NRL player Luke Bateman alleges gambling company offered him drugs
Former NRL player Luke Bateman has alleged that gambling company employees offered him illicit drugs to maintain his loyalty as a high-volume bettor. He is sharing his experience at a Senate inquiry focused on proposed restrictions for gambling advertising.
Why it matters
The testimony highlights potential predatory practices within the wagering industry and adds pressure on the government to tighten regulations on gambling advertisements.
Luke Bateman says gambling company officials offered him illicit drugs when he was at the peak of his betting addiction. ( ABC News: Dave Sciasci )
Former NRL player Luke Bateman has alleged gambling company employees unofficially offered to arrange illicit drugs while cultivating relationships with him as a high-volume punter.
He will tell a Senate inquiry gambling inducements made it harder to break away from an addiction that saw him lose tens of thousands of dollars.
The two-day inquiry will hear from Bateman, medical experts, welfare groups and the wagering industry as it examines Labor’s proposed restrictions on gambling advertising.
Link copied Share Share article A former professional rugby league player says gambling company employees offered to secure him illicit drugs to "strengthen" their relationship when he was in the grips of a financially crippling wagering addiction.
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