Gaming from a Global Perspective

Akshay Khanna, CEO, Jackpot.com

Akshay Khanna, CEO of Jackpot.com, has charted an impressive career trajectory that spans private equity, sports management and digital entertainment. His journey from a globe-trotting childhood to leading a cutting-edge lottery courier platform offers valuable insights for aspiring professionals in the gaming and entertainment industries.

Khanna’s unique background laid the foundation for his diverse career path. Born in India, he spent his formative years moving across countries including Thailand, Singapore, the Netherlands and Myanmar. This multicultural upbringing, facilitated by his father’s work as an Indian government official, instilled in Khanna a global perspective that would later prove invaluable in his professional life.

After graduating from Middlebury College in 2009 amid the financial crisis, Khanna strategically entered the private equity sector. He spent four years honing his skills at Audax Group in Boston and Sycamore Partners in New York, focusing primarily on consumer retail.

This experience sparked his interest in consumer-facing businesses and set the stage for his future endeavors.

Khanna’s career took a significant turn when he pursued an MBA at Wharton Business School. Recognizing the opportunity for a pivot, he connected with Josh Harris and David Blitzer, who had recently acquired the Philadelphia 76ers. This led to a role with Harris Blitzer Sports and Entertainment, where Khanna contributed to the growth of a diverse portfolio of sports and entertainment assets.

During this time, the 76ers launched a jersey sponsorship deal and other initiatives with StubHub, and Khanna’s involvement allowed him to connect with StubHub management, who ultimately recruited him.

In 2018, Khanna joined StubHub, initially overseeing its sports business before rising to lead the entire North America operation. His tenure coincided with the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, which severely impacted the sports and ticketing industries. Khanna’s leadership during this crisis demonstrated his ability to navigate complex business challenges and adapt to rapidly changing circumstances.

Then in spring 2022, Khanna embarked on his most ambitious venture yet, co-founding Jackpot.com. As CEO, he has led the company through significant growth, expanding operations to six (soon to be seven) states and establishing it as a leading lottery courier service in the U.S. and internationally.

Drawing from his experiences, Khanna offers several key pieces of advice for ambitious young professionals:

Focus on the work, not just advancement: Khanna emphasizes the importance of concentrating on building skills and knowledge rather than fixating on promotions or titles. “Don’t study for the test,” he says. “Study for the knowledge, and you’ll naturally do well on the test.”

Seek mentorship: Throughout his career, Khanna has benefited from mentors at every stage, highlighting the value of guidance and insights from experienced professionals in finance, sports, and even his current co-founders.

Embrace talent and potential: He advocates for surrounding oneself with people and organizations that are willing to bet on talent and potential, even when experience might be lacking.

Be open to pivots: Khanna’s own career demonstrates the value of being open to new opportunities and industries, even if they represent a departure from one’s initial path.

Leverage diverse experiences: His multicultural background has been an asset, suggesting that diverse experiences can provide unique perspectives in the business world.

As Khanna looks to the future, his focus remains singular: ensuring the success of Jackpot.com. This encompasses expanding into new markets, developing innovative products, and maintaining a consumer focus and a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving lottery space.

Khanna’s journey from a globally minded college graduate to a CEO at the forefront of the gaming industry serves as a reminder of the power of adaptability, continuous learning, and the willingness to take calculated risks in building a successful career.