Totopoly

About this board game

Totopoly is a horse-racing board game for 2–6 players, with an approximate playing time of 90 minutes. First published in 1938, it combines buying, auctions, money management, betting, and a race that unfolds in two distinct stages.

Each player begins with £700 and can acquire horses and businesses through two steps: first by lot, then by auction. Players then make one lap around the game’s Training Track with each of their horses. This opening circuit helps shape the race to come, as players collect advantage and disadvantage cards and gain or lose money that can be bet later.

Once everyone has completed the Training Track, the board is flipped to reveal the Race Track. Each player may enter up to three horses in the race, while bets may be placed on any horse to win. The betting takes place before the race begins, adding an important layer of choice before movement starts.

During the race, players roll one die and move their horses in turn. Advantage and disadvantage cards collected during the first half can be used whenever a player feels the timing is right, making the earlier lap more than a simple warm-up.

• Buy horses and businesses by lot and auction.
• Collect race-changing cards and money on the Training Track.
• Enter up to three horses and bet on any horse to win.
• Divide the race winnings among bets on the winning horse, after 10% goes to the Bookmaker.

Early rules describe the goal as owning the horse that wins the race, while later rules allow players to use money as the measure of success. In Totopoly, the road to victory can therefore focus on the winning horse, the financial outcome, or both.