Understanding Prize Pool Payouts: A Complete Guide 💸

A payout is how a venue splits the prize pool after the game (or at key checkpoints like the end of a quarter).

Players join → the pool grows → winners get paid based on the plan the venue chooses.

The quick flow (simple)

  1. Entries come in 🎟️ — People join your board and the pool grows.
  2. The pool locks at kickoff 🔒 — Rules freeze so it’s fair for everyone.
  3. Winners are determined 🏁 — At each checkpoint (Q1 / Half / Q3 / Final).
  4. Payout rules apply 💰 — The pool is split according to the posted plan.

Most common model: Quarterly payouts (weighted)

The classic squares-style format is quarterly payouts. The most common real-world twist is that Half-time and the Finalget the biggest share—because those moments keep the crowd engaged all the way through.

Why “weighted” works 🎯

  • Q1 = early excitement
  • Half = bigger crowd moment
  • Q3 = keeps people watching
  • Final = biggest payoff

Notifications are the hype engine 📣

OfficePoolPro.app turns each payout checkpoint into a moment:

  • Pre-checkpoint reminder (“Half-time payout coming up…”)
  • Instant winner alert (“Winner announced 🎉”)
  • Next checkpoint teaser (“Final is the biggest—stay locked in.”)

Example payout plan (Weighted Quarters)

Example: $1,000 prize pool split by checkpoints.

  • Q1: 15% ($150) — gets the room excited early
  • Half (Q2): 25% ($250) — big crowd moment
  • Q3: 15% ($150) — keeps engagement mid-game
  • Final: 45% ($450) — biggest prize, biggest energy

Optional twist: “Booby Prize” for Overtime 😈

Some venues add a small OT bonus so overtime feels like a feature—not a delay.

Example: $1,000 prize pool with an OT bonus:

  • Q1: $150
  • Half: $250
  • Q3: $150
  • Final: $400
  • OT Bonus / Booby Prize: $50

Venue takeaway ✅

The best payout plans are:

  • Transparent (posted before kickoff)
  • Exciting (bigger Half + Final)
  • Engagement-driven (notifications turn checkpoints into events)

Call To Action (CTA)

Want this running at your venue for the next big game?

OfficePoolPro.app makes it easy to run a live board, drive engagement, and keep payouts organized.

Tap below to try it now:

  • Try the Future (Demo): https://greenspacemen.com (then tap Try the Future)
  • Or go direct: https://officepoolpro.app

Want a fast setup?

Reply “VENUE” and we’ll help you launch your first board in minutes.