Laurence Escalante, the billionaire founder of gaming company Virtual Gaming Worlds, has been charged with eight criminal offences following an alleged assault of a young woman in Perth. The 44-year-old entrepreneur, estimated to be worth approximately $4.5 billion, appeared at Perth Magistrate's Court on Friday to face the charges.
Details of the Alleged Incident
According to police statements, the alleged incident occurred on Australia Day around 8:45pm. Escalante is accused of entering the Perth home of a 24-year-old woman, who is known to him, where he allegedly assaulted her, stole items from the property, and caused damage to the residence.
Additional Family Violence Charges
Police have revealed that Escalante also faces several charges related to alleged serious family violence incidents that are said to have occurred between June 2025 and January 2026. These include charges of persistently engaging in family violence, aggravated assault occasioning bodily harm, and criminal damage or destruction of property.
Drug Discovery During Search
In a further development, officers executed a search warrant at a residence on Thursday where they allegedly discovered what police described as a 'trafficable quantity of illicit drugs'. The substances reportedly included cocaine and MDMA, adding to the serious nature of the charges against the gaming magnate.
Court Appearance and Bail
Escalante was granted bail following his court appearance on Friday. As he left Perth Magistrate's Court, the billionaire ignored a swarm of reporters and walked quickly to a waiting SUV without making any comment. His legal representatives have indicated that he intends to contest all allegations against him.
Background of the Accused
Laurence Escalante founded Virtual Gaming Worlds in 2010, a company that has established a significant presence in the United States casino market. According to reports, he first entered the world of online gaming in the early 2000s when he set up a Christian gaming company.
His journey to billionaire status began humbly - as a teenager, he reportedly worked flipping burgers at Hungry Jack's before studying economics at Macquarie University. His business acumen transformed him into one of Australia's wealthiest individuals.
Business Success and Wealth
In the Australian Financial Review's 2025 Rich List, Escalante was ranked 35th with a wealth totalling $4.5 billion. The company he founded, Virtual Gaming Worlds, reportedly pioneered the use of a legal loophole to offer online casino experiences in the US market.
The company recorded impressive financial results, with a 27% rise in revenue to $6.13 billion in the 2024 financial year. Escalante has been described in media reports as a 'fan of supercars and Lamborghini yachts', reflecting the lavish lifestyle his gaming empire has afforded him.
The case continues to develop as legal proceedings progress through the Western Australian court system. The serious nature of the charges against such a high-profile business figure has attracted significant attention both in Australia and internationally within the gaming industry.
