Melbourne man is presented with a $25,000 offer by a gambling corporation, with the requirement to abandon his complaint to the regulatory body and assume responsibility for negative publicity.

A man from Melbourne claims that a gambling company offered him $25,000 to drop his complaint to an industry regulator, agreeing to confidentiality and providing indemnity. Gordon Burns, 23, asserts that his 2022 gambling frenzy with two bookies displayed “patterns of addictive behaviour” and accuses them of failing to check for signs of gambling harm or the source of his funds. Burns filed a complaint with the Northern Territory Racing and Wagering Commission, which regulates most online gambling companies in Australia, and alleges that the gambling company attempted to settle his claims under the condition that he withdraw his complaint and agree to make no further complaints, while also offering financial compensation. An Amused Group spokesperson, the parent company of BetNation and BetDeluxe, did not directly address Burns’ allegations but stated that the group handles customer complaints seriously and in accordance with the law and that confidentiality provisions are standard in many industries. They also emphasized their commitment to responsible gambling and customer wellbeing. Burns declined the settlement offer and his complaint remains under investigation with the regulator.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/may/31/gambling-company-offered-melbourne-man-25000-on-condition-he-withdraw-complaint-to-regulator-and-be-liable-for-adverse-media-ntwnfb