Jackpot.com has made its first foray into the US market after going live in Texas today, supplemented by an additional $7m in funding from some of the country’s top professional sports franchises.
The move marks a significant milestone in the company’s history as it delivers on last year’s aim of launching in early 2023.
The online lottery ticket platform has previously announced its goal of “transforming” the lottery industry and becoming the leading provider of online lottery tickets in the US, intending to deliver on its objective by launching its operations in Texas first.
Akshay K. Khanna, CEO and Co-Founder, commented: “More than half of Americans buy lottery tickets each year, but only a fraction are bought online – including in Texas, the country’s third-largest lottery market.
“During my time at StubHub, I saw first-hand how impactful digitisation can be to expanding access and growing an industry.
“With Jackpot.com, we’re modernising America’s favourite game by enhancing the player experience, expanding accessibility, and offering safety guardrails that set a new standard for responsible gaming – all while ensuring players never miss a draw or misplace their ticket again.
“Texans embrace innovation, and we know people across the Lone Star State will embrace Jackpot.com’s modern way to play.”
Khanna’s firm has been aided in its development by a $35m Series A round last June, powered by some of the world’s biggest investors and operators in sports, media and entertainment, including Grammy Award winner Lil Baby and NBA icon James Harden.
Jackpocket has used this new capital to launch in Texas and make several strategic acquisitions and partnerships with state lotteries.
The online platform has now announced another $7m in funding – making it $42m in total this round – from some of the country’s top professional sports franchises and marketing partnerships with the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Rockets, and San Antonio Spurs.
Chad Estis, Dallas Cowboys Executive Vice President, said: “Texans love to play and love to win, which is why the Dallas Cowboys are excited to partner with Jackpot.com to bring our fans a new way to buy lottery tickets conveniently, safely, and responsibly.”
These multi-year partnerships will see Jackpot.com’s logo appear throughout some of the most beloved venues in Texas – Dallas’s AT&T Stadium, Houston’s Toyota Center, and San Antonio’s AT&T Center – just as football season reaches its peak and the NBA heats up before it’s All-Star weekend break.
As part of the partnership agreements, Jackpot.com will be offering promotions geared toward these fanbases, and cross-promoting its app on radio, internet, and billboards.
Gretchen Sheirr, Houston Rockets’ President of Business Operations, added: “The Rockets organisation is always looking to change the game through innovation – both on and off the court – and is proud to partner with Jackpot.com as they usher in a convenient and exciting way for our fans to play the lotteries online here in Texas.”
