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Why Michael Jordan was banned from betting on the Daytona 500

This is one gamble MJ wasn't allowed to make.

Stephen Beslic

© Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
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Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan's competitiveness knows no bounds. Whether it was a game of table tennis, cards, or golf, Jordan always wanted to come out on top. And while he may have been a dominant force on the basketball court, his love for gambling and sports betting is just as well-known.

However, one sport Jordan won’t be able to place wagers on is the NASCAR Cup Series, where he fields a team called 23XI Racing, which features aces Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick.

Rules prevent His Airness from placing bets on races

The 23XI Racing Team was established in 2020 by MJ, along with three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin. But despite being an owner of one of the most exciting teams in NASCAR, Jordan is not allowed to place bets on his own drivers. 

The reason for this is a rule by NASCAR that prohibits team owners, drivers, and crew members from betting on their sport. In addition, they are also prohibited from providing insider information to other people.

Responsible betting

With NASCAR promoting responsible sports betting and even collaborating with the American Gaming Association in 2021, it appears His Airness will have to refrain from placing bets on his team. As such, Jordan will have to channel his passion some other way, be it through giving his drivers advice or cheering them on from the sidelines.

The 23XI Racing Team got their season off to a good start earlier this week, as Wallace placed fifth in the Daytona 500.

A look back at one of Michael Jordan's lowlights: his performance in the 1990 Three-Point Contest

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Stephen Beslic
STEPHEN BESLIC

Stephen Beslic is a writer on Sports Illustrated's FanNation Network. Stephen played basketball from the age of 10 and graduated from Faculty of Economic and Business in Zagreb, Croatia, majoring in Marketing.

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