Rugby Star Says Bookies Didn’t Just Bet, They Brought the Party Drugs Too
KEY POINTS
- •Luke Bateman testified before a parliamentary gambling inquiry on August 4, 2026, detailing drug-fueled events by betting promoters.
- •Bateman alleged promoters supplied cocaine and alcohol and hosted private Gold Coast parties involving senior gambling firm figures.
- •Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt condemned the illegal drug use as a crime, while Labor hailed gambling ad law changes as balanced.
In a striking twist to gambling scandal coverage, former rugby league star Luke Bateman dropped a bombshell to a parliamentary inquiry on August 4, 2026, claiming betting promoters on the Gold Coast didn’t just push odds but also cocaine and alcohol into the mix. Senior gambling firm figures allegedly swapped armchair bets for illegal drug sessions with clients, turning private events into what sounds like the worst ‘High Stakes’ party ever. Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt, apparently moonlighting as a spokesperson for common sense, affirmed any offering of narcotics is ‘obviously a crime’ and suggested that criminals—shocker—should pay. Meanwhile, Labor sweetly insists that tweaking gambling ads laws finally finds the ‘right balance’ for community safety in this carnival of contradictions.
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(1 of 3)When your gambling sponsors double as your drug dealers, it’s less betting and more regretting. Parliament’s new reality TV hit: ‘High Stakes & Higher Drugs’ starring Luke Bateman.
Turns out the only sure bet at Gold Coast gambling events was whether cocaine and alcohol would be served with the odds.
Parliament investigates unlikely business combo: gambling promotion meets illegal drug distribution plus VIP party vibes.
Source: Theguardian | Published: 8/4/2026 | Author: Nick Visser
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