X’s and O’s

X's and O's is the tentative name of a multi-state lottery game currently in development by the Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL) in partnership with the National Football League (NFL). While the game has not been officially announced, information about the project has emerged from lottery industry conferences.

The game is tentatively scheduled for launch in August or early September 2026. According to lottery executives, the game is expected to be available in at least 31 states and jurisdictions, potentially reaching 150 million people across MUSL's member lotteries.

Note: All details about X's and O's (including the game name, mechanics, pricing, prize structure, launch date, and participating jurisdictions) are subject to change as the game is still in development and has not been officially announced.

Game structure

According to reports, the current concept would have a tic-tac-toe-style grid featuring logos from all 32 NFL teams, with a free center square displaying the NFL shield. Players would select 8 NFL teams from all 32 NFL franchises for a chance to win experiential NFL prizes and cash rewards.

How to play

  1. Pick 8 NFL teams from all 32 franchises on the play grid.
  2. The center square features the NFL shield as a free space.
  3. Prizes are awarded based on matching "dropped" logos in the grid pattern.
  4. A Quick Pick option may be available for random team selection.
  5. After the Sunday drawing, check if you have won.

Note: This may change before launch.

Ticket cost
The current price being considered is $5 per play.

Prizes and odds

Prize structure and odds information have not been released.

According to the latest reports, while the game would feature a modest rolling jackpot, the game concept emphasizes experiential NFL rewards over massive cash jackpots.

Potential prizes being considered include:

  • Super Bowl suite tickets
  • NFL Draft on-stage experiences (potentially making a pick for your favorite team)
  • VIP game tickets with premium seating
  • NFL merchandise
  • "Fan Cash" credits (reports suggest amounts starting around $50)
  • Cash prizes, including a modest rolling jackpot
  • Second-chance drawings through the planned Powerball mobile app

Lottery executives have stated these would be exclusive experiences "you can't buy" on the open market, not just standard VIP packages.

The expected overall payout is around 55% of sales.

Schedule

According to current plans, the weekly draws would take place every Sunday to align with the NFL season. Specific draw times have not been announced.

Things to know

These details are not yet confirmed, but proposed in plans:

  1. X's and O's is in development and has not been officially announced by MUSL or the NFL. All information comes from lottery industry conferences.
  2. The launch is scheduled for August or early September 2026, though this is unconfirmed.
  3. A new official Powerball mobile app for ticket scanning, points accumulation, and cross-state play functionality could accompany the debut of this game.
  4. Draws would be held every Sunday to align with NFL game days and capture football excitement.
  5. The game emphasizes unique NFL experiences over large cash jackpots.
  6. All details, including the game name (also referred to as "NFL-themed national draw game"), mechanics, pricing, and launch date, may change.

History

X's and O's has reportedly been in development by the MUSL in partnership with the NFL and participating state lotteries since at least 2023, spearheaded by Oklahoma Lottery Executive Director Jay Finks.

Originally targeted for September 2025, the game was delayed to August or early September 2026, allegedly due to rulemaking, testing, and coordination requirements.

FAQs

Every Sunday, to align with the NFL season. Specific times haven't been announced, and it's unclear if draws would continue year-round or only during the NFL season.

Expected in at least 31 states, potentially reaching 150 million people across MUSL's footprint. Not all MUSL member states may participate. The full list would be announced at launch.

Players would pick 8 NFL teams from 32 franchises on a tic-tac-toe-style grid. The center square would feature the NFL shield as a free space. Prizes would then be awarded based on matching "dropped" logos. Quick Pick may be available.

While the game emphasizes NFL experiences over massive jackpots, the current model would also offer a rolling jackpot. The starting jackpot has not been confirmed.

Potential prizes beyond the monetary ones include:

  • Super Bowl suite tickets.
  • NFL Draft on-stage experiences (potentially making a pick for your favorite team).
  • VIP game tickets to see your favorite team play.
  • NFL merchandise.
  • "Fan Cash" credits (starting at $50).
  • Cash prizes and a modest rolling jackpot.
  • Second-chance drawings through the Powerball app points system.

The odds of winning haven't been released yet and will depend on the final game mechanics and prize structure.

No, X's and O's would be a lottery draw game, not sports betting. However, it's designed to appeal to similar demographics and create excitement around NFL fandom.

More information is likely to come out in the months ahead of the tentative August/September 2026 launch. This page will be continuously updated with the latest details.

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