Written by :
Published on :
Australian billionaire and founder of some of the biggest names in sweepstakes casinos is now facing a fresh set of drug-related charges following his arrest for domestic abuse last month.
Virtual Gaming Worlds billionaire founder Laurence Escalante appeared in a Perth, Australia court in early February to face a slew of criminal charges that include aggravated assault occasioning bodily harm, aggravated home burglary, theft, and criminal damage or destruction of property that allegedly occurred in January.
Jesinta Burton of The Financial Review highlighted the incident that resulted in Escalante being forced to vacate the helm of the empire he built, and which has amassed a fortune estimated at more than $4.5 billion according to the Financial Review Rich List. That empire includes popular sweepstakes poker site Global Poker and Chumba Casino, among others.
On Monday, it was revealed that Escalante now faces nine additional counts tied to alleged possession of illegal and controlled substances.
Authorities say the latest charges stem from evidence collected during a police search of the businessman’s home. The amount of the substances found was enough to result in the additional criminal charges.
At the time of his initial arrest, police prosecutors told the court they allegedly found $150,000 in stolen goods in Escalante’s bedroom safe, including a $25,000 Rolex, Cartier bracelets and a pair of diamond earrings.
Escalante declined to speak to police, who allege the incident on January 26 was part of a pattern of abuse, detailing three separate assaults between June 2025 and January 2026.
The 44-year-old was granted bail on a $100,000 personal undertaking and strict conditions, which prevent him from contacting the complainant.
Escalante has yet to enter a plea. Escalante is scheduled to return to court in mid-June.
It is indeed an epic fall from grace of a man who founded some of the most recognizable names in the world of sweepstakes casinos and poker that include Chumba Casino and Global Poker. Those brands continue to operate, minus Escalante's involvement.
- Jagajeet Chiba, Gambling911.com
