Online Gambling Billionaire Faces Multiple Charges in Perth Court

Laurence Escalante, the founder of Virtual Gaming Worlds (VGW) and an online gambling billionaire, appeared in a Perth court on Friday. He is facing multiple charges related to family violence, drug offenses, and burglary.

Following a search warrant executed at his house on Thursday, police reported locating a "trafficable quantity of illicit drugs," specifically cocaine and MDMA.

Allegations of Violence and Burglary

Police allege the 44-year-old West Australian entrepreneur assaulted a 24-year-old woman, who is known to him, at her Perth home on Australia Day. He is also accused of breaking into her residence, damaging property, and stealing items during the incident.

Some charges against Escalante pertain to alleged serious family violence incidents that occurred between June and January. These include persistently engaging in family violence, aggravated assault occasioning bodily harm, and criminal damage or destruction of property.

Drug Offenses Uncovered

Further allegations stem from a search warrant executed at Escalante's house on Thursday. Police reported locating a "trafficable quantity of illicit drugs," specifically cocaine and MDMA.

Billionaire's Background and Lifestyle

Escalante, with a reported net worth of $4.5 billion, founded Virtual Gaming Worlds (VGW) in 2010. While headquartered in Perth, VGW operates virtual slot machines, poker games, and online casinos, primarily serving customers in the US. He is recognized for his luxurious lifestyle, which includes a fleet of supercars, a private jet, and a luxury yacht.