The Football Pools and the British Working Class: A Political, Social and Cultural History

The Football Pools and the British Working Class explores the politics and culture of the football pools in Britain, charting their rise from the 1920s to the 1990s and their decline due to the National Lottery. It examines how this new gambling activity became a leisure opportunity for the working class, dominated by large commercial companies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 236 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive and groundbreaking study delves into the intricate world of football pools in Britain, exploring their political and cultural significance. It traces the rise and fall of the football pools, highlighting their rapid growth in the 1920s and subsequent decline in British culture from the 1990s, partly due to the introduction of the National Lottery. The book delves into how this new form of gambling became a significant leisure opportunity for the working class, offering a chance to believe that individual skill could lead to life-changing jackpots. Dominated by large commercial companies like Littlewoods, the weekly filling of coupons was seen as a safe and reliable investment, backed by the integrity of the pool companies.

However, the book also examines the deep hostility surrounding the football pools, stemming from various sources such as the National Anti-Gambling League, religious groups, football authorities, and even Members of Parliament. This hostility was fueled by concerns about the social and economic impact of gambling, as well as moral and ethical objections to the activity.

The Football Pools and the British Working Class offers a rich and detailed account of the football pools' history, culture, and societal impact. It appeals to a wide range of readers, including those interested in the history of British football and 20th-century British working-class culture. The book provides valuable insights into the social and economic dynamics of the time, shedding light on the experiences and perspectives of the working class participants in the football pools.

Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the complex relationship between football, gambling, and British society culture in the 20th century.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367701734