Former Australian National Rugby League player Luke Bateman has told a parliamentary inquiry that representatives of gambling companies offered him drugs and alcohol while he was struggling with a gambling addiction.
According to Bateman, VIP managers invited him to horse races and other private events where food and alcohol were provided. He also claims that managers would ask what drugs he wanted before some trips.
Bateman also described a private event on the Gold Coast. He said the company’s CEO, founders and VIP managers were present and that they used drugs together with clients.
“I was a willing participant, but these were men in positions of power who should have been looking out for your welfare,” Bateman told the inquiry.
The former athlete said he was earning around $400,000 a year at the time, but accumulated more than $250,000 in debt due to gambling. He estimates his total gambling losses at around $1 million.
Bateman called on the Australian government to strengthen player protections and impose tougher restrictions on gambling advertising.
