Soccer has always been a game in which the everyday fan has the opportunity to profit from a team’s success. Back in the 20th century fans across the UK used to play the football pools every week, seeking to win fabulous sums of money for a small stake. It was all about predicting which games in the English and Scottish professional divisions would result in score draws, although as the fixtures were listed on a numbered sheet, many households simply picked the same numbers every week. 

Unsurprisingly given the conceptual similarity, the popularity of the pools dwindled in the 1990s with the rise of lotto-style gaming, and those who wanted to win money through football had to switch to plain sports betting. Still, there was something about the pools and the way it gave everyone a chance to win, even if they were just picking numbers at random.  

There is, however, an alternative. The following football-themed slot games are more about enthusiasm for the game than in-depth knowledge. As well as being fun, they have that “pools factor” of offering players a chance, however remote, of a big money win. Best of all, they are available across the globe, so unlike the pools, you’ll be as likely to find them in a gambling guide for South Africa as one about England and Scotland. 

Football Champions Cup

This crowd-pleaser from NetEnt was originally launched to coincide with Euro 2016, and got an upgrade for the World Cup last year to give it a more global flavor. The game benefits from good graphics and an uncomplicated layout that isn’t at all frightening to those who are new to slot games. There are also two great bonus games. The “penalty shoot out” feature bring a real air of drama to proceedings. 

Shoot

If you like your gaming and your soccer to be of the retro variety, this is the game for you. It’s based on the 1970s soccer magazine of the same title and the reels feature some genuine legends of the game. Pele, Beckenbauer, Maradona, they are all here waiting to earn you a big win. The game is by Microgaming and features 50 paylines and numerous wilds, scatters and quick cash bonuses. It’s fast, frantic fun, 70s-style!

Top Strike

NextGen developed this game for the 2018 World Cup, and you can definitely feel that it is a little newer than those above. It’s well-organized and ideal to play on mobile, but the best part of this game by far is the bonus feature where you pick which team is going to make the World Cup final. It’s almost as thrilling as the real thing, and if you get it right, the financial rewards can be significant. 

Hugo Goal

Don’t be put off by the fact that it has only three reels, Play’n Go has focused on the fun in this tale of a cartoon troll and his love of soccer. The action comes thick and fast, as you guide Hugo through free kicks and a penalty shoot out before he takes the goalkeeper’s gloves himself. This is a great little football slot that scores high for entertainment value and opportunities to win.