1986 - First Million-Pound Win is Awarded

It was not unusual to celebrate syndicate wins with taking a picture with the group holding a plaque with the price money. AOP

The year turns out to be a breakthrough for football pools as the first million-pound jackpot is awarded to a syndicate of hospital workers from the town of Devizes in Wiltshire, England. The syndicate scoops a reward of £1,017,890 – a piece of news that immediately grabs headlines.