Canberra Raiders News

Former NRL player Luke Bateman revealed a gambling company offered him drugs during his addiction struggles.

Zero Tackle

Former NRL player Luke Bateman has revealed he was offered drugs by a gambling company in a bid to strengthen the relationship at the peak of his addiction.

Now 32 years of age, Bateman played 71 NRL games for the Canberra Raiders between 2015 and 2019.

Bateman, at his peak, was losing five figures a month and was essentially broke despite being an NRL player.

He has been vocal against gambling since his retirement from the NRL due to injury, and told a senate inquiry this week that the lengths companies were going to to keep his business.

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Billy Walters is likely staying with the Broncos, but the Titans are watching his contract negotiations closely.

Zero Tackle

The Brisbane Broncos might still be in negotiations with Billy Walters, but it has been suggested the Gold Coast Titans are monitoring the situation at Red Hill closely.

The dummy half is off-contract at the end of the season, but is yet to confirm a new deal with the Broncos.

It was revealed over the weekend that he is close to locking up a new two-year deal with the club, but with pen not yet put to paper, there is still scope for the situation to change.

Walters is viewed as the Broncos' best dummy half, and the club have missed him in a big way while he has worked his way back from an ACL injury sustained during the qualifying final last season against the Canberra Raiders.

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Betting agencies allegedly provided drugs and accommodations to gamblers, fueling addiction, according to gambling reform advocate Tim Costello.

The Canberra Times

Betting agencies have provided drugs and free accommodation to keep their biggest customers hooked, according to a gambling reform advocate.

Alliance for Gambling Reform chief Tim Costello told a Senate inquiry he had spoken with an individual currently in a Sydney prison facing charges for stealing more than $12 million due to his addiction.

"He was TAB's biggest customer ... he was also Sportsbet's biggest customer," he said.

The man was given free accommodation at Star casino, offered $50,000 in bonus bets and flown to grand finals by VIP member managers, Mr Costello said.

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