The Pools Review for UK Players – Top Sports & Odds in 2024

The £50+ Free Bets Every Week Welcome Bonus Explained

The Pools welcome bonus has something special for both football and racing fans, offering a chance to get more from your bets every week. The “£50+ Free Bets Every Week” offer provides weekly free bets for both sports.

In football, you’re eligible for £20 in free bets when you engage in accumulator and custom bets, along with access to a Free to Play game on Saturdays.

For racing enthusiasts, a daily £5 free bet awaits, alongside benefits like Best Odds Guaranteed and Extra Places on select races. This promotion is open to UK residents who are 18 and over, with specific minimum bet requirements to qualify.

Remember, cashed-out bets or those on non-runners are not eligible for this offer. After receiving your free bets, you have a week to use them before they expire.

This straightforward offer is designed to enhance your weekly betting experience, giving you more ways to win on football and racing.

How to Get the Welcome Bonus

Receiving The Pools sign-up offer is very easy. You have to follow a few steps, and most of you will know what to do. Even so, we have created a handy step-by-step guide to help you through this process.

Ongoing The Pools Promotions

The Pools offers seasonal free bets, but its main ongoing promotion is the Weekly Acca Offer. To get a £10 bonus, place two £10 pre-match 4-leg accumulators with odds of 3.0 or higher. Avoid cashed-out, Asian Handicap, or Draw-no-bet wagers. Once done, you’ll get a £10 bonus every Monday for multiples with odds of at least 1.5 per selection, limited to one free bet per week.

Introduction to The Pools Sports Betting Site

As you will discover by reading The Pools review, this UK online operator deserves a high rating. Its diverse selection of sports markets, consistent odds, and immersive live betting options impressed us. The sportsbook accepts bets as low as 1p, yet it imposes no max deposit limits, demonstrating its openness to beginners and experienced high-stakes players.

Pros and Cons of The Pools

Next, we explore the pros and cons of The Pools, offering an unbiased look at its strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision about this online sports betting operator.

Pros

• Extensive selection of betting options across various sports
• Intuitive and easy-to-navigate website layout
• Attractive odds and regular promotional offers

Cons

• Customer service channels are somewhat limited
• Reduced choices in in-play betting markets

Top Sports Markets and Betting Types

The Pools sports betting site offers football, basketball, ice hockey, tennis, golf and over 20 other sports. You can enjoy 150+ competitions solely in the football category, which makes this gambling platform one of the most diverse in the United Kingdom. In addition, eSports and Politics betting are available, making the operator’s offering even more unique.

Are you into less popular sports? The Pools betting site features Gaelic hurling and football, motocross, darts, greyhound racing and other niche options. Of course, the most popular competitions, such as the Premier League, Bundesliga, Wimbledon and NHL, are also covered. As you can see below, there’s something for every player.

The Pools is one of the top football betting sites in the UK. Therefore, you can expect a broad coverage of markets and various bet types. For example, when examining the options for the Premier League, we established match result, double chance, outrights, and a few others are available.

However, not every player enjoys football, and considering that The Pools is also one of the best tennis betting sites, we encourage you to explore all options. The diverse choice of markets is one of the most significant benefits offered by the operator, and we wouldn’t want you to miss out on some excellent odds.

In-play Betting & Live Streaming

The Pools UK betting site doesn’t offer live streaming. However, you can enjoy in-play betting and immerse yourself with the engaging graphics and real-time statistics provided in collaboration with STATSCORE. After selecting the live game you’re interested in, you can see information about incidents, a detailed team (H2H) comparison and more.

The lack of real-time streaming makes it difficult for the operator to compare with the top live betting sites in the UK. However, The Pools compensates by offering high-quality sports data and visualisations of every key game event. These unique software features allow you to have a more immersive experience.

The Pools Betting App

Available on both iOS and Android, The Pools’ app can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play. This mobile application brings most of the bookmaker’s offerings to your fingertips, including special promotions and live betting. It’s designed for ease of use, resembling the website’s layout.

Betting on the go is straightforward, though occasional technical issues may occur. Beyond the app, the mobile browser experience is impressive, ensuring seamless betting. While the app isn’t the most elaborate on the market, it adequately supports betting anywhere and anytime.

Multiple Bets

The Pools sports betting platform allows you to combine up to 15 individual bets into a single wager. This is also known as multiples, accumulator or parlay bets. All selections appear on a single bet slip, and Double, Treble and Lucky 15 are examples of multiple bets this online sportsbook offers.

Most sportsbooks let you combine from 2 to 15 selections into a single multiple bet. Of course, some operators may allow even more, but overall, The Pools is one of the more generous operators in the UK. However, remember that as you add more selections, the potential payout may increase, but the chances of winning decrease.

Accumulator bets are only successful when all your chosen selections are correct. Therefore, we wouldn’t recommend it to new players. Instead, you can try system bets, which provide more flexibility and better chances of winning, as not all selections in it need to be correct for you to win.

The Pools UK Betting Limits

As we established while preparing this The Pools review, this online sportsbook is inclusive and offers betting options for low and high-stakes players. The small stake entry of 1p and low minimum deposit limit of £5 mean anyone can play. Therefore, this gambling site is ideal for casual players and beginners.

However, that doesn’t mean it’s not welcoming for high-rollers. The operator may not encourage excessive betting, but if you simply have a higher budget, the platform will accommodate your needs. There is no maximum deposit limit, so if you want to play with high stakes, you can do that on The Pools betting site.

Competitive & Consistent Odds

The Pools odds are competitive and consistent. For example, for football, the odds of games in the Premier League, La Liga and Bundesliga are great, as the payout rates rarely fall under 95%. Similarly, in basketball, tennis, baseball, ice hockey and darts, we observed odds levels between 94 and 96%.

Naturally, there were also some cases with sports like cricket where the possible payout range started at 91%. However, even then, the payout rates on some games could go as high as 94.64%, which demonstrates the consistency of the odds offered by The Pools UK online betting site.

This online operator stands its ground compared to the UK betting sites with the best payouts. While calculating its odds levels, we also observed live football games in major leagues like Coppa Italia Primavera, and the operator’s profit margin didn’t exceed 10%. Therefore, you can rely on The Pools to provide fair odds consistently.

Accepted Payment Methods at The Pools

You can make online deposits and withdrawals at The Pools using one of the following trusted payment providers – Visa, Mastercard, Maestro and PayPal. The last one is the only available eWallet, which might be problematic for users who prefer Neteller or Skrill. However, as shown in the table below, the payment limits and processing times are excellent.

In the UK, the starting payment limits for most online sportsbooks are set at £10 or £20, positioning The Pools uniquely with a minimum deposit threshold of £5. This lower entry barrier significantly enhances betting accessibility for more users.

While the processing times for all payment methods at The Pools are deemed reasonable, withdrawals might take time. This is a trade-off for the assurance that all security measures are rigorously adhered to.

For those prioritising speed, exploring instant withdrawal betting sites might offer an alternative, where transactions are processed more swiftly without compromising security.

Immersive Experience on The Pools Platform

If you visit this online sportsbook after reading our The Pools review, you’ll witness its contemporary yet playful design firsthand. The primary colours – teal and white have a soothing effect, and there are no pop-ups or distracting ads. Therefore, you can browse its clearly outlined categories and place bets without feeling overwhelmed.

In addition, the layout is quite intuitive and considers the current interests of players. The quick links menu on the left side of the page is frequently updated to reflect the most popular sports markets. In general, anything you may need, from betting rules to the button that changes the odds format from decimal to fractional, is within view.

Finally, we must note that while exploring The Pools betting site, we experienced no lag. The live statistics for all games loaded within 1 to 2 seconds, and we had no trouble navigating the platform. Therefore, even if you’re a complete beginner, you can easily find your way around.

How to Place a Bet

To place a wager at The Pools sports betting website, you will need to create an account. Furthermore, you will be playing with real money, so completing some additional security checks is part of the process. For example, your full name, date of birth, and address must be verified before depositing.

However, once you complete the ID verification, placing a bet is simple. For beginners, we’ve broken down the procedure into three essential steps. Naturally, you can go more in-depth, but this should be enough when playing casually. Follow the guide below to ensure your first-time betting online goes as smoothly as possible.

• [1] Create an Account Examine the website, including its bonuses, payment methods and sports markets. If you like what you see, create an account by clicking on ‘Join’.
• [2] Examine the Odds Pick the sport and league you would like to bet on by considering your preferences and the odds the operator offers.
• [3] Place Your Bets Choose an appropriate bet type and decide how much you want to stake. Your bet slip will appear in the upper right corner.

To place a live bet, go to the ‘Live Now’ section and follow the same procedure. However, remember that the odds are not fixed, so you should pay special attention to step two. Watching the game and taking advantage of the live statistics can help you improve your chances of winning.

Furthermore, The Pools odds might be consistent, but there is always fluctuation when it comes to live betting. Seeing how a game develops might help you predict the outcome more accurately if you’re new. However, risks are also involved, so make sure you understand the pros and cons before playing.

Company Information & Background

As we mentioned at the beginning of this The Pools UK review, the operator is also known as the ‘Original Millionaire Maker’. John Moores and two friends established the company in 1923 in Liverpool, and soon, it became one of the biggest football pool businesses the world has ever seen.

The Pools Under the Microscope

At its peak, over 14 million people played at The Pools weekly in the UK. If this is not enough to demonstrate its enormous success, consider that the company would have to process more than £50 million in stakes each week and had more than 10,000 employees by the early 1950s.

Since then, The Pools’ biggest strength has been giving people of all ages, backgrounds and skill levels the chance to play and win. The operator’s low-stake entry makes it perfect for casual players, while its diverse sports markets and advanced bet types attract more experienced gamblers.

Originally called Littlewoods Football Pools, the company is also one of the biggest supporters of this sport. It has invested millions of pounds into improving the safety of football grounds and stadiums via the Football Trust or the Football Foundation, as it is known in the UK today.

However, the operator has a future just as bright as its past. In 2024, its website is one of the most secure online betting platforms, as it’s approved by the UKGC, IBAS, and DigiCert. In addition, it collaborates with multiple responsible gambling organisations, so it’s evident that players are still a priority.

Customer Support: Live Chat, Email & Phone

You can contact The Pools’ customer service team via live chat, email or phone. They are available Monday to Saturday between 8.30 a.m. and 10 p.m. and on Sunday between 12 p.m. and 10 p.m. It’s not 24/7 service, but at least they are fast to respond and highly knowledgeable.

The only available support language is English, and the same goes for the website. However, the brand’s representatives are incredibly polite and patient, so even if you have trouble explaining your problem, they will listen and try their best to help. Just remember to keep your personal account information safe.

For example, don’t include confidential information or private login details when sending an email. Finally, the operator examined in The Pools review has an FAQ page, which you should check before contacting customer support. Most issues related to account verification, payments and so on can be solved by reading the information in the ‘Help’ section.

Licensing & Security

The Pools sports betting site is licensed by the UKGC and protected by advanced 256-bit SSL encryption provided by DigiCert. This means the operator adheres to regulations, and your data is 100% protected. In addition, the gambling site has a certificate from IBAS, one of the world’s most reputable independent auditors.

Therefore, you can trust this operator with your personal data. However, what can you do to protect yourself from the adverse effects of gambling? The Pools has a whole page dedicated to safer gambling. Visit it to explore its responsible gambling tools, such as deposit limits, reality check and time out.

That’s also where you can find information on how to contact organisations like GAMSTOP and BeGambleAware. The operator’s platform is built around the responsible gambling principles they promote. Hence, you can enjoy a safer gaming environment that allows you to focus on playing casually and having fun rather than winning at all costs.

Bonus Points

Aspects like the availability of fair bonuses and sponsorships can also affect your online gambling experience. Therefore, we’ve considered them and awarded The Pools in the UK some extra points. The operator has several ongoing promotions and an excellent welcome offer, which has granted it one bonus point.

As you can see from the graphic below, the online sportsbook doesn’t have any sponsorships or awards, but it has gained another extra point for its unique markets. We’re referring to the betting it offers for political competitions, such as the US Presidential Election in 2024 and the Next UK General Election.

Additionally, it stands out as one of the lotto betting sites, providing a platform for those interested in betting on lottery outcomes. This further broadens its appeal by catering to a wider range of betting preferences.

• Live Streams 0/3
• Sponsorship 0/3
• Awards 0/2
• Extra Markets 1/1
• Bonuses 1/1
• Bonus Points 2

We awarded The Pools betting site two extra points in total. It may not seem like a lot, but it mounts up to a high rating when added to the excellent scores the sportsbook site has received in previous categories like security, betting markets, odds and so on.

Conclusion: Seriously Fun Online Sportsbook

You’ve almost reached the end of The Pools review for the UK. We hope the information we shared conveyed the sportsbook’s goal to provide choice, immersion and inclusive space for casual players and experienced gamblers. From what we’ve seen, the operator has made good on this promise.

The Pools stands out with a diverse collection of over 25 sports, excellent odds and low entry limits. It features more than 150 football competitions while also paying attention to niche markets like eSports, Politics and GAA Hurling. Furthermore, it has one of the safest betting platforms in the UK, with SSL encryption by DigiCert and certification from IBAS.

Naturally, the sportsbook can improve by adding live streaming and more payment methods. However, aspects like the consistent The Pools odds and low minimum stake compensate for the abovementioned drawbacks. Nevertheless, if they bother you, the best betting sites in the UK also deserve attention, so feel free to explore.

FAQ

In this FAQ section, we’ve answered British players’ most frequent inquiries about this top betting operator. However, we’re always here to provide help and guidance. Therefore, if any of your questions have not been answered in this The Pools review, feel free to email us at info@bestbettingsites.com.

1️⃣ Can I access The Pools from the UK?

Yes, you can. The Pools online sportsbook is licensed by the UKGC, meaning British players can legally access the website and place bets on it. All you need to do is register and make a minimum deposit of £5 using one of the following trusted payment methods – Visa, Mastercard, Maestro or PayPal.

2️⃣Can I bet live at The Pools?

Yes, that's possible. You can place live bets at The Pools by going to the 'Live Now' section, found in the quick links menu on the left. Unfortunately, live streaming is not available. However, the operator provides real-time statistics and visualisation of the main match events in collaboration with STATSCORE.

3️⃣ What sports can I bet on at The Pools?

This online sportsbook is known in the UK for its wide choice of markets. You can bet on over 25 sports at The Pools, including football, basketball, baseball, golf, cricket, tennis and more. Some niche options like Politics competitions and eSports are also available, so there's something for everyone.

4️⃣ What are the odds levels at The Pools' UK online sportsbook?

We've calculated the odds levels for the largest The Pools sports markets, and the results were consistent. For example, for football, the odds of games in the Premier League are pretty competitive, as the payout rate rarely falls under 95%. Similarly, the operator's profit margin stays under 6% for basketball, tennis and baseball.