Ex-NRL player Luke Bateman alleges gambling company offered him drugs
Former NRL player Luke Bateman claims a gambling company offered him drugs to build a relationship while he was addicted to betting.Summary
Former NRL player Luke Bateman testified before a Senate inquiry in Canberra, alleging that employees of a gambling company offered him illicit drugs to strengthen their relationship while he was battling a severe wagering addiction. Bateman, who lost tens of thousands of dollars monthly at his addiction's peak, described how account managers sought to build rapport through 'relentless' inducements like bonus bets and exclusive events. He stated that after accepting invitations to interstate events, he was offered drugs, and he even took drugs with the company's CEO and senior management at a Gold Coast event. Bateman emphasized that these offers were not official company policy but a tactic to secure his continued betting with their company. The inquiry also heard from other advocates, including Reverend Tim Costello, who described a case of a high-spending gambler who received travel, escorts, and drugs from TAB and Sportsbet before being imprisoned for theft. The government's proposed legislation aims to restrict gambling ads and implement an opt-out system for online ads, a move supported by crossbenchers and opposition MPs, though the industry argues it will harm funding for sports and racing.
(Source：ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation))