On each weekend, there are always many football enthusiasts who fill up their pools coupons or betting slips. These two differ only on one thing: the result of a game. However, the conversion of your wager into returns is totally different.
If you follow pools results and wonder how they compare with sports betting at fixed odds, this guide is for you. We will look at how each format works, where the money in each one comes from, and what to check before you choose.
How Football Pools Work
All wagers are pooled into one pool for pools betting. The operator deducts its commission, and the remainder is distributed according to the outcome of the bets.
This is the main principle. You do not get back anything based on the pre-determined price. You will get your money back depending on two factors – the number of people who played and the number of people who got the same result as you.
Pools betting slips have always revolved around draws. You select a fixed number of matches from a huge selection and hope that all those matches end in a draw. If there are no draws in a given week, the winners get more money. If there are draws all over the place, the payout is less since many people win at once.
Some characteristics of pools include the following:
- The returns are not known until everything is over and the dividend is announced.
- One ticket can be used for more than one game.
- The outcome of a particular game only counts towards the line as a whole.
- Void games may have special conditions, so it is worthwhile to read about them.
How Fixed-Odds Betting Works
Fixed-odds betting is a direct agreement between you and the operator. The price is set when you place the bet, and it does not change afterwards, whatever other people do.
With decimal odds, the return is easy to calculate. Multiply your stake by the odds. A stake of 1,000 at odds of 2.50 returns 2,500 if the bet wins, including the original stake.
Odds can also be read as probabilities. Divide 1 by the odds:
- Odds of 2.00 suggest a 50% chance.
- Odds of 4.00 suggest a 25% chance.
- Odds of 1.25 suggest an 80% chance.
If you add up the implied chances of all outcomes in a market, the total is usually a little above 100%. That extra part is the operator’s margin, sometimes called the overround.
Pools and Fixed Odds Side by Side
Here is a quick comparison of the two formats.
| Feature | Football pools | Fixed-odds betting |
|---|---|---|
| Where returns come from | A shared pot split among winners | A price agreed when you bet |
| When you know the possible return | After results and dividends are declared | As soon as you place the bet |
| Typical focus | Draws across many matches | Any market: result, goals, corners and more |
| Effect of other players | Many winners can lower the dividend | None |
| Number of matches per entry | Often many on one coupon | One match or several in an accumulator |
| Changing your mind | Usually not possible after submission | Depends on the market and platform rules |
Tips for Playing Pools Sensibly
Pools can be exciting since they offer a reward for reading an entire weekend’s worth of football. Some tips will prove helpful:
- Familiarize yourself with the coupon guide before playing, particularly on void matches.
- Analyze the form and fixture of the leagues instead of just choosing numbers blindly.
- Consider the fact that a commonly chosen entry will be picked by many entries.
- Stick to a weekly budget and avoid increasing it during a light weekend.
Pools’ results are usually made available on Saturdays evening, right after the end of the last match. The convenience of viewing all the results from a single source is relaxing.
Tips for Fixed-Odds Bets
Fixed odds will enable you to exercise more control over your options. This will mean more choices, and therefore structure becomes crucial.
It would be best if you begin by sticking to the markets that you are familiar with. For instance, it is much easier for you to comprehend the basics of a match winner or totals market than something fancy. You need to make sure that you compare the odds against your probability of the match occurring.
It will be better if you do not use many accumulators, because although they are good on paper, it is just one single goal or equalizer that can bring everything down.
Platforms such as Afropari list a wide range of football markets, from match results to goal lines. A wide menu is useful only if you stay with the markets you can explain in one sentence.
Which Format Suits Which Fan
Neither form is more superior in general. It all depends on personal preference.
The pools format is suitable for people who love doing something on a weekly basis, like going through the entire fixture list and do not mind waiting for the payout. The fixed odds format suits people who would rather concentrate on one or two games and know what their maximum payout will be.
Sometimes there are people who like both formats. If this is the case, ensure you allocate different budgets to the two formats.
Keep It Entertainment
Whichever format you decide to go with, gambling and pool betting is an adult affair and should be kept as such. Determine a limit that you can comfortably afford to lose and stick to it. The referee’s whistle is universal. It just means that you understand what to anticipate from it.
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