‘What drugs do you want’? Senate inquiry allegations reveal the murky dangers of betting inducements
Explosive allegations of betting inducements have been heard at a Senate inquiry into online gambling laws.
On the opening day of a Senate inquiry examining proposed online gambling legislation, former NRL player Luke Bateman detailed disturbing inducements he received from betting companies. Bateman alleged he was offered cocaine, free alcohol and food at race events, as well as bonus bets. The testimony came during a crucial inquiry into two bills designed to restrict online wagering in Australia.
Despite the government's claims of action, critics argue the proposed legislation lacks a total ban on marketing and advertising, a recommendation from the 2023 Murphy inquiry into online gambling. The inquiry has heard damning testimonies about inducements, which are defined as offers like deposit matches, multi-bets, and bonus bets.
Witnesses reported receiving millions in "free betting money" and being reinvited to gamble despite self-exclusion from operators. The Murphy inquiry recommended banning all such inducements, a recommendation the government has yet to act upon. Critics argue that such inducements are a powerful marketing tool that can trigger impulsive betting and increase gambling-related harm.
Australian research echoes these concerns, indicating that exposure to direct messages and inducements directly increases betting, expenditure, and related problems. The Senate inquiry has highlighted the urgent need for clearer regulation of betting operators, given that nearly 20% of Australian adults gamble at risky levels annually.
Written by urgent.news from The Conversation AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
