Payment models: per-user, per-pool, and flat fee (pros & cons)

By Dirk Menkveld on Monday, March 30, 2026

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Payment models for prediction pools (simple guide)

When you run a Fantasy Football (is Prediction Game in English) pool, you need a way to pay for it. In this kind of fantasy football, you predict match results. You do not pick players.

Many organisers use one of three payment models:

  • Per-user
  • Per-pool
  • Flat fee

Each model can work well. The best choice depends on your group size, how often you play, and how you want to collect money.

1) Per-user pricing

Per-user means you pay for each person who joins.

Pros

  • Fair for small groups. You only pay for the people who play.
  • Easy to scale up. Add more friends. Pay a bit more.
  • Clear cost per person. This helps when you split costs.

Cons

  • Costs can jump fast. A big group can get costly.
  • You must track active users. This adds admin work.
  • People may hesitate to invite others. They may not want a higher bill.

Best for

  • A small to medium group.
  • A group that changes often.
  • Pools where you want a simple “pay per player” feel.

2) Per-pool pricing

Per-pool means you pay a fee for each pool you create. The number of players matters less (or not at all).

Pros

  • Simple for organisers. One pool, one price.
  • Great for many players. A big group can cost the same as a small group.
  • Easy to plan. You know the cost per competition.

Cons

  • Can feel high for a tiny group. A pool of 6 may pay the same as a pool of 60.
  • Extra pools cost extra. A “work pool” plus a “friends pool” can double the bill.
  • Less flexible if you test ideas. You may pay more to experiment.

Best for

  • A large group in one main pool.
  • People who run pools often and want simple billing.
  • Groups that want to set up one pool and keep it stable.

3) Flat fee pricing

Flat fee means you pay one fixed amount for a set time, like a month or a year.

Pros

  • Best for budgeting. The cost stays the same.
  • Easy to invite everyone. Growth does not raise the price.
  • Good for frequent play. You can run many pools without extra fees.

Cons

  • You may overpay. This can happen if you play rarely.
  • It can feel risky at first. You pay before you know group demand.
  • Less “pay as you go”. Some people prefer smaller, flexible costs.

Best for

  • A group that plays all season.
  • People who run many pools.
  • Anyone who wants one simple bill and no surprises.

How to pick the right model (quick checklist)

Ask these questions:

  1. How many people will play?

    • Under 15: per-user can fit well.
    • Over 30: per-pool or flat fee may be better.

  2. How many pools will you run?

    • One pool: per-pool can be simple.
    • Many pools: flat fee may win.

  3. Do you want stable costs?

    • If yes, pick flat fee.
    • If no, per-user can stay flexible.

  4. How much admin do you want?

    • Per-user can need more tracking.
    • Per-pool and flat fee can feel lighter.

Simple examples (with real-life feel)

  • Friends group (12 people): Per-user often feels fair.
  • Big community pool (80 people): Per-pool can be cheaper and simpler.
  • You run pools all year: Flat fee can keep it stress-free.

Tips to avoid money stress in your group

  • Agree on the model before the first match.
  • Keep it simple. One price is easier than many add-ons.
  • Set clear rules. Say what happens if someone joins late.
  • Use plain language. Avoid hidden costs and confusing terms.

If you want a general view of how fixed and variable pricing works, you can read this plain overview of a subscription model: Subscription model overview.

Final takeaway

Per-user works best when your group is small and changing. Per-pool works best when you run one big pool. Flat fee works best when you want stable costs and you play often.

Whatever you pick, keep it clear. Keep it fair. Then focus on the fun part of Fantasy Football (is Prediction Game in English): predicting the matches with your friends.