⚠️ Content Warning
This episode contains open discussions about gambling addiction, alcohol and drug use, domestic violence and suicide. Please take care of yourself first. If you're not in the right headspace, come back to this one when you're ready. There is no rush.
If you need support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 (available 24/7) or visit lifeline.org.au
This week I sat down with Luke Bateman, and this was one of those chats that covered so much ground I genuinely didn't want it to end.
Luke played 71 NRL games for the Canberra Raiders before injury and his own mental health forced him to step away from the game. What most people don't know is that behind the footy career, Luke was fighting a serious gambling addiction that ended up costing him around $500,000 over four years, alongside struggles with alcohol and drugs. He's been incredibly open about how that addiction took hold, what it cost him, and what it actually took to get out the other side.
We also got into something Luke is really passionate about right now. Ahead of State of Origin Games 2 and 3, Luke is using his platform to call out the link between alcohol, masculinity and violence, with research showing a 40% rise in domestic violence incidents on State of Origin nights. We talk about why he believes alcohol and gambling advertising in sport needs the same scrutiny we've seen applied to tobacco, and why this conversation matters so much to him.
And then there's the part of Luke's story that surprised everyone. From hiding fantasy novels in the toilet as a tough country kid playing first grade footy, to becoming one of the biggest names on BookTok and signing a two-book fantasy series deal with Atria Books. It's a brilliant reminder that it's never too late to embrace who you really are.
This one covers addiction, advocacy, masculinity and reinvention. Luke is honest, switched on, and using his voice for something that really matters.
In this episode we cover:
Luke's journey through the NRL with the Canberra Raiders
The gambling addiction that cost him around $500,000 over four years
His struggles with alcohol and drug use during his playing career
What recovery actually looked like for him
The culture in elite sport around gambling and drinking
The link between alcohol, masculinity and domestic violence
The 40% rise in family violence incidents during State of Origin
Calls to tighten alcohol advertising regulation, similar to gambling and tobacco
Hiding his love of fantasy novels as a kid on a cattle property
Becoming a BookTok sensation and signing his Atria Books deal
Why storytelling and reading matter for boys and men
The numbers behind this conversation:
Alcohol is involved in up to 47% of all police-reported family violence incidents
47% of women sexually assaulted by a man in the past decade said alcohol or another substance contributed to the most recent incident
Research shows a 40% increase in violence towards women and children in NSW on State of Origin game nights
State of Origin Game 3 — Wed 8th July
If this episode brought something up for you:
📞 Lifeline
13 11 14 | lifeline.org.au
📞 National Gambling Helpline
1800 858 858
💻 1800RESPECT (domestic, family and sexual violence counselling)
1800 737 732
💻 Beyond Blue
beyondblue.org.au
Follow Luke
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