Ex-NRL Player Alleges Gambling Firms Offered Drugs

Former NRL player Luke Bateman has alleged that senior gambling company figures consumed illicit drugs with him and offered to arrange drugs during his time as a high-volume punter. These claims were made during a Senate inquiry into proposed restrictions on gambling advertising on August 3, 2026.

What Happened

Former NRL player Luke Bateman, 31, testified at a Senate inquiry into proposed restrictions on gambling advertising, alleging that senior figures within gambling companies consumed illicit drugs with him. According to Dailymail.com, Bateman claimed these interactions occurred while he was being cultivated as a high-volume punter. He stated that gambling company employees also unofficially offered to arrange drugs for him when he traveled interstate to attend exclusive events.

Bateman recounted attending an event at a Gold Coast rental property where, reportedly, the C-suite, management team, and administration of a gambling company were present and engaging in drug use. He specified that he joined them in taking drugs, noting that at the time he would have been 23 years old (Dailymail.com). ACT independent Senator David Pocock questioned Bateman on whether this alleged conduct was known beyond account managers working on commission, to which Bateman responded, “Not only did they know, they were participating in it” (Dailymail.com).

He further told the inquiry that account managers for high-spending punters sought to establish personal relationships through bonus bets and invitations to events where travel, accommodation, food, and alcohol were covered. Bateman alleged that on multiple occasions, account managers offered to arrange illicit drugs prior to these events, using phrases like, “Hey mate, you know, do you want any … drugs on the weekend?” or “If you’re going to Melbourne, they’re like, ‘Hey mate … if you need a couple of bags, let us know and we’ll have it organised for you and we’ll get it to you’” (Dailymail.com).

Key Details

• Luke Bateman, former NRL player, alleged senior gambling company figures took illicit drugs with him and offered to arrange drugs, according to Dailymail.com.
• These claims were made during a Senate inquiry into the Albanese government’s proposed restrictions on gambling advertising on August 3, 2026, as reported by Dailymail.com.
• Bateman stated he joined gambling company executives, including the CEO, founders, and VIP managers, in taking drugs at a Gold Coast event when he was 23 years old (Dailymail.com).
• He alleged account managers offered to arrange illicit drugs for him prior to exclusive events, believing this was to strengthen relationships and encourage continued gambling (Dailymail.com).
• Bateman’s gambling addiction reportedly led to $250,000 in debt, with losses of up to $80,000 in one month despite earning $400,000 annually, as stated by Dailymail.com.

Why It Matters

These allegations, made by a former professional athlete with a documented history of gambling addiction, raise questions regarding the cultivation practices employed by some gambling companies to retain high-volume customers. The claims of unofficial drug offers and participation by senior company figures in illicit activities, as reported by Dailymail.com, suggest potential breaches of ethical conduct and regulatory standards within the regulated gambling market. The testimony presented during a Senate inquiry into gambling advertising restrictions underscores ongoing scrutiny of the industry’s operations and its impact on individuals, particularly those vulnerable to addiction. This type of testimony can inform regulatory bodies and policymakers as they consider additional measures to ensure responsible gambling practices and consumer protection.

Originally reported by Dailymail.com·Published 3 Aug 2026, 06:49