Troubled Chumba Casino creator Laurence Escalante has officially stepped down from VGW, the online gaming firm he established in 2010, which grew into one of Australia’s major private enterprises.
The 44-year-old billionaire was already on a leave of absence as the chairman and CEO due to multiple assault and drug-related charges filed in January, following an alleged incident involving his former partner.
Workplace Culture Concerns
Escalante’s resignation occurred shortly after he was contacted by The Australian Financial Review for comments regarding allegations of a troubling workplace culture within VGW.
The article published on Saturday detailed claims of harassment, bullying, excessive drinking at work-related events, and inadequate supervision of senior executives, drawing from interviews with former employees, court documents, and internal company records.
Through a spokesperson, Escalante chose not to address the allegations, attributing his silence to his ongoing legal issues. VGW responded to the report by stating that it has significantly enhanced its governance and workplace protocols in recent years, emphasizing its commitment to a safe and respectful work environment.
With eight pending charges against him, including aggravated home burglary, theft, and assault, Escalante is alleged to have invaded the residence of his 24-year-old ex-partner on January 26.
Forced Entry Allegations
He is accused of forcefully entering her home, pulling her by the hair, and assaulting her, purportedly resulting in grazes and bruises, including injuries sustained from a punch to the face.
Prosecutors further allege that following this altercation, Escalante retrieved luxury gifts he had previously given her during their yearlong relationship, which included a $25,000 Rolex, Cartier bracelets, and diamond earrings. They also claimed he cut up a $66,000 Hermès handbag with scissors.
Additionally, he is charged with persistent family violence, a serious offense under Western Australian law addressing ongoing domestic abuse or intimidation. Prosecutors argue that this incident was part of a pattern of abusive behavior dating back to June 2025.
During a police search of Escalante’s residence, authorities reportedly discovered these luxury items stored in a safe within a bedroom. Officers also claimed to have found over 12.2 grams of ketamine, 18 grams of MDMA, and more than 30 grams of cocaine.
Rise and Fall of Escalante
VGW, besides Chumba Casino, owns brands such as LuckyLand Slots and Global Poker, primarily catering to customers in the US using a “sweepstakes casino” model. The company stands as one of the most lucrative tech enterprises in Australia, employing over 1,000 individuals worldwide.
Escalante’s estimated net worth was reported at A$4.5 billion (approximately US$3.1 billion) in the latest Rich List released by AFR.