Luke Bateman, a former NRL player turned book influencer, has been lauded for his candid revelation about the gambling addiction that almost derailed his life. During the second episode of I’m A Celebrity, Bateman shared his personal struggle with gambling, a habit he was introduced to in his late teens.
At 30 years old, Bateman reflected on how gambling quickly became a consuming part of his life outside of rugby league, fueled by ample downtime and a substantial income. Speaking with fellow contestants Barry Williams and Nath Valvo, he highlighted the dangers of gambling, particularly for young men.
“From the moment you’re 18, what you do is you train, you play, and then you go to the pub and gamble. And that’s just like bred into the culture,” he said.
The Culture of Gambling in Australian Sports
The revelation by Bateman sheds light on a broader cultural issue within Australian sports. He claimed that gambling problems were prevalent among his teammates, with “every second bloke” experiencing issues to some degree. For Bateman, the problem escalated significantly.
Nath Valvo questioned whether the allure of gambling for athletes stemmed from a desire to chase victory. Bateman, however, attributed it to the combination of youthful exuberance, significant disposable income, and cultural exposure.
“And you got no respect for [the money], and you have a lot of spare time,” he said.
Bateman’s Personal Journey
Bateman joined the Canberra Raiders’ Under 20s team at 18 and remained with the senior squad until 2019. During his career, he earned up to $400,000 annually, but his gambling addiction led to financial turmoil. At one point, his mother had to cover his mortgage payments.
He described the environment of frequenting pubs with teammates and placing bets, often through phone apps, as a significant factor in his addiction. He estimated losses of around $500,000 over several years.
“Someone might think you’re just sending a text or whatever, and you just put a $10,000 bet on,” he said.
In 2019, a severe injury forced Bateman to confront his addiction. Faced with a crossroads, he chose to seek help and entered rehab, successfully overcoming his gambling habit.
“I’m very open and honest and direct when it comes to all of my struggles in my past,” he said in a confessional video on I’m A Celeb. “I’ve kept that part of myself very secret for a long time, and I think that addiction thrives in secrecy.”
The Broader Impact of Gambling in Australia
Bateman’s story resonates with many Australians, as gambling remains a significant issue in the country. Government statistics reveal that lottery games are the most popular form of gambling, with 28.6% of men and 24% of women participating. Horse and dog betting, sports betting, and poker machines follow in popularity.
The Grattan Institute found in 2024 that Australia has the highest gambling losses in the world, with average annual losses per adult totaling $1,635.
In the 2022-23 fiscal year, Australians wagered $244 billion on legal gambling, losing approximately $25 billion. Despite a decline in the number of gamblers, the amount of money gambled is increasing. About 2% of gamblers face severe problems, representing 1% of the adult population.
Pokies account for 51 to 57% of gambling problems, largely due to their widespread availability in pubs and clubs. Sports betting and race betting contribute to 19 to 20% of harm, while casinos account for 10 to 14%.
Moving Forward
Bateman’s openness has sparked discussions on the need for cultural change in sports and beyond. Viewers praised his honesty, emphasizing the importance of addressing such issues publicly. As Australia grapples with its gambling culture, stories like Bateman’s highlight the need for awareness and intervention.
For those struggling with gambling, resources such as Gambling Help Online and helplines are available to provide support and guidance.
