Former NRL player Luke Bateman testified this week that employees of a gambling company offered him illicit drugs to cultivate a relationship [1].

The testimony highlights the potential for predatory behavior within the gambling industry, specifically regarding how firms manage high-volume punters to ensure continued spending.

Bateman, 31 [1], provided his account during a two-day Senate inquiry in Canberra [1]. He said the offers of drugs were unofficial and intended to foster a personal connection between him and the company staff [1]. According to Bateman, these actions were designed to keep him engaged as a high-spend customer [2].

Reports on the nature of these interactions vary slightly. While some accounts state that employees offered him illicit drugs [1], other reports suggest that company bosses used drugs with him [2].

The inquiry is examining the relationship between the gambling industry and professional athletes, as well as the mechanisms used to target vulnerable individuals. Bateman's testimony serves as a primary example of the lengths to which some industry representatives may go to maintain a lucrative client relationship, a practice that contradicts public claims of responsible gambling standards.

The Senate hearing continues to gather evidence on industry practices in Australia. The details provided by Bateman suggest a culture where the drive for profit outweighs the health and legal risks posed to the customer [1].

“employees of a gambling company offered him illicit drugs to cultivate a relationship”

This testimony suggests a systemic failure in the 'duty of care' that gambling companies claim to uphold. By allegedly using illicit substances to bond with a high-value client, the company moved beyond marketing into criminal territory to protect its revenue stream. This could lead to stricter regulatory oversight of how account managers interact with high-net-worth punters in Australia.