Allegations of Drug Offers
Former Canberra Raiders rugby league player Luke Bateman has provided evidence to a federal parliamentary inquiry alleging that representatives from online gambling companies offered him illicit drugs. This testimony was given while he was cultivating his status as a high-value customer for these digital wagering platforms.
Bateman told the Senate Environment and Communications Legislation Committee that personalised VIP managers contacted him with bonus bets, interstate travel, accommodation, alcohol and invitations to exclusive events during a period when he was suffering from severe gambling harm. The 31-year-old stated that this alleged conduct occurred while he was losing tens of thousands of dollars a month through online sports and racing betting.
His evidence relates specifically to mobile and internet wagering accounts, distinguishing these interactions from poker machines found inside pubs, clubs or casinos. Bateman stated that he held accounts with several online wagering companies and was assigned VIP account managers because of the volume of money he was betting.
According to his evidence, those managers attempted to build personal relationships with him by offering tailored betting promotions and access to exclusive events.
He also described attending a private event on the Gold Coast where senior figures connected to a gambling company allegedly consumed illicit drugs alongside customers. These claims remain allegations presented to a parliamentary inquiry and should not be treated as findings of criminal wrongdoing against any individual or company unless independently established.
Bateman has also acknowledged that he willingly participated in some of the behaviour. However, he argued that older and more powerful industry figures should have recognised his vulnerability rather than encouraging an environment involving gambling, alcohol and drugs.
A Gambling Addiction That Cost Millions
Bateman played 71 NRL matches for the Canberra Raiders between 2015 and 2020. He has previously described becoming heavily involved in online sports and racing betting while pursuing his professional rugby league career.
He estimated that his total gambling losses eventually reached approximately $1 million.
Despite earning as much as $400,000 a year during part of his career, Bateman said he was left with debts exceeding $250,000 and had little money to show for his earnings. He has described gambling as becoming closely connected with drinking, social events and the wider professional sporting environment.
This dynamic suggests that the timing of these inducements was specifically designed to exploit moments of financial distress.
How VIP Betting Programs Operate
Online wagering companies can assign account managers to customers who deposit or bet significant amounts of money.
Critics argue it can become dangerous when companies continue targeting customers whose spending patterns indicate serious gambling harm.
This level of information raises questions about whether personalised promotions are being used to help customers gamble responsibly—or to encourage continued spending.
The distinction between public advertising and private management is crucial. While the former is visible to all, the latter creates a direct line of communication that can bypass standard self-control mechanisms.
The Senate Inquiry Into Gambling Reform
Bateman appeared before the Senate Environment and Communications Legislation Committee as it examined the federal government’s proposed gambling reforms. The inquiry is considering changes to interactive gambling rules, advertising restrictions and Australia’s national self-exclusion system.
The government’s proposed measures include limits on the number of gambling advertisements broadcast each hour, restrictions during live sporting events and additional regulation of online advertising. However, public-health organisations, welfare groups and gambling-harm advocates argue the legislation does not adequately address personalised inducements and VIP account programs.
Some advocates continue to support a total ban on gambling advertising, similar to the recommendation made by the late Labor MP Peta Murphy following an earlier parliamentary inquiry.
Industry representatives are scheduled to provide their own evidence to the inquiry, giving them an opportunity to respond to criticism of current practices. This process ensures that both consumer protection arguments and industry economic concerns are heard before final decisions are made.
Other Allegations Raised During The Hearing
Anti-gambling campaigner Tim Costello separately told the inquiry about another problem gambler who was allegedly offered drugs, escorts, free accommodation and extremely large bonus bets. Those allegations concerned a different individual and should not be confused with Bateman’s personal account.
The companies and organisations referenced during the hearing must be given an opportunity to respond, and the allegations should not be presented as established facts without further investigation.
The presence of multiple witnesses describing similar patterns of behaviour suggests a systemic issue rather than isolated incidents. However, the specific details regarding each individual case remain distinct until verified by independent bodies.
Why Bateman’s Evidence Matters
Bateman’s testimony raises a broader issue about the legal and ethical responsibilities of gambling companies toward vulnerable customers. Online wagering platforms possess detailed records showing a person’s deposits, losses, betting frequency and attempts to close or restrict an account.
The central question is whether betting businesses should be permitted to continue sending personalised promotions to customers who appear unable to control their gambling.
Bateman believes inducements and direct VIP contact should be heavily restricted because they can trigger people attempting to recover from addiction. Luke Bateman’s evidence provides a confronting account of how online gambling, VIP treatment and professional sport can become intertwined.
His claims involving illicit drugs remain allegations and require proper scrutiny. Nevertheless, his documented financial losses and experience of repeated personalised inducements raise serious questions about the effectiveness of Australia’s current consumer protections.
Conclusion
What is clear is that Bateman’s testimony has intensified pressure on lawmakers to examine not only public gambling advertisements, but also what happens privately between online bookmakers and their biggest customers.