Sportsbet, TAB deny allegations reps offered escort and drugs to gambler

Sportsbet and TAB have both denied allegations that their representatives offered customers access to illicit drugs and escorts to encourage continued gambling, according to statements made during a Senate inquiry into proposed gambling reforms. The claims were brought forward by Reverend Tim Costello, head of the Alliance for Gambling Reform, who testified that a young man allegedly received financial support for travel, escorts, and drugs from the two betting companies. The individual in question is now facing charges related to the alleged theft of $12.3 million. During the inquiry, former National Rugby League player Luke Bateman claimed that betting company representatives had offered him access to illicit drugs while he struggled with a severe gambling addiction. He did not specify which companies were involved. Responsible Wagering Australia’s CEO, Kai Cantwell, called the allegations “egregious” but stated that the wagering industry “strongly refutes” them. He urged anyone with credible information to report the claims to relevant authorities for investigation. Jules Norton Selzer, representing Sportsbet, dismissed the allegations as “deplorable,” stating that the company had found “zero evidence” to support them. He expressed willingness to investigate further if more information became available. Similarly, TAB rejected the claims, asserting that the alleged inducements were not part of its customer offerings and that the company maintained a “zero tolerance” policy toward such conduct. In a heated exchange with Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, Sportsbet representative Jules Norton Selzer emphasized that “most” customers engaged in gambling “responsibly and recreationally.” Senator Hanson-Young warned the company that it was operating on “very thin ice” with the Australian public, noting that the industry survives on its “social licence.” Senator David Pocock highlighted another issue during the inquiry, presenting screenshots of an online advertisement by Bet365 featuring young children dressed in branded T-shirts participating in a race. The ad had been removed from Racing.com following the disclosure. He also cited examples of gambling ads appearing alongside Disney songs on a Spotify playlist. In response, Mr. Norton Selzer argued that the Spotify ad was curated by an adult and thus not intended for children. However, Senator Pocock criticized the company’s stance, suggesting that it sought to expose children to gambling content through digital platforms. Mr. Cantwell acknowledged that concerns about underage exposure to gambling marketing were valid, admitting that the industry has not always gotten things right. He noted that the current regulatory framework includes partial restrictions on gambling advertising, and the proposed legislation aims to address this by limiting children’s exposure to brand promotions. It is important to clarify that the proposed legislation does not outlaw all forms of gambling advertising, though it seeks to curb specific practices deemed harmful. Julian Whealing, a TAB spokesperson, revealed that the company identifies approximately 400 customers as VIPs. However, he clarified that these individuals are not selected based on their spending levels but rather on other criteria. This statement comes amid ongoing scrutiny of how betting companies define and engage with high-value clients, particularly in light of recent allegations surrounding unethical promotional tactics. As the inquiry continues, stakeholders remain divided on the extent of responsibility within the gambling industry. While some argue that the sector must take greater accountability for its marketing strategies and potential influence on vulnerable groups, others maintain that existing regulations provide sufficient oversight. The outcome of this inquiry could shape future legislative efforts aimed at balancing consumer protection with the economic interests of the gambling industry.