Ex-NRL player Luke Bateman at the Environment And Communications Legislation Committee inquiry hearing into the Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026. Ex-NRL player Luke Bateman at the Environment And Communications Legislation Committee inquiry hearing into the Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026. Credit: MICK TSIKAS / AAPIMAGEFormer NRL star Luke Bateman has alleged he was offered drugs and alcohol by gambling company employees while he was battling a problem gambling addiction. The former Canberra Raiders player revealed he had been flown to races across Australia by the gambling company, describing incidents where he would be plied with drugs and alcohol at racing events. Camera Icon Luke Bateman while playing for the Canberra Raiders. Camera Icon Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says the Federal Government’s gambling legislation is “comprehensive” despite calls to make it stronger.