The government says it\u2019s stopping \u2018the most toxic\u2019 gambling company strategies. Former addicts say it will do \u2018absolutely nothing\u2019<\/p>\n
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Jesse Murphy wasn\u2019t sure what to wear when his VIP gambling manager texted him: \u201cLooking forward to having a beer with you!\u201d<\/p>\n
His frequent betting had just earned the then 25-year-old free tickets to a gambling company\u2019s corporate box at the footy with free food and alcohol. His handler was waiting for him. He told Murphy to wear a shirt before joining for drinks.<\/p>\n
Between 2019 and 2024, these events became a regular fixture. Sometimes, it was an \u201call inclusive lunch and drinks throughout the afternoon\u201d. Occasionally, they would ask him which bar the VIPs should meet at and promise \u201ca great night\u201d. But mostly, it was free tickets to the AFL and horse racing.<\/p>\n
\u201cI felt like I needed to continually keep in touch with him so I wouldn\u2019t lose access to the benefits and offers I was receiving,\u201d says Murphy, who hasn\u2019t placed a bet in almost two years.<\/p>\n
Text messages over a five-year period show VIP managers would routinely place bonus bets into Murphy\u2019s account without asking. When he was running out of money and asked for free bets, or for bookies to match his deposits, he would get the same answer: \u201csorted mate\u201d.<\/p>\n
When Murphy texted saying he\u2019d \u201chad another shit week\u201d gambling and \u201cmight have to give it up soon\u201d, his minder sent him a link to a responsible gambling tool \u2013 but immediately supplied him with more bonus bets.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust added some love for you mate,\u201d one VIP manager said.<\/p>\n
Jesse Hey mate, what bonuses are available to me after a big turnover yesterday? Have a good day \u270c\ud83c\udffc<\/p>\n
VIP manager Sorted for you mate, may be able to do more later today as well<\/p>\n
Jesse Thanks mate, I blew it. But just deposited 1500 if you want to match that with whatever<\/p>\n
Jesse What have ya got for me man after the last few days<\/p>\n
VIP manager Just added some love for you mate<\/p>\n
By the time he eventually quit, one company had sent him $43,700 in bonus bets in just over two years. It wasn\u2019t until he stopped gambling that the generosity disappeared. The free tickets, drinks and food dried up, too.<\/p>\n