Tote Review - Pros & Cons

Compare our Tote Review with all UK Top 20 Betting Sites:

1. Bet365 2. Betfair 3. SkyBet 4. Ladbrokes 5. PaddyPower

6. WilliamHill 7. Coral 8. Unibet 9. Betfred 10. Betvictor

11. Virgin Bet 12. Livescore Bet 13. Boylesports 14. 32Red 15. Midnite 

16. BetUK 17. Betdaq 18. ThePools 19. Tote 20. BetGoodwin

Tip: Read our betting guides about bookies offers and bonus codes.

Tote, a name synonymous with pool betting in the UK, has a long and storied history. From its origins as a state-owned enterprise to its current privately-held status, Tote has navigated a changing landscape to remain a significant player in the British betting market. This review will delve into the various aspects of Tote's offering, examining its strengths, weaknesses, and overall value for both seasoned bettors and newcomers to pool betting. We will consider its core product – pool betting – alongside its more recent ventures into fixed-odds betting as an online bookmaker, customer service, and overall user experience.

A Legacy Built on Pool Betting:

At the heart of Tote is, of course, pool betting. Unlike traditional fixed-odds betting where you bet against the bookmaker, with pool betting you bet into a pool alongside other players. The total pool, minus Tote's deduction (the "Tote Guarantee"), is then divided amongst the winning ticket holders. This creates the potential for significantly larger payouts compared to fixed-odds, particularly in less predictable races or events where few tickets match the winning outcome.

Tote offers a variety of pool betting options, catering to different levels of risk and knowledge. Key options include:

• Win/Place: The most straightforward, requiring you to pick the winner (Win) or a horse to finish in a specific number of places (Place).
• Exacta: Predicting the first two horses in the correct order.
• Trifecta: Predicting the first three horses in the correct order.
• Superfecta: Predicting the first four horses in the correct order.
• Quadpot: Picking the winner in four designated races.
• Placepot: Arguably the most popular, requiring you to select a horse to be placed in each of six designated races. The Placepot offers the allure of large payouts for a relatively small stake.

The Allure of the Tote Guarantee:

One of Tote's key selling points is the "Tote Guarantee." This ensures that the dividend paid out by Tote will never be lower than the Starting Price (SP) offered by the bookmakers on the winner of a race. This guarantee provides a safety net for bettors, guaranteeing them at least the SP value of their win bet, while still offering the potential for a much higher payout if the pool is smaller and competition is less.

Tote Venturing into Fixed-Odds Betting:

Recognizing the evolving preferences of bettors, Tote has expanded its offering to include fixed-odds betting. While pool betting remains its core focus, the addition of fixed-odds allows Tote to compete more directly with traditional bookmakers.

However, the fixed-odds offering is often considered secondary to the pool betting product. While offering standard markets on horse racing and other sports, the odds are generally not as competitive as those offered by specialist fixed-odds bookmakers. The focus remains firmly on driving traffic to the pool betting options.

The Tote Online Platform and User Experience:

Tote's online platform, accessible via desktop and mobile, is crucial to its modern operation. The website is generally well-designed, with clear navigation and a focus on highlighting pool betting opportunities.

• Ease of Use: The website and mobile app are relatively easy to navigate, allowing users to quickly find the races or events they are interested in.
• Information and Statistics: Tote provides a reasonable amount of information on each race, including form guides, jockey and trainer statistics, and recent results.
• Bet Placement: Placing bets is a straightforward process, with clear instructions and easy-to-understand bet slips.
• Live Streaming: The availability of live streaming for horse racing is a significant advantage, allowing bettors to follow the action in real-time.

However, there is room for improvement. The design, while functional, can feel somewhat dated compared to the sleek interfaces of some competitors. Furthermore, finding specific information or navigating to niche markets within the fixed-odds section could be more intuitive.

Customer Service and Support:

Tote offers a range of customer service options, including:

• Live Chat: A generally responsive and helpful live chat service is available for quick queries.
• Email Support: Email support is offered for more complex issues, although response times can vary.
• Telephone Support: A telephone helpline is available for those who prefer to speak directly to a customer service representative.
• FAQ Section: A comprehensive FAQ section addresses many common questions and issues.

While the customer service is generally adequate, some users have reported inconsistencies in the knowledge and helpfulness of customer service agents. Improving the consistency and depth of training for customer service staff would enhance the overall customer experience.

Tote Promotions and Offers:

Tote offers a range of promotions and offers, primarily focused on encouraging pool betting activity. These offers can include:

• Placepot Guarantees: Enhanced Placepot payouts on specific meetings.
• Tote Ten to Follow: A popular competition where users select ten horses to follow throughout the season, accumulating points based on their performance.
• Money Back Specials: Offering refunds on certain bets if specific conditions are met.

While the promotions are welcomed, they are often less generous than the headline-grabbing offers provided by some of the larger fixed-odds bookmakers. A greater focus on offering competitive and innovative promotions could help Tote attract new customers and retain existing ones.

Pros:

• Unique Pool Betting Product: Offers the potential for large payouts compared to fixed-odds betting.
• Tote Guarantee: Provides a safety net for bettors, ensuring at least the SP value of their win bet.
• Established and Trusted Brand: Has a long and reputable history in the UK betting market.
• Live Streaming: Offers live streaming of horse racing, enhancing the betting experience.
• Placepot Popularity: The Placepot remains a highly popular and engaging betting option.
• Licensed and regulated by UK Gambling Commission

Cons:

• Fixed-Odds Odds: Generally less competitive than those offered by specialist fixed-odds bookmakers.
• Online Platform Design: The website and app design could benefit from a modern refresh.
• Customer Service Consistency: Inconsistency in the knowledge and helpfulness of customer service agents.
• Promotion Competitiveness: Promotions are often less generous than those offered by competitors.
• Focus Remains Primarily on Horse Racing: Limited focus on other sports or alternative betting markets.

Overall Verdict:

Tote remains a relevant and valuable player in the UK betting market, particularly for those interested in pool betting. The allure of potentially large payouts and the security offered by the Tote Guarantee continue to attract a loyal customer base.

However, Tote faces increasing competition from larger, more agile bookmakers with more competitive fixed-odds offerings and more innovative promotions. To remain competitive, Tote needs to invest in improving its online platform, enhancing its customer service, and developing more compelling promotions. While its fixed-odds offering is unlikely to become a primary focus, ensuring competitive odds and a wider range of markets would further broaden its appeal.

Ultimately, Tote excels at what it has always done best: providing a compelling and engaging pool betting experience. While improvements can be made, its unique product and established brand ensure its continued presence in the British betting landscape. For those seeking the excitement and potential rewards of pool betting, Tote remains a solid and trustworthy option. However, for bettors primarily interested in fixed-odds betting, other bookmakers may offer more competitive odds and a wider range of markets.

The Tote, a name synonymous with British horse racing for almost a century, has evolved from its traditional on-course pooling system into a modern online sportsbook, offering a unique blend of classic betting formats and contemporary features. But how does the Tote stack up against the established giants of the online gambling world? This comprehensive review will delve into the Tote’s offerings, examining its strengths and weaknesses across various aspects, from its core pooling bets to its fixed-odds sportsbook and overall user experience.

A Legacy of Pooling: The Heart of the Tote Experience

The Tote’s raison d'être lies in its pooling system, a wagering format where all bets are combined into a single pool, and the winnings are distributed proportionally among the winners after a deduction for operating costs and contribution to racing. This is fundamentally different from fixed-odds betting, where you’re betting against the bookmaker. The Tote offers several popular pool bet types, including:

• Win: The simplest pool bet, requiring you to select the winner of the race.
• Place: You bet on your selection to finish within the designated place positions (usually 2nd or 3rd depending on the number of runners).
• Show (Limited Availability): In some regions, the Tote offers a Show bet, requiring your selection to finish in the top three.
• Exacta (Forecast): Predicting the first two finishers in the correct order. This is a more challenging but potentially more rewarding pool bet.
• Trifecta (Tricast): Predicting the first three finishers in the correct order. This requires considerable knowledge and a degree of luck and offers the potential for significant payouts.
• Superfecta (Quadpot): Predicting the first four finishers in the correct order. This is the most difficult pool bet, offering the highest potential rewards.
• Placepot: A popular pool bet requiring you to select a horse to place in each of the first six races at a designated meeting. Offering a relatively low stake for a chance to win a significant sum, the Placepot is a mainstay of British racing culture.
• Quadpot: Pick the horses to place in races 3-6 at a selected meeting.
• Jackpot: Pick the first 6 winners at a specific meeting. This is a challenging bet with the potential for significant winnings.
• Scoop6: This weekend special requires you to pick the winners of six races. This is a high-risk, high-reward bet that can lead to life-changing payouts.

The Appeal of Pooling:

The allure of pool betting lies in its potential for higher payouts than fixed odds. Since the dividends are determined by the total pool size and the number of winners, a less predictable result can lead to significantly larger returns. This creates an exciting dynamic where even relatively small stakes can generate substantial winnings. Furthermore, for knowledgeable racing enthusiasts, pool betting presents an opportunity to leverage their expertise and potentially identify undervalued horses that the market has overlooked.

Tote Fixed-Odds Betting: Expanding Horizons

Recognizing the evolving landscape of online betting, the Tote has expanded its offerings to include a fixed-odds sportsbook. This allows users to bet on a wider range of sports and events, including football, tennis, basketball, and many more. The fixed-odds platform provides a more traditional betting experience, with clearly defined odds and the ability to place pre-match and in-play wagers.

Analyzing the Fixed-Odds Tote Platform:

While a welcome addition, the Tote's fixed-odds platform is still relatively nascent compared to its more established competitors. The range of sports and markets offered is generally comprehensive, covering most major events. However, the depth of markets within each sport may be less extensive than what's available on larger platforms.

Tote Odds and Value:

The competitiveness of the Tote's fixed-odds prices is a crucial factor for potential users. While the odds are generally in line with the market average, they may not consistently offer the best value across all sports and events. It's always advisable to compare odds across different bookmakers before placing a bet to ensure you're getting the most favorable return. 

User Experience and Design:

The Tote website and mobile app offer a clean and intuitive interface, making it easy to navigate between the pool betting and fixed-odds sections. The design is modern and user-friendly, with clear information displays and a straightforward betting process. The site is generally responsive and loads quickly, providing a seamless betting experience.

Tote Mobile App Functionality:

The Tote mobile app mirrors the functionality of the website, allowing users to access all betting options, manage their accounts, and track their bets on the go. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices and is optimized for mobile use, providing a smooth and efficient betting experience.

Tote Promotions and Bonuses:

The Tote offers a range of promotions and bonuses to attract and retain customers. These include welcome bonuses for new users, as well as ongoing promotions such as enhanced odds, money-back specials, and loyalty rewards. These promotions can provide added value for users and enhance their overall betting experience. It is recommended to carefully review the terms and conditions associated with each promotion to ensure you understand the eligibility requirements and wagering restrictions.

Tote Customer Support:

The Tote provides customer support through various channels, including email, telephone, and live chat. The availability of live chat is a significant advantage, allowing users to quickly resolve any queries or issues they may encounter. The responsiveness and helpfulness of the customer support team are generally positive, although response times may vary depending on the volume of inquiries.

Pros and Cons: A Summary

Pros:

• Unique Pool Betting Experience: Offers a traditional and potentially lucrative alternative to fixed-odds betting.
• Potential for High Payouts: Pool betting can generate significant returns, especially for less predictable results.
• User-Friendly Interface: The website and mobile app are easy to navigate and use.
• Comprehensive Racing Coverage: Provides extensive coverage of UK and international horse racing.
• Fixed-Odds Sportsbook: Offers a wider range of betting options, including football, tennis, and other sports.
• Mobile App Availability: Allows users to bet on the go.
• Variety of Promotions: Offers bonuses and promotions to attract and retain customers.

Cons:

• Fixed-Odds Platform Less Developed: The fixed-odds platform is relatively new compared to established competitors.
• Odds May Not Always Be the Best: Fixed-odds prices may not consistently offer the best value.
• Pool Betting Can Be Complex: Pool betting can be confusing for novice bettors.
• Payouts Dependent on Pool Size: Payouts are affected by the number of winners and the overall pool size.

Our Final Verdict:

The Tote Sportsbook offers a compelling blend of traditional pool betting and modern fixed-odds wagering. Its unique pooling system remains its core strength, providing a distinct and potentially rewarding betting experience for horse racing enthusiasts. The addition of a fixed-odds sportsbook expands its appeal, offering a wider range of betting options.

Our Overall Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars. 

While the fixed-odds platform is still developing, the Tote provides a user-friendly interface, comprehensive racing coverage, and a range of promotions. Ultimately, the Tote is a solid choice for bettors seeking a differentiated betting experience that combines the heritage of pool betting with the convenience of a modern online sportsbook. However, those primarily focused on finding the absolute best fixed-odds prices may want to compare the Tote's offerings with other established bookmakers. The Tote holds a special place in British betting culture, and its continued evolution makes it a worthy contender in the competitive online gambling market.