Key facts
- Luke Bateman alleged that gambling company promoters supplied him with cocaine and alcohol.
- He stated that VIP account managers sent him personalized betting inducements.
- Bateman described attending a gambling company event where executives engaged in drug use with clients.
- He estimated his gambling losses at $1 million, leading to debts exceeding $250,000.
- Anti-gambling campaigner Tim Costello alleged TAB and Sportsbet offered a problem gambler drugs, escorts, and free accommodation.
Former rugby league player Luke Bateman has alleged that gambling company promoters supplied him with cocaine and alcohol, telling a parliamentary inquiry that the betting industry exercised no duty of care. Bateman, now a TikTok star, testified that he was flown to events where drugs were offered and provided by VIP managers.
He recounted attending a private Gold Coast event hosted by a gambling company where senior figures, including the CEO and founders, engaged in drug use with clients. Bateman, then 23, described himself as a willing participant but emphasized that these influential individuals should have prioritized his welfare.
Bateman stated he was earning $400,000 annually but had no savings due to gambling losses exceeding $250,000 and an estimated total loss of $1 million. He asserted there was "absolutely zero duty of care" from gambling companies.
Anti-gambling campaigner Tim Costello also alleged to the hearing that TAB and Sportsbet, along with Star Casino, offered a major problem gambler drugs, escorts, and free accommodation. This individual, who had a monthly turnover of over $20 million, is reportedly pleading guilty to illegal activities.
The Albanese government plans to cap gambling ads per hour and ban them during live matches. However, critics, including Liberal MP Simon Kennedy, argue these measures fall short of adequate protection, citing Bateman's story as a "reality check" and questioning why the Prime Minister is not addressing predatory VIP gambling inducements.