Chumba Casino Founder Laurence Escalante Quits VGW Amid Criminal Charges

Troubled Chumba Casino founder Laurence Escalante has permanently resigned from VGW, the online gaming company he founded in 2010 and grew into one of Australia’s largest private companies.

The 44-year-old billionaire was already on a leave of absence from his role as chairman and CEO of the company. That’s after he was charged with numerous assault and drug offenses in January following an alleged attack on his ex-partner.   

Workplace Culture

Escalante’s resignation on Friday came just days after he was approached by The Australian Financial Review for comment on an article detailing allegations of a problematic workplace culture at VGW.

The story, published Saturday, described claims of bullying, sexual harassment, excessive drinking at work events, and weak oversight of senior executives, citing interviews with former employees, court documents, and internal company records.

Escalante, via a spokesperson, declined to comment on the allegations, citing his legal troubles. VGW told the publication it had significantly strengthened its governance and workplace policies in recent years and was committed to maintaining a safe and respectful work environment.

Escalante is facing eight charges, including aggravated home burglary, theft, and assault, which stem from allegations that he broke into the home of his 24-year-old ex-partner on January 26.

Forced Entrance

He is accused of pushing past her, grabbing her by the hair, and assaulting her during the encounter, which allegedly left her with grazes and bruising, including injuries prosecutors say were caused by a punch to the face.

Prosecutors also allege that after the confrontation, Escalante took back luxury gifts he had given her during their yearlong relationship, including a $25,000 Rolex, Cartier bracelets, and diamond earrings. They further claim he used scissors to cut up a $66,000 Hermès handbag.

He also faces a charge of engaging in persistent family violence, an offense under Western Australian law that covers repeated domestic abuse or intimidation. Prosecutors allege the incident formed part of a pattern of assaults dating back to June 2025.

When police later executed a search warrant at Escalante’s home, they say they recovered the luxury items from a bedroom safe. Officers also allege they found more than 12.2 grams of ketamine, 18 grams of MDMA, and more than 30 grams of cocaine.

Rise and Fall

As well as Chumba Casino, VGW owns the LuckyLand Slots and Global Poker brands, all “sweepstakes casino” models primarily serving customers in the United States. The company ranks among Australia’s most profitable technology businesses and employs more than 1,000 staff globally.

Escalante’s net worth was estimated at A$4.5 billion (US$3.1 billion) in the most recent Rich List published by AFR.