Campaign finance reports show VGW contributed $100,000 on Monday to U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, helping the Republican gubernatorial candidate raise more than $533,000 in August and maintain a fundraising advantage over Democratic rival Doug Jones.
VGW operates Chumba Casino, Global Poker, and LuckyLand Casino, and previously contributed $30,000 to Tuberville’s campaign in March.
This latest donation, first reported by Covers, is one of the largest individual contributions reported by Tuberville’s campaign this year. Tuberville ended August with more than $9.5 million in cash on hand, compared to $2.5 million for Jones.
$351,000 in Alabama political donations so far
VGW has been active this campaign season, providing donations to both Republican and Democratic politicians in Alabama. The sweeps casino operator has contributed $351,000 to Alabama political races this campaign season.
Alabama lawmakers have debated gambling expansion proposals. Tuberville has generally said such decisions should be left to the Legislature.
Gambling is illegal in the state and occurs only in facilities controlled by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.
Alabama has a gambling-loss recovery statute, Ala. Code § 8-1-150, that allows recovery of money lost through illegal gambling. Plaintiffs have increasingly attempted to use that law against sweepstakes casino companies. There have been dozens of Alabama lawsuits against operators, including a significant number filed this year.
In August of 2025, B-Two Operations updated its terms, allowing players in Alabama to engage with platforms like McLuck, Hello Millions, SpinBlitz, and PlayFame. Chumba and its associated brands never left this market.
Tuberville would have little power to prevent such lawsuits as long as Ala. Code § 8-1-150 remains in effect.
VGW to close LuckyLand Slots this month
VGW will permanently close LuckyLand Slots on Sept. 14, 2026, the first of its sweepstakes brands to be fully retired.
Sister brands Chumba Casino, the newer LuckyLand Casino, and Global Poker remain open.
“We can confirm that after eight years of LuckyLand Slots providing players with thrills, excitement and free-to-play fun, we have made the decision to close the brand,” a VGW spokesperson told Sweepsy in July. “We want to thank our players for being part of LuckyLand Slots’ incredible journey and our top priority is ensuring they are fully informed about what this means for them, and that the transition is as smooth as possible.
“This decision wasn’t taken lightly and was made as we shift our focus towards our growing stable of other brands — the recently launched LuckyLand Casino, our category leaders Chumba Casino and Global Poker, and new Match 3 brand, Monopoly Match.”
LuckyLand Slots ran on the standard dual-currency setup that defines sweepstakes casinos. Players bought Gold Coins for casual play and received Sweeps Coins that could be redeemed for prizes.
In December, VGW launched its fourth sweepstakes casino in LuckyLand Casino.
Compared with LuckyLand Slots, LuckyLand Casino has a more advanced technical foundation and a richer content lineup, featuring social live casino games, the latest game mechanics, and additional jackpot options. It also supports Apple Pay and has faster redemption times.
