Betting giant bet365 has announced the launch of Jackpot365. The new sports betting prize is the first sports betting progressive jackpot to launch in the regulated UK market.
The product was previously launched on the bet365 casino platform in December last year, and the expansion will see a similar four-tier prize structure offered across qualifying sports bets. Punters will have the option to place an additional side bet, giving them access to the jackpots.
Alongside the UK, other markets that can access this product are: Netherlands, Sweden and Ontario, with Michigan and Brazil coming soon.
Jackpot365 Expansion
Jackpot365 launched in December on the company's online casino platform. Since then, it has paid out £50m in prizes over more than 112,000 wins.
When playing eligible games, players can opt in to participate in the jackpot game. The jackpot game entry requires an additional side bet but does not affect the outcome of the main bet.
Effective immediately, sports betting players will also have access to the same jackpot game feature. To participate, players can build their bet slip, as usual, and then select Opt In on the bet slip. The total stake increases to cover the cost of the jackpot game wager.
Sports betting punters do have to pay a little more to enter. Casino entries cost £0.10, but sports betting entries cost £0.50. Of the total amount staked, 85% is returned to the prize pool, and four tiers of progressive jackpot are available.
Bronze offers frequent prizes of relatively low value, while the prize value increases with silver and gold, but the winning frequency decreases. The platinum jackpot has the highest jackpot, but prizes are awarded much less often.
Jackpot wins are decided randomly, with prizes automatically added to the player's account. Prizes are paid as cash and added to the withdrawable account balance, which means no additional wagering requirements.
The launch of the jackpot games to the company's sports betting players is an industry first. While players are accustomed to seeing random progressive prizes paid out at online casinos, this is the first time the same structure has been applied to regulated UK sports betting. And, it has come just in time for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
A summer of eligible sports
This year's World Cup, which is being hosted jointly by the US, Canada, and Mexico, is expected to be the world's biggest betting event. Analysts expect more than $50bn in global wagers, and prediction markets have already taken more than $2bn in trades.
Because this year's sporting spectacle has been expanded from 32 to 48 teams, there will be an additional 40 games played across the 39-day tournament. The final takes place on 19 July.
This summer also sees Wimbledon, the British Grand Prix, and the Esports World Cup, presenting plenty of opportunities to get in on the jackpot action.
Announcing the launch, a spokesperson for bet365 said: "Jackpot365 is a wonderful addition to our bet365 sports platform, giving customers the opportunity to land a huge jackpot win on any qualifying bet.
"Designed and built in-house at bet365, this innovative product offering adds an extra layer of excitement and value to every visit to bet365."
