VGW, the Australian parent company of Chumba Casino, has increased its financial support of Alabama gubernatorial candidate Tommy Tuberville, surpassing $100,000 in total contributions.
In April, Casino.org reported that VGW had contributed $30,000 to Tuberville’s 2026 gubernatorial campaign.
New financial disclosures from the Alabama Secretary of State’s Office show that VGW gave the campaign another $100,000, bringing the firm’s total contributions to $130,000. The latest check, dated Aug. 31, came from the Chumba Casino, Global Poker, and LuckyLand Casino operator.
Tuberville, the famed former football coach of the Auburn Tigers, has served in the US Senate since 2021. Tuberville has expressed a willingness to consider gambling expansion in the Cotton State, one of the most restricted gambling states in the union.
VGW Donations
VGW’s $100,000 contribution to Tuberville brings its total campaign contributions in Alabama this year to more than $351,000. The bulk of the funds—$170,000—went to North Alabama PAC, a political action committee managed by operative Steve Ruby.
Ruby is being funded by numerous gaming entities that want to see Alabama legalize gambling and sports betting. His donor list, along with VGW, includes DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.
VGW gave $20,000 to state Sen. Andrew Jones (R-District 10) and $15,000 to Senate President Pro Tempore Garlan Gudger (R-District 4). State Sens. Donnie Chesteen (R-District 29) and Will Barfoot (R-District 25), along with Republican candidate John Roberts, who is running in the second district, each received $10,000 from VGW.
Longtime gaming and lottery advocate, Sen. Greg Albritton (R-District 22), also collected a $10,000 check from the sweepstakes firm.
Since April 1, VGW has made 36 political contributions across Alabama.
Sweepstakes Defense
Sweepstakes casino platforms like VGW have ramped up their lobbying efforts in state capitals after facing several operational setbacks.
Through laws banning dual-currency sweepstakes games or cease-and-desist orders, VGW has limited its operations in several states.
Chumba Casino, VGW’s flagship brand, mentions in its September 16 updated terms and conditions that the platform is not available in California, Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Indiana, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Tennessee, Washington, and West Virginia.
Alabama, despite being the 27th most populated state, has limited gaming options, making it attractive to companies like VGW.
Alabama allows parimutuel betting, small games of chance for charity, and electronic bingo machines at three tribal casinos.
In its 2025 fiscal year, VGW reported revenue of $4.76 billion and a net profit of $428 million. Despite operating in fewer states, VGW saw growth in revenue and profits compared to the previous fiscal year.