Laurence Escalante

By Josh Pearson , 14 February 2026

Laurence Escalante, the Australian entrepreneur behind sweepstakes gaming giant Virtual Gaming Worlds, is confronting a dramatic reversal of fortune. The 44-year-old billionaire, whose net worth is estimated at $1.1 billion, has been arrested in Western Australia on multiple criminal charges, including assault, aggravated home burglary and drug-related offenses. Authorities allege he unlawfully entered the residence of a former partner and later discovered controlled substances at his property in quantities suggesting intent to distribute.