Published on: February 16, 2026, 08:08h.
Updated on: February 16, 2026, 08:11h.
- The Chumba Casino vehicle triumphed at the Daytona 500 this past Sunday.
- Piloted by Tyler Reddick, the No. 45 car is part of Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing team.
- Chumba is an online casino known for its sweepstakes, sparking controversy within the gambling community.
In a thrilling finish, Tyler Reddick claimed victory in “The Great American Race” on Sunday, executing a last-lap maneuver at the Daytona International Speedway in Florida, marking the inaugural Daytona 500 win for Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing.
In a remarkable feat, Reddick did not lead a single lap until the final moments, finishing first in his Chumba Casino-branded Toyota Camry XSE.
While this victory is significant for the 23XI Racing crew, it also enhances the credibility of the online sweepstakes sector, where Chumba plays a leading role.
“Engines off. Confetti on. Tyler Reddick has secured a Daytona 500 victory in our Chumba Casino vehicle, serving as a perfect lucky charm. Let’s celebrate!” shared Chumba Casino via social media.
“Chumba is all about fun,” the posts emphasized.
Chumba was not the sole sweepstakes casino represented at the race; rival Modo Casino sponsored Michael McDowell’s No. 71 car.
Controversial Online Casinos
Many NASCAR enthusiasts expressed curiosity about Chumba Casino following Reddick’s win, with comments circulating online questioning its nature.
“I have no clue what Chumba Casino is, but it sponsors Reddick and Michael Jordan,” noted one user on X.
“What exactly is Chumba?” inquired another.
Chumba Casino is among various online sweepstakes casinos operating in a legally ambiguous environment. They position themselves as platforms for social gaming, offering free-play slots and table games.
However, these platforms utilize a “dual-currency” model, where users can buy a secondary currency, referred to as sweeps coins. This allows them to gamble on online slots and table games, potentially winning credits redeemable for cash prizes. While these sites assert that sweeps coins cannot be cashed out like traditional gambling, they can be “redeemed” for cash withdrawals.
This dual-currency approach has drawn criticism from state lawmakers, gaming regulators, and attorneys general, who assert it amounts to illegal online gambling. Several states have imposed cease-and-desist orders against online sweepstakes operators, and some have enacted laws prohibiting dual-currency sweepstakes.
Currently, Chumba Casino is unavailable in California, Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Tennessee, Washington, and West Virginia.
Arrest of Owner
Recently, the founder and CEO of Virtual Gaming Worlds (VGW), the parent company of Chumba Casino, along with LuckyLand Slots and Global Poker, was apprehended in Australia following an alleged break-in at the residence of a former business associate.
Laurence Escalante, the Australian billionaire, faces charges including aggravated assault, criminal damage, aggravated burglary, and theft. Authorities reported the discovery of “trafficable quantities” of cocaine, MDMA, and ketamine within Escalante’s home.
Escalante’s next court appearance is scheduled for February 26.