Through funding platform GigaStar, a gambler raised a $1.3 million investment from his fans

As direct investments in creator channels heat up, some digital stars are going directly to their fans to fund the next phases of their operations. That’s what Jason Boelhke did via GigaStar Market. On the crowdsourced investing marketplace operated by GigaStar, Boelhke set a new individual record by raising a $1.3 million round from more than 1,200 backers.

Boelhke has become a familiar face in the world of gambling content thanks to his Mr. Hand Pay channel, on which he shares his most extravagant bets and biggest hits. Thanks in part to his increased presence on Shorts, Boehlke has built Mr. Hand Pay into a thriving hub that reaches 735,000 subscribers.

Emboldened by his successes on the casino floor and on YouTube, Boehlke turned to GigaStar to raise a round that, in his own words, will “take this channel to new heights.” In exchange for capital, Boehlke offered up a 10% slice of Mr. Hand Pay’s future YouTube revenue, which will be divvied up among GigaStar users who hold the appropriate tokens.

There’s a good reason why more than 1,200 people jumped at that opportunity. According to Gospel Stats data, Boehlke’s VPV90 — the average viewership on his videos over a 90-day period — has hovered around 100,000 over the past month. That converts to a significant chunk of ad revenue, some of which will go into the backers’ pockets.

Since kicking off in 2023, GigaStar has hosted two seven-digit funding rounds on its eponymous marketplace. In addition to Boehlke’s $1.3 million windfall, Brian Kim

of the ClearValue Tax channel also cleared the million mark last June.

“This raise proves that creators like me can build something bigger by inviting our communities to join us as partners in our journey,” Boehlke said in a statement. “GigaStar gave me the innovative platform to engage my audience.”

GigaStar CEO Hazem Dawani applauded Boehlke’s round as a “new benchmark” for creator investments and invited the Mr. Hand Pay host to join GigaStar’s DropStars Program, an advisory board that also includes Kim among its members.

Between its creator consortiums, massive funding rounds, and other payout programs, GigaStar is establishing itself as a serious player in the creator economy. Boehlke is one channel owner whose investing gamble has paid off, and his success may inspire others like him to seek support from their closest fans.