Virtual Gaming Worlds (VGW) founder Laurence Escalante is temporarily taking a leave of absence from his positions of CEO and executive chair following his arrest last week for charges related to alleged domestic violence.
Charged with eight offences that are alleged to have taken place between June 2025 and January 2026, including destruction of property and engaging in family violence, Escalante was arrested on 29 January and appeared in court the following day.
He has since been granted bail on a A$100,000 bond and will appear in court on 26 February.
Escalante founded VGW in 2010, with the company operating several brands including Chumba Casino, LuckyLand Slots and Global Poker.
He will be replaced by members of the firm’s existing executive team.
In a statement, the sweepstakes operator confirmed Escalante would taking a leave of absence, while stressing the charges made against its founder were unrelated to the company.
A VGW spokesperson said: “We are aware of the serious charges made against Mr Escalante. These are unrelated to VGW and personal in nature.
“However, we can confirm Mr Escalante will be taking a leave of absence from his role as CEO and executive chairman of VGW.
“In the interim, we have installed experienced leadership from our existing executive team to take on those responsibilities and it remains business as usual for VGW.
“The company takes any allegations of this nature extremely seriously. As this is a private matter and remains before the courts, we cannot comment further.”
In response to his arrest, Esclante said via a statement: “My arrest on these matters has come as a shock to myself and my family.
“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.”
Last year, VGW was ordered to leave the state of Maryland after it was alleged it was operating in the state without a licence.
It followed a similar call to leave Connecticut in October 2024 and is currently banned from operating in Montana, Idaho, Michigan and Washington.
The post VGW CEO to take leave of absence following arrest first appeared on EGR Intel.
Laurence Escalante to step away from sweepstakes giant after eight charges filed against him in Australia, including drug possession and domestic assault
The post VGW CEO to take leave of absence following arrest first appeared on EGR Intel.