Billionaire Chumba Casino Founder Laurence Escalante Hit with Fresh Drug Charges

Posted on: February 27, 2026, 10:26h. 

Last updated on: February 27, 2026, 10:26h.

Philip Conneller @casinoorgphilc Read More
Expertise: Gaming Business, Regulation, Tribal Gaming.
  • VGW billionaire Laurence Escalante hit with new drug charges
  • Police allege burglary, assault, and persistent family violence
  • Trafficable quantities of ketamine, MDMA, cocaine seized from home

Laurence Escalante, the Australian billionaire founder of Chumba Casino, has appeared in court in Perth, Western Australia, to face nine new drug charges.

Laurence Escalante, VGW, Chumba Casino, drug charges, Western Australia
Escalante founded VGW in 2010 and grew it into one of Australia’s biggest tech companies, but he took a “leave of absence” after he was charged with numerous offenses stemming from the alleged assault of his former partner. (Image: Shutterstock)

The 44-year-old was already facing eight charges stemming from allegations that he broke into the home of his 24-year-old ex-partner on January 26 and assaulted her. Those charges include aggravated home burglary, theft, and assault.

According to court documents, the new drug charges relate to substances seized when police searched Escalante’s home. Officers allegedly found him in possession of a “trafficable quantity” of drugs.

Escalante is the founder of Virtual Gaming Worlds (VGW), which owns Chumba Casino, LuckyLand Slots, and Global Poker. His net worth was estimated at A$4.5 billion (US$3.1 billion) in the most recent Rich List published by The Australian Financial Review.

VGW’s platforms operate under a “sweepstakes casino” model and primarily serve customers in the United States. The company ranks among Australia’s most profitable technology businesses and employs more than 1,000 staff globally.

Forced Entrance

Court filings allege that on January 26, Escalante forced his way into his former partner’s home. He is accused of pushing past her, grabbing her by the hair, and assaulting her during a scuffle that left her with grazes and bruising, including from an alleged punch to the face.

He also allegedly removed luxury items he had gifted her during their yearlong relationship, including a $25,000 Rolex, Cartier bracelets, and diamond earrings. Prosecutors claim he cut up a $66,000 Hermès handbag with scissors.

Police later executed a search warrant at Escalante’s residence, where they allegedly recovered the luxury goods from a bedroom safe. Officers also claim they discovered more than 12.2 grams of ketamine, 18 grams of MDMA, and over 30 grams of cocaine.

Family Violence

Escalante has been charged with multiple drug offences, including possession with intent to sell or supply. He also faces a charge of engaging in persistent family violence, an offence under Western Australian law that covers repeated domestic abuse or intimidation. Police allege the January 26 incident was part of a pattern of assaults dating back to June 2025.

A spokesperson for VGW confirmed late last month Escalante has taken “a leave of absence” from his roles as CEO and chairman following his arrest.

Under Western Australia’s strict property confiscation laws, the state can recover assets owned, controlled, or transferred by a declared drug trafficker, regardless of whether those assets were obtained through criminal activity.