Luke Bateman, 31, a former professional rugby league player for the Canberra Raiders, has alleged that employees of gambling companies offered to secure illicit drugs for him to "strengthen" their relationship while he was struggling with a severe wagering addiction. Bateman, who experienced losses of "tens of thousands of dollars a month" at the height of his gambling problem, is set to give evidence at a Senate inquiry in Canberra on Monday, August 3rd, 2026, regarding federal legislation aimed at restricting gambling advertisements.

Bateman, now a social media influencer and author with a two-book deal for his fantasy series, told Australian Story last month how he overcame his addiction and is now advocating for an end to gambling inducements. He revealed that as a high-spending punter, he was assigned personalised account managers across multiple online wagering companies. These managers would contact him with exclusive offers, particularly on major race days like Saturdays. Bateman stated that after accepting invitations to interstate events, his gambling account manager offered to arrange access to illicit drugs.

He criticized the gambling companies' tactics, saying, "They enter into this knowing that the reason that they are creating a friendship with you is to encourage you to bet with them and to continue to lose lots and lots of money," and added, "They are not doing it out of any duty of care."

The Senate inquiry will also hear submissions from medical experts and welfare organizations. Toby O'Connor, CEO of the St Vincent de Paul Society, called for "stronger action," while the Royal Australasian College of Physicians urged an end to online gambling advertising.

Meanwhile, the peak industry body Responsible Wagering Australia (RWA) has criticized the Labor government's proposed legislation, arguing it will "materially reduce funding for broadcasting, sport and racing" and that the measures go "further than required". RWA also warned that illegal offshore gambling is a growing "threat" and cautioned that reforms should be "carefully calibrated" to avoid pushing consumers toward unregulated markets beyond Australia's protections.

The proposed legislation includes restrictions on TV gambling ads between 6 a.m. and 8:30 p.m., limits on radio ads during school pick-up and drop-off times, and an opt-out system for online ads. The issue has garnered support from members of the crossbench, opposition, and some government MPs, with Labor's national conference recently voting to include a commitment to tackle inducements in the party's policy platform.

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