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 hasn't been officially announced, information about the project has emerged from lottery industry conferences.

The game is tentatively scheduled to launch on September 8, 2026, with the first draw taking place on September 13, 2026.

According to lottery executives, the game is expected to be available in at least 31 states, 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 hasn't been officially announced.

Game structure

According to reports, the current game concept would feature 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 unique experiential NFL prizes and cash rewards.

How to play

  1. Players 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 drawn or "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

According to the latest reports, the game would feature a modest rolling jackpot starting at $500,000, with emphasis on experiential NFL rewards rather than massive cash jackpots. Lottery executives have stated these would be exclusive experiences "you can't buy" on the open market, not just standard VIP packages.

Potential prizes could include:

  • Cash prizes, including a rolling jackpot that starts at $500,000.
  • Second-chance drawings through a new mobile app that is currently in development.
  • "Fan Cash" credits or gift cards (reports suggest amounts starting around $50).
  • 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.

The expected overall payout is around 55% of sales.

Schedule

According to current plans, the first draw is scheduled for September 13, 2026, and the weekly draws would take place every Sunday thereafter, in alignment with the NFL season. Specific draw times haven't been announced.

Things to know

  1. X's and O's is in development and hasn't been officially announced by MUSL or the NFL. All information comes from lottery industry conferences.
  2. The planned starting jackpot is $500,000.
  3. The launch is tentatively scheduled for September 8, 2026, and the first draw for September 13.
  4. A new official mobile app for ticket scanning, points accumulation, second-chance draws, and cross-state play functionality is being developed to accompany the debut of this game.
  5. Draws would be held every Sunday to align with NFL game days and capture football excitement.
  6. The game emphasizes unique NFL experiences over large cash jackpots.
  7. 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 developed by 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, allegedly due to rulemaking, testing, and coordination requirements.

The current launch objective is September 8, 2026, with the first draw scheduled for September 13 of the same year.

FAQs

X’s and O’s is scheduled for a September 8, 2026, launch. The first draw is scheduled for September 13.

Every Sunday, to align with the NFL season games. 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 member states. The full list would be announced before 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 drawn logos. Quick Pick may be available.

While the game emphasizes unique NFL-related experiences over massive jackpots, the current model would also offer a modest rolling jackpot. The starting jackpot currently being discussed is $500,000.

Potential prizes beyond the monetary ones could include: Super Bowl suite tickets, NFL Draft on-stage experiences, VIP game tickets, signed NFL merchandise, "Fan Cash" credits, and more.

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 September 8, 2026, launch. This page will be continuously updated with the latest details, so keep checking for the latest news.

Do you have questions about X's and O's? Send us a message, and we’ll get you an answer.