Gambling Companies Supplied Cocaine and Alcohol, Inquiry Told 2026

Gambling companies supplied cocaine and alcohol to former rugby league star Luke Bateman, according to his testimony at a parliamentary inquiry. The 31-year-old, now a TikTok star, detailed how betting industry VIP managers provided illicit drugs and unlimited alcohol, highlighting a systemic lack of duty of care.

Luke Bateman's Shocking Testimony on Gambling Industry Practices

Bateman told the inquiry on Monday that he attended a private Gold Coast event hosted by a gambling company where senior executives used drugs with clients. He described being flown interstate, taken to race days, and given marquees with alcohol and food all day. His VIP manager would ask, "Hey, mate, what drugs do you want? Do you want a couple bags for this weekend?"

The former NRL player, who earned $400,000 a year, lost approximately $1 million due to his gambling addiction, accumulating debts over $250,000. He called on the Albanese government to implement stronger protections against gambling advertising, emphasizing that vulnerable people need tougher safeguards.

VIP Managers and Personalized Betting Inducements

Bateman revealed that VIP account managers sent him personalized betting inducements, including "bonus bets." He recalled an exclusive event hosted in a rental on the Gold Coast canals where the company's C-suite, including CEOs and founders, were "in a back room doing drugs together." At 23, he was a willing participant, but he stressed that these men in positions of power should have been looking out for his welfare.

"This is the kind of behavior that they are drawing you into, encouraging you into, and coaxing you into and normalising," he said. His testimony underscores the predatory tactics used by gambling companies to retain high-spending clients.

Comparison of Gambling Industry Practices: Then vs. Now

Key Takeaways from the Inquiry

• Gambling companies allegedly supplied illicit drugs to clients.
• VIP managers sent personalized betting inducements to encourage gambling.
• Bateman lost $1 million and accrued over $250,000 in debt.
• There is a call for stricter gambling advertising regulations.
• Vulnerable individuals need better protection from predatory practices.

Implications for Gambling Advertising Reform

Bateman's testimony adds weight to the push for stricter advertising limits. He argued that the current self-regulation by the industry is insufficient. The inquiry is examining evidence of harm caused by gambling, including financial ruin and substance abuse.

His story highlights the intersection of sports, gambling, and substance use, raising questions about the ethical responsibilities of betting companies. The Albanese government is considering new measures to curb gambling ads, especially during live sports broadcasts.

FAQ

This inquiry continues to reveal the dark side of the gambling industry, and Bateman's testimony serves as a stark warning. For more updates on this story, stay tuned to GrandGoldman.com.

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