting formats like Goal Rush and Classic Pools
• Players who like structured subscription-style betting with set weekly entries
• Users who want a straightforward sportsbook without too many complex features
• Bettors who value easy access to friendly customer support

The Pools may not be ideal if:

• You want a feature-heavy sportsbook with deep markets and advanced stats
• Live streaming is your thing, as coverage is extremely limited
• You want a dedicated mobile app experience

About The Pools UK

The Pools has a long history that dates back to 1923. It began in Liverpool as Littlewoods Football Pools, founded by three friends who each invested £50. They printed 4,000 coupons and handed them out near Manchester United’s Old Trafford ground. This simple idea grew into one of the most recognised betting brands in the UK.

Over the decades, the company built a strong reputation through its football pools product. It became a regular part of British betting culture and attracted a large, loyal audience. Fast forward to 2018, the brand relaunched as The Pools to reflect changes in how people bet.

Today, The Pools still retains a decent player base with 16,000 winners every year across the UK.

Welcome Bonus & Promotions

The Pools offers a simple set of promotions for new and existing players. Rather than a single The Pools sign up offer, they have three, each linked to a main pool game. Alongside this, players can find a small range of ongoing offers across the sportsbook and casino. For most offers, no The Pools bonus code is required.

The Pools Welcome Offer

New players at The Pools can choose from three welcome bonuses when they sign up and subscribe to a pool game. To get started, create an account, pick a pool, and complete your first payment. Your bonus will then be released based on the subscription you select.

The Classic Pools welcome bonus gives 4 free games when you join. You will receive this if you subscribe to play all Classic Pools games each month and have at least 1 paid line valued at £1 or greater.

The Goal Rush offer is 4 free games, too. You receive them if you subscribe to play all Goal Rush games each month and have at least 1 paid line valued at £2 or greater.

The Lucky Clover bonus is 4 free games when you start playing. Unlike the other two deals, the Lucky Clover is not a sports-betting pool; rather, it relates to the Irish Lottery.

4:45 Club

The 4:45 Club is a membership scheme available at The Pools. You can join by subscribing to one (or more) of the main pool games. The options include Goal Rush at £20 per month, Classic Pools at £10 per month, and Lucky Clover at £15 per month.

Once you subscribe, you unlock a range of ongoing rewards. Members receive a £1 free sports bet every Friday plus access to free-to-play games. Additionally, subscribed members gain entry into monthly and quarterly prize draws (the monthly draw is only available to Classic Pool members). The standard quarterly draw is worth £3,000, while the monthly draw is worth £70,000 in cash prizes.

Finally, paying customers may also receive free gift drops at any time.

Promotions for Existing Customers

The Pools lists their unique pool-based games on the promotions page as they all come with a jackpot prize. Additionally, with Goal Rush, The Pools claims that regular payouts comfortably beat those of a traditional bookmaker. Getting an eight-selection Goal Rush line correct is worth nearly double that of getting eight both-teams-to-score selections at 4/5 odds.

Goal Rush also comes with a £5m jackpot for being the player to reach 8 BTTS selections the fastest. The game costs £2 per play, or £20 per month for a subscription. Classic Pools runs alongside this at £10 per month or £1 per play. You aim to predict 10 score draws for a chance at a £3 million jackpot. There are guaranteed prizes for the top two performing players each time. Scoring 20+ points secures entry into the monthly £70k prize draw.

There are also standard offers, such as stake and get free spins at the casino, plus the acca boost on bets with 3+ legs (1/5 odds min). The boost starts at 5% and can reach 60% with 15+ selections.

How to Register at The Pools UK

Here is how to set up an account with The Pools:

1. Click the “Sign-up” button in the top right corner.
2. Create a username and password, and add your email address.
3. Input your name, date of birth, home address, and mobile number.
4. Agree to the site’s terms and choose your marketing preferences.
5. Select ‘Continue’ to get a verification sent to your email.
6. Click the link inside the email to create your account.

Once complete, you can log in using the email/username and password you created. When logging in for the first time, The Pools will prompt you to set up daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits. Setting such limits is optional, but we recommend it.

Account Verification

The Pools follows standard KYC checks to keep accounts safe and compliant. You will need to provide proof of identity if requested. For this, you can provide a driving licence (front and back) or a copy of your passport. In some cases, you may also need to provide proof of address or proof of source of funds. You can upload documents via the ‘Verification’ page within your profile, but proof of address needs to be sent via email (verify@thepools.com) or live chat.

To speed up the process, ensure your documents are up to date and match your account details exactly.

Note that the Pools can automatically verify most players, so there will be no requirement to upload documents.

The Pools Login

Here is how customers can log in to their Pools account.

1. Click the ‘Login’ button in the top menu.
2. Enter your username or email.
3. Enter your account password. Select the eye icon to unhide it while typing.
4. Select ‘Login’ underneath.

There are no additional login options on desktop or mobile, with The Pools login process kept very basic. You can reset your password if you forget it, though, using your registered email address.

Sports Coverage

The Pools offers a solid range of sports markets, with around 25 sports available. While this total does not match the very largest bookmakers, it still covers all major options popular with UK players. This means being able to access sports such as football, horse racing, rugby, Formula 1, golf, tennis, and cricket.

One unique feature of the sportsbook is the coloured bars shown under selected bets. These green, orange, and red bars indicate the proportion of bets placed on each outcome. This gives a quick view of market trends and can help guide your decisions.

Football

The Pools offer solid global football coverage, naturally including all big competitions such as the Premier League, Champions League, Europa League, and World Cup. There is a decent range of betting markets available, including player bets, but the list is not as long as you can find elsewhere.

Football betting supports Bet Builder, which lets you combine selections into one bet. The range of bet builder eligible markets is again okay, but nothing exceptional. Partly, this is because you cannot bet on a wide variety of player stats, such as tackles, shots on target, and so on. Usually, the range covers goals, assists, and cards.

Cash out is also available for most footballing markets.

Horse Racing

Despite its very basic layout, horse racing coverage at The Pools is quite extensive. You can bet on all UK and Irish meetings, as well as many international races from Europe, the USA, Japan, and Australia. There is even some coverage of chariot racing.

Most races only provide odds on basic markets, specifically win, each way, and ‘to place’. The lack of markets is a setback, but the platform partly offsets this with strong race information. The Racelab tool provides an overview for each runner and key insights. There is also a tips section with written previews and predicted finishes.

Live streaming is available for selected UK and Irish races, though only a minority. There is no Best Odds Guaranteed offer in place, as there is a general lack of horse racing-specific promotions.

Tennis

Tennis coverage at The Pools includes all major tours, such as ATP, WTA, and ITF events. This gives access to both top-level tournaments and lower-tier matches throughout the year.

For bigger matches, there is a fairly modest range of betting markets. These include options like set and game handicaps, total games, set winner, and bets on a player to win at least one set. Bet Builder is also available on selected high-profile matches, but again with a modest selection of markets.

Smaller fixtures, especially those involving lower-ranked players, often have very limited markets or none beyond the basics. As for live streaming, this is not offered for any tennis event, which impacts the in-play betting experience.

Greyhounds

The Pools has full coverage of Great Britain and Ireland greyhound racing, plus all the action in Australia and even some from the USA. This gives players access to races throughout the day, and race results, showing the odds of the winner, appear quickly.

The platform includes useful race insights through the Racelab feature. This provides a detailed race overview, predicted finishing order, and key data on each runner. You can also view speed ratings and daily updates, such as which trainers are in form.

Betting options are simple, with only win and place markets available on most races. There is also limited streaming, with most tracks not showing anything live.

Other Sports

The Pools covers a solid range of other sports, including rugby, golf, boxing, and snooker. Rugby offers good global coverage across both league and union. Major matches offer a decent selection of markets, including match result, handicap betting, and try scorer bets. As an added bonus, bet builder is also available on some fixtures.

Boxing features many fights, but markets are usually limited to fight result or draw no bet. Snooker coverage is steady, with markets like match winner, total frames, correct score, and frame handicap, but often not much else.

Golf coverage focuses mainly on men’s events, with fewer options for the women’s game. As with many sports at The Pools, the range of markets tends to be on the lower side.

Betting Markets & Odds

The Pools offers an okay range of betting markets, though variety is not one of its strengths. You will normally find all the standard options, though, including match winner, totals, and handicaps, across most sports. Outright markets are sometimes available, but the overall choice is fairly limited compared to larger UK bookmakers. There are also very few unique or niche markets, and boosted odds are not a regular feature either.

Odds are generally in line with the wider market. For major sports, match winner markets often pay out between 92% and 95%. Other markets usually fall between 91% and 94%, though this can drop on lower-profile events. Overall, the value is fair but not exceptional.

Key Betting Features

The Pools offers a simple sportsbook, with a focus on core tools rather than advanced features. There are a couple of useful additions, though, that can enhance the experience: bet builder and cash out.

Bet Builder

The Pools offers a widely available Bet Builder across many sports. The interface is simple to use, with selections split into clear categories, making it easy to build combined bets. There are also pre-built Bet Builder options with two to five selections, which make it easier to place multi-leg bets quickly.

You can combine multiple Bet Builders into a single bet slip, and they are even eligible for the acca boost promotion. This can be great for players seeking especially large payouts from small stakes.

Live Streaming

Live streaming at The Pools is extremely limited. It is only offered for a small selection of horse racing and greyhound racing events. Most sports, including football and tennis, do not offer live streaming.

Cash Out

Cash Out is available at The Pools on selected markets across most sports. Both single bets and multiple bets qualify, provided all markets on the betslip are eligible. However, it is not available on all markets and does not apply to free bets or wagers placed using bonus funds. Unfortunately, there is no way to tell which markets are cash-out eligible, so you cannot rely on the feature.

How to Place a Bet at The Pools

Here is how you place a bet at The Pools:

1. Use the menus or search bar to find an event you want to bet on.
2. Click on the event to open all markets.
3. Select the odds on the outcome you want to back to add it to your betslip.
4. You can add multiple selections to your betslip by repeating steps one to three.
5. When happy with your bet, type your desired stake in the betslip.
6. Select the confirmation button below to view the possible payout.

By default, when adding multiple selections, The Pools will default to a one-line accumulator bet. You can use other bet types if selecting the ‘System’ option on the betslip, but they only support basic options of doubles, trebles, fourfolds, and so on. No combination bets are offered, such as Lucky 31 or Heinz.

Live Betting

Live betting at The Pools covers a good number of in-play events across major sports. There is also a respectable number of in-play markets for most events, giving punters variety with their bets. The in-play section has pages for each sport, but each sport page lacks structure. You can end up scrolling through a long list that is in no obvious order. A more organised or collapsible layout would improve usability.

There is no live streaming for in-play events, but most markets include a match tracker with basic stats and updates. This gives a useful overview in most instances without being overly detailed. Cash out is available for in-play betting, but Bet Builder is not.

The Pools Casino

The Pools casino offers a large selection of games, with a clear focus on slots. It is a fairly well-structured casino that makes it easy to browse different game types, including new releases, classic slots, jackpots, low-stakes games, and Drop & Wins.

The slots library is the strongest area, offering a wide selection from well-known providers such as Games Global, Hacksaw Gaming, Eyecon, ELK Studios, and Inspired Entertainment. These providers help ensure a mix of modern titles, feature-rich games, and seamless gameplay.

Alongside slots, there is a solid selection of table games. Blackjack, roulette, and baccarat are all available in several variations, particularly the first two. While the table game range is not as extensive as specialist casino sites, it covers the essentials well.

The casino also includes a broader “other games” section, which adds variety beyond standard formats. This includes scratchcards, crash games, and a particularly strong slingo collection with around 70 titles.

Live Casino Games

Pragmatic Play is responsible for powering The Pools’ live casino. They are a well-known and highly respected provider in the live gaming space. Their selection of games includes casino classics such as blackjack, roulette, baccarat, casino hold ’em, sic bo, and dragon tiger.

Moving away from traditional options, there is also a solid range of live game shows. Titles include popular formats such as Sweet Bonanza, Candy Land, and Snakes and Ladders Live. These offer more entertainment-focused experiences than traditional table games.

While Pragmatic Play serves up high-definition quality games, having just one provider is low for a live casino. The Pools live casino lacks depth, but it still caters to all budgets thanks to wide betting limits.

Mobile App & Desktop Experience

The Pools does not currently offer a dedicated mobile app for iOS or Android, although development is reportedly underway. Mobile users at The Pools instead use the mobile version of the website. This is very similar to the desktop side, only customised for smaller screens.

The Pools Mobile Site

The Pools mobile site is functional and reasonably easy to use. It follows a standard layout, so it should not pose any issues to experienced bettors. However, the design can feel a little bulky in places. Large icons in the casino mean lots of avoidable scrolling, especially when browsing ‘all games’. Similarly, on the in-play betting page, each event takes up a large portion of the screen as it expands across several rows.

Overall, it is fine for occasional or brief use, but the lack of additional tools and refinements makes it not ideal for extended sessions.

Desktop Platform

The desktop platform at The Pools is fast and generally reliable, with a simple content layout that serves up few surprises. Navigation is straightforward as a result, although the search bar is more basic than many others you may find. You cannot search for a player, for example, if you want to place a goalscorer bet.

It is easier to use than the mobile site because it uses the available space better, but it still lacks a premium feel. In your profile, there are very few settings you can change, aside from the odds format, which supports only decimal or fractional options.

The Pools Deposits and Withdrawals

The Pools only support two payment options: debit cards (Visa and Mastercard) or PayPal. The minimum deposit is £5, and the net deposit limit is £1,000 per day. The minimum withdrawal is also £5. When withdrawing, players must use the same account used for the deposit.

Players will receive most withdrawals within 48 hours. This is what The Pools lists as the standard maximum, but in most cases, customers receive the funds much sooner. On average, they process withdrawal requests in three hours. Funds will usually transfer immediately after this, but payment speeds can depend on your bank.

How to Make a Deposit

To deposit at The Pools, just follow these steps.

1. Log in to your account.
2. Click the wallet icon in the top right corner.
3. Select your preferred payment method, either debit card or PayPal.
4. Enter the amount you want to deposit.
5. Fill in your payment details and confirm the transaction.

Once confirmed, funds will usually be credited to your account immediately.

How To Make a Withdrawal

To take money out of your account, here are the steps:

1. Log in to your account.
2. Open the account menu and select ‘Withdraw’.
3. Enter the amount you want to withdraw.
4. If you wish to withdraw less than £5, you will need to speak to customer support.
5. Submit the request and wait for approval.

Once submitted, players cannot cancel a withdrawal request.

Customer Support

The customer service team operates Monday to Saturday from 08:30 to 22:00, and Sundays from 12:00 to 22:00. During this time, they have operators running the live chat system and checking the email inbox (support@thepools.com). Customer service staff are extremely friendly and helpful, and most interactions with them go smoothly.

Outside of these hours, The Pools runs a 24/7 chatbot, which provides instant help for common questions and account issues. There is also a detailed FAQ page with answers to over 100 commonly asked queries, covering everything from payments to verification.

Security, Licensing & Fairness

The Pools operates under a licence from the UK Gambling Commission, which ensures it follows strict rules on fairness, player protection, and responsible gambling. This includes requirements for secure handling of customer data and transparent betting operations.

The platform uses SSL encryption to protect personal and financial information, helping to keep transactions secure. Casino games also undergo testing to ensure the advertised RTP% is accurate.

Sufficient steps have been taken to separate customer funds from company funds, to earn a ‘medium protection’ rating from the Gambling Commission. This is the typical industry rating and means that in the event The Pools goes bankrupt, customers may get some or all of their balance back. This is not a guarantee, however.

Evaluation of The Pools’ Reputation by Real Users

The Pools holds a strong reputation among real users. A big factor behind the strong rating is the platform’s proactive approach to feedback. After live chat sessions, users are often prompted to leave a review. Since most support interactions are successful, most customers will leave a positive review of The Pools.

Most of the positive feedback subsequently focuses on customer service, with users frequently praising the live chat team. As for the negative reviews, these typically refer to account verification delays or account restrictions. Other customers have reported technical problems with the website, although we did not experience any such issues.

Responsible Gambling Tools

The Pools provides an industry-standard set of responsible gambling tools designed to help everyone manage their activity. These include deposit limits, reality checks, time-outs, and full self-exclusion options, giving users control over how they bet.

As part of its standard policy, the platform applies a £1,000 net deposit limit per account. Users can also set up periodic account reviews every one, three, or six months, which trigger on-screen reminders to review their gambling behaviour.

The site is also affiliated with GamStop, allowing users to self-exclude across multiple UK-licensed gambling operators if needed.

The Pools vs Competitors

The Pools occupies a unique space in the UK market, as it is the only major site still offering traditional football pools. There is also The Tote, but they only offer pool betting on horse racing. This means that The Pools has a clear selling point that sets it apart from major bookmakers.

If not for the pool betting, The Pools has very few strengths when matched up against bigger industry names. Compared to larger rivals, The Pools offers fewer sports, a smaller range of markets, no dedicated mobile app, and limited live streaming. Support is also more limited in hours, with most names offering 24/7 live chat.

Key Takeaways

If you want something different, the pool betting options offered at The Pools provide a fun alternative for football fans. The 4:45 club comes with solid perks, and you may well find it provides better value than traditional bookmakers. However, as a standard sportsbook and casino, The Pools struggles to truly impress as it lacks the depth and features you can find at most major betting brands. By the end of this The Pools betting review, it receives 4.3/5 for now.

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