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Read Full BioMichael Jordan‘s 23XI Racing has agreed to expand a deal with sweepstakes casino operator Chumba Casino, and the brand is set to appear on the team’s cars in upcoming NASCAR events.
The racing team announced the expansion of the partnership in a press release, indicating that the Chumba Casino branding will appear numerous times this season for an expanded number of races, featuring drivers Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace.
23XI Racing is co-owned by Jordan and three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin. As part of the expanded partnership, Reddick will drive the No. 45 Chumba Casino Toyota XSE in the season-opening Daytona 500. This will be the first time Chumba Casino is featured on a car in the race.
In addition to appearing on the cars and driver jumpsuits, Chumba Casino plans to give fans multiple “fun and free giveaways” throughout the year. The company agreed to sponsor the team last year and says the relationship has been a success.
Ben Whitford, Chief Marketing Officer at VGW, Chumba Casino’s parent company, stated, “Our partnership with 23XI Racing had an incredible first year, highlighted by a historic Brickyard 400 win, and we’re excited to build on that momentum in 2026.”
“Expanding our presence with Tyler and continuing our support of Bubba allows us to connect with NASCAR fans in bigger and more engaging ways, from on-track moments to unforgettable fan experiences and giveaways. We’re proud to be part of 23XI’s journey and look forward to another exciting season together.”
Chumba Sweepstakes Model Faces Mounting Legal Challenges
VGW promotes itself as North America’s premier online Social Plus games company. Its sweepstakes model has faced increasing legal challenges, however.
Last year, six states, including major markets such as California and New York, passed bills that ban the platforms. This year appears to be shaping up for more of the same, with a bill against the dual-currency model already filed in Iowa.
Additionally, 21 new lawsuits have been filed against sweepstakes operators in Alabama. Chumba Casino continues to operate in the state, and its website notes that it “is legally available to players in most of the United States and Canada.”
The platform only lists two states where it is not operational in its FAQs, adding, “We are restricted in Washington and Michigan in the US, and Quebec in Canada, due to specific local regulations regarding sweepstakes.”
Drake Facing Lawsuit for Promoting Platform
The company may be forced to add more states to that list as more lawmakers and attorneys general take legal action. While authorities and lawsuits have largely targeted sweepstakes casino operators, celebrity endorsers are also facing legal headaches.
Drake and Adin Ross are being sued in federal court over their promotion of Stake, another company that uses a sweepstakes model to offer casino-style games across the US. The two women who filed the lawsuit allege that promotions by Drake and others encouraged them and others to engage in unlawful gambling.
While Drake has actively promoted Stake through online gambling streams, Jordan has not personally promoted Chumba Casino and may not expect to face the same backlash from players.
The 23XI team said the deal with Chumba has been well-received by NASCAR fans. Team president Steve Lauletta commented, “After an exciting first season that included a historic win at the Brickyard, we’re thrilled to expand our partnership with Chumba Casino to include more races with Tyler, along with the brand’s ongoing engagement with Bubba.”
He added, “Last year we had a great reception from both Chumba Casino and NASCAR fans, and we look forward to another impactful year of growth and success on and off the track.”
