Former Canberra Raiders NRL player Luke Bateman testified that gambling company employees unofficially offered him illicit drugs [1].

The testimony comes during a Senate inquiry into proposed restrictions on gambling advertising by the Albanese government [2]. These allegations suggest a predatory relationship between betting firms and high-value clients, potentially influencing legislative decisions on industry regulation.

Bateman, 31 [3], said at the hearing in Canberra that staff from gambling companies attempted to cultivate a relationship with him because he was a high-spend punter [2]. He said that employees offered him illicit drugs and that some company bosses took drugs with him [2].

According to the testimony, these actions were intended to foster a closer bond between the gambling firms and their most profitable customers [2]. The inquiry is examining how such industry practices align with current consumer protection standards, and the proposed advertising limits.

Representatives from the gambling industry have not yet provided a public response to these specific allegations in the hearing records [1]. The Senate inquiry continues to gather evidence on the social impacts of gambling and the efficacy of the government's proposed restrictions [2].

“Gambling company employees unofficially offered him illicit drugs”

These allegations highlight a potential systemic failure in the duty of care provided by gambling operators to high-risk individuals. If gambling firms actively encouraged or facilitated illicit drug use to maintain the loyalty of high-spending clients, it provides a strong catalyst for the Albanese government to implement stricter advertising and operational restrictions to prevent predatory behavior.