It’s been a long time coming, but fans of The Tote were able to get a little more excited today about the launch of the new pool betting system from the brand.
Members who had signed up with either The Tote or Totesport received an email confirming that the old Tote websites would be shut down on January 28.
The firm is planning a mass migration over to a new website, of which a ‘beta’ version has already been launched.
That means that any punters who have ante post wagers or long term outright bets outstanding will see these moved across to the new Tote site, and they will be settled as and when accordingly.
All live balances will be moved across to the new platform too, although members can still withdraw any funds if they wish.
The new Tote is expected to be launched some time in February amid a rampant PR campaign. New features include the Ten to Follow game, a sort of fantasy league for horse racing, as well as a raft of new pools and the promise of increased payouts for players.
Sadly, you will no longer be able to place fixed odds bets with Totesport either online or via its land-based operations, and there won’t be a facility to place telephone bets either.
It’s a new dawn for the Tote, and we’re excited to see where it takes them and you can access the beta of their new website.
The Tote’s Bright New Era
While Betfred did their best to bring pool betting to a new audience, it’s a relief to see The Tote back in the hands of a firm for whom it’s their sole business interest.
The Tote Group UK, a consortium of horse racing experts and business minds, will run the brand for the foreseeable future after acquiring the rights from Fred Done.
The ultimate aim is to reinvigorate interest in pool betting, which will lead to more punters playing and thus increased prize funds. The return of the World Pool, which attracts investment from all over the globe, is expected at Royal Ascot, and may be rolled out more frequently thereafter.
All of the favourite ticket types will return, from quadpots and placepots to exacta, trifecta and swingers, so time-served fans of the Tote will not be disappointed.
And, of course, Scoop6 will also be available – just weeks after one sharp-minded punter won nearly £1 million from his £50 ticket in the game.
Ten to Follow, just one of the new initiatives, has already proven to be an instant success. Here ‘managers’ pick the ten horses they believe will perform best, either in a particular month or over the course of a season.
Points are accrued based on their performance, and already the first monthly prize has been dished out: the winner in question bagged £10,000 for his selections, which included Clan des Obeaux – who won the King George, and Potters Corner, who triumphed in the Welsh Grand National. Not bad for a £5 entry.