VGW’s Escalante Files Leave After Arrest in Australia

Laurence Escalante, VGW’s CEO and Chief Executive, has officially filed a leave of absence. Australian court records show that Mr. Escalante has appeared at a Perth court over a slew of burglary, family violence, and drug offences.

The complaints stemmed from his reported assault on a 24-year-old woman at her Perth residence on Australia Day.  Authorities also shared that this woman was known to him and reported that he broke into the house, damaged property, and stole items.

VGW’s leadership shakeup comes as the company navigates increased scrutiny on the industry’s “dual-currency model” and internal concerns over transparency and governance.

The company has exited in at least 12 states in 2025, including New York and West Virginia, aligning with state-level sweepstakes casino bans.

Escalante Faces Serious Charges and Appeared in Court Last Friday

In an ABC News clip, Escalante was seen leaving a Perth court last Friday. Escalante has recently released a statement, saying his arrest “has come as a shock”. “From the little I know of the allegations at this stage, I can only say that they are untrue and will be defended. I ask that both mine and my family’s privacy be respected, and thank them for their support”, added the VGW founder.

Authorities shared that some of the charges relate to “alleged serious family violence incidents that occurred between June 2025 and January 2026”.

Some of the charges include aggravated assault, persistently engaging in family violence, and destruction of property. Local police executed a search warrant on Escalante’s property on Thursday, and the police reported that they found “a trafficable quantity of illicit drugs”, which includes MDMA and cocaine.

From the Courtroom to Corporate Drama

Escalante's jet-setting lifestyle and personality have spilt over into his management of VGW. For months, the company that operates Chumba Casino and LuckyLand Slots have been embroiled in disputes over transparency, control, and governance.

Many investors have repeatedly raised concerns over financial transparency, limited reporting, and centralized decision-making.

Last year, Escalante publicly called out his critics, challenging them to sell their shares instead of challenging the management.

Some investors also called out Escalante’s decision to launch Kickr Games, another sweepstakes casino and social sportsbook site that directly competes with VGW’s platforms.

REFERENCES

• ABC News

• VGW