The Tote: How Pool Betting Works, Bet Types and the Tote App
Tote betting puts every stake into one pool and shares it among the winners, so you’re betting against other punters, not a bookmaker. Here’s how it works, who runs pool betting at UK courses now, and how to bet on the Tote from your phone.
How pool betting works
One pool, shared by the winners
Every stake on a race goes into a pool. The operator takes a percentage, and what’s left is shared among the winning tickets. That’s your dividend.
Because the pool keeps growing until the off, the dividend shown before the race can change. You won’t know exactly what you’ll be paid until the race starts.
Tote vs bookmaker
With a bookmaker you take a fixed price. With the Tote you share a pool, so long-shots in big fields can sometimes pay more than the starting price.
The Tote Guarantee means the Tote win dividend will match or beat the industry SP on win bets. Check the current terms before you bet.
Tote bet types
From simple win bets to the six-race Placepot.
Win, Place and Each Way
Back a horse to win, to place, or both. Unlike bookmakers, the Tote lets you back a horse to place only.
Exacta and Trifecta
Pick the first two, or the first three, in the right order.
Placepot
Pick a horse to be placed in each of the first six races at a meeting.
Quadpot
Pick a placed horse in races 3, 4, 5 and 6.
Jackpot
Pick the winner of the first six races at one meeting.
Scoop6
Six selected races on a Saturday, with a big pool that rolls over if nobody wins it.
Who runs pool betting at UK racecourses?
The Tote is no longer the only pool operator at British racecourses.
- Britbet is a partnership of racecourses that runs on-course pool betting, with the Tote supplying the brand and off-course services. The deal covers the Jockey Club courses and the big independent tracks until at least October 2030.
- Since 1 November 2025, 19 courses, the 16 Arena Racing Company tracks plus Hexham, Newton Abbot and Ripon, use pools hosted by Britbet. All Placepot bets still go into Tote pools.
- Ascot, Chester and Bangor run their own pool betting.
For more on betting at the track, read our guide to betting at the racecourse and our racecourse guides.
Betting on the Tote from your phone
The Tote app
The Tote: Sports Betting app from UK Tote Group offers pool bets including the Placepot, Quadpot, Jackpot and Scoop6, and free live streaming of racing. Online winnings go straight into your account. See our step-by-step placepot guide.
At the course
On course, the minimum Tote bet is £2, and Jockey Club courses say the Tote takes cash and card. Winning on-course tickets are paid out at the Tote or Britbet windows.
A short history of the Tote
Compare racing betting apps
See real App Store and Google Play ratings for every UK racing app.
Tote FAQs
Who owns the Tote?
The Tote has been owned by UK Tote Group, a consortium of more than 150 investors from racing, mostly owners and breeders, since October 2019. Before that it was owned by Betfred from 2011, and by the government from 1928.
Is the Tote at every racecourse?
No. Since 1 November 2025, 19 courses, including the Arena Racing Company tracks such as Doncaster and Lingfield, use pools hosted by Britbet. Ascot, Chester and Bangor run their own pool betting. Jockey Club courses and other big independent tracks work with the Tote through Britbet.
What is the minimum Tote bet?
The minimum Tote bet on course is £2.
What is the Tote Guarantee?
The Tote Guarantee means your Tote win dividend will match or beat the industry starting price on win bets. Check the latest terms with the Tote, as they can change.
Can I bet a horse to place only on the Tote?
Yes. Unlike most bookmakers, the Tote lets you bet a horse to place without backing it to win.
Is there a Tote app?
Yes. The Tote: Sports Betting app from UK Tote Group offers pool bets such as the Placepot, Quadpot, Jackpot and Scoop6, plus live streaming of racing.
Sources: Wikipedia: The Tote · ROA: Britbet and Tote partnership · Racing Post: Britbet at 19 courses · Jockey Club: betting · App Store: Tote. Checked October 2026.
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