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🇦🇺 Australia /Crime & Justice

Sportsbet, TAB deny reps offered escort, drugs to gamblers

From ABC Australia · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • Betting companies Sportsbet and TAB deny allegations that their representatives offered illicit drugs and escorts to gamblers.
  • The claims were made during a Senate inquiry into proposed gambling reforms, with Reverend Tim Costello citing a case where a young man allegedly received such inducements.
  • The inquiry also heard from a former NRL player who claimed a betting company representative offered to source illicit drugs for him.

Major betting companies Sportsbet and TAB have vehemently denied explosive allegations that their representatives offered customers access to illicit drugs and escorts to encourage further gambling. These claims surfaced during a Senate inquiry examining the federal government's proposed gambling reforms.

zero evidence

— Jules Norton SelzerSportsbet's representative's response to the allegations.

Reverend Tim Costello, chief advocate for the Alliance for Gambling Reform, presented the allegations, recounting the case of a young man who he said received funding for travel, escorts, and drugs from Sportsbet and TAB. This individual is now imprisoned after being charged with allegedly stealing $12.3 million.

Jules Norton Selzer, representing Sportsbet, stated the company found "zero evidence" to substantiate the "deplorable" claims made by Rev Costello. Selzer added that Sportsbet would "gladly" investigate further if more information is provided. TAB also rejected the accusations, asserting that such inducements are not part of its customer offerings and that the company enforces a "zero tolerance" policy for such behavior.

deplorable

— Jules Norton SelzerSportsbet's characterization of the allegations.

Adding to the testimony, former NRL player Luke Bateman told the inquiry he was offered illicit drugs by a gambling company representative while battling a severe gambling addiction. Bateman did not specify which companies were involved. Responsible Wagering Australia chief executive Kai Cantwell described the allegations as "egregious" but stated the industry "strongly refutes" the claims, urging that any proven illegal behaviors be reported to operators, law enforcement, and regulators.

do not in any way form part of TAB's customer offering

— TAB spokespersonDenying that inducements like drugs and escorts are part of their services.

The inquiry also addressed concerns about gambling advertising. Senator David Pocock highlighted an online advertisement by Bet365 featuring young children, which has since been removed. Sportsbet defended its advertising practices, with Mr. Norton Selzer stating it was not their intention to advertise to children and that they had reduced advertising on free-to-air television. He also clarified that a Spotify ad, which played between Disney songs, was part of an adult-curated playlist.

zero tolerance

— TAB spokespersonStating the company's policy on such behavior.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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