Former Raider Luke Bateman denies using ex-fiancée's ring as gambling deposit

Former Canberra Raiders player Luke Bateman, testifying at a Senate gambling inquiry, has denied claims he used his former fiancée’s engagement ring as a deposit to fund his gambling addiction. The 31-year-old, advocating for stricter controls on gambling advertising, revealed that he transferred thousands of dollars from his ex-girlfriend’s bank account while she slept to support his betting habit transferred thousands of dollars.

Bateman, who played 71 games for the Raiders between 2015 and 2018, estimated his gambling losses at $1 million. He admitted to stealing from family members and his former partner, retired jockey Kayla Nisbet, to sustain his addiction. Since his testimony in Canberra, it emerged that Bateman also worked for a bookmaker in 2020 following his NRL retirement, a detail not disclosed during the inquiry worked for a bookmaker.

Revelations of Financial Misconduct

Sources close to Nisbet, who remained anonymous, indicated Bateman had depleted approximately $80,000 of her money for his betting. These sources reported that he secretly used her phone to transfer cash from her bank account, often when she was asleep burnt through about $80,000. Nisbet provided statements this year detailing transfers from her account to Bateman’s for gambling purposes. Bateman disputed the total figure, arguing not all transfers were gambling-related and only a small portion was stolen took issue with the figure.

Despite his disagreement on the full amount, Bateman, currently filming a reality television program, agreed to repay Nisbet just over $40,000, which she reluctantly accepted. Nisbet declined to comment on the matter, but her associates stated Bateman confessed to using her engagement ring as a deposit for gambling funds, having told her he was sending it for cleaning confessed to using her engagement ring.

Bateman directly refuted this specific claim, stating to the SMH NRL, “I never used it as collateral to raise money for gambling.” However, he did acknowledge selling the ring after their relationship concluded. He also indicated that he and Nisbet had agreed after their separation that he would repay her approximately $8,000, which he did in 2020 denied that when contacted.

Advocacy and Public Scrutiny

Bateman’s testimony at the Senate inquiry highlighted his advocacy for tougher restrictions on gambling advertising, aligning with Labor’s proposed reforms. He disclosed that wagering companies had flown him interstate and offered him drugs to encourage further betting offered drugs to encourage him. This public admission and his efforts for reform are juxtaposed with the ongoing revelations of his past financial misconduct.

His recent contact with Nisbet was prompted by online claims made by her sisters regarding the amount he allegedly owed her. The unfolding details underscore the complexities of addiction and its far-reaching consequences on personal relationships and financial well-being, even as Bateman seeks to influence policy on gambling. Nisbet, who retired from racing in 2024 after winning the $1 million Country Championships Final retired from racing in 2024, has navigated these personal financial issues while maintaining a public profile.