1887 - The Seed is Sown

The Old Carthusians Vs Preston North End 1887. AOP

The Cricket & Football Field newspaper introduces readers to its first-ever football tipping competition in its 10th September issue. A reward of one guinea is proposed for participants who could successfully predict the results of four upcoming matches. The paper starts printing coupons that could be cut out, filled in and sent back to its office on a Friday prior to the matches due next week. The participation fee is set to zero excluding postage. The competition catches on, necessitating other newspapers to follow suit.