Sydney  - The Church of Scientology, whose most famous acolyte is film star Tom Cruise, has lost its richest member, news reports said Saturday.

Billionaire business tycoon James Packer has dropped out of what some former members claim is a dangerous cult.

Packer, Australia's second-richest man, was inducted into Scientology by Cruise in 2002.

The paper suggested that ownership of Australia's biggest casino was a stumbling block to Packer continuing in the faith.

Scientology founder L Ron Hubbard said a gambler was "a psychotic just like a drug addict or an alcoholic." (dpa)