Australia’s communications regulator has issued formal warnings to former Australian Football League (AFL) players Mitch Robinson and Rhys Mathieson after finding they promoted an illegal online gambling service through social media and video content.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) said its investigations established that both former players published promotional material for Vegastars between March and April 2026. Australian law prohibits the promotion of illegal online gambling services, including through influencer content.
The material featured the Vegastars name, logo and website address, alongside gameplay footage and commentary promoting the service. Robinson published content on Instagram and through the Rip Through It podcast on YouTube, while Mathieson’s promotional posts appeared on Instagram.
The regulator revealed in a press release that both men accepted responsibility after ACMA contacted them about their activities. They subsequently ended their involvement with Vegastars and removed the promotional material, prompting the authority to issue formal warnings aimed at preventing further breaches.
The action comes as Australian regulators increase scrutiny of online gambling promotions and the role that social media personalities play in directing audiences towards prohibited services.
ACMA steps up enforcement against gambling promotion
Carolyn Lidgerwood, an ACMA member, said the warnings formed part of the regulator’s ongoing enforcement efforts targeting individuals who promote illegal gambling platforms.
“Illegal gambling services can cause significant financial harm to individuals and families, and influencers need to be aware that promoting these services is against the law,” Ms Lidgerwood said. “After the ACMA contacted Mr Robinson and Mr Mathieson about the conduct, they accepted responsibility and promptly ended their involvement with Vegastars and removed all promotional material. We have now issued each with a formal warning to ensure their future compliance with the law.
All influencers are now firmly on notice. Anyone who uses their online profile to promote illegal gambling services will face regulatory action which can include significant financial penalties.”
The warnings follow previous enforcement measures against Vegastars itself. In January 2026, the ACMA requested that Australian internet service providers block access to the service’s website.
The regulator’s latest action highlights the potential consequences for people who promote prohibited gambling businesses, even when the promotional material appears through personal social media accounts or online entertainment channels.
Under Australian rules, individuals who advertise or publicize illegal gambling services can face civil penalties of up to $65,520 per contravention. More severe penalties apply to those who facilitate access to prohibited services, including by supplying hyperlinks or directing users to gambling websites. Such conduct can attract penalties of up to $2,730,000.
New advertising restrictions set for 2027
The case also precedes a broader change to Australia‘s wagering advertising rules. From 1 January 2027, new legislation will prohibit licensed wagering operators from using current or former athletes, social media influencers and other notable people to promote their wagering services.
The upcoming restrictions will affect how licensed betting businesses use public figures in their advertising. The existing prohibition on promoting illegal gambling services applies separately, meaning that endorsements of prohibited platforms can already trigger regulatory action.
The changes scheduled for 2027 will further limit the use of prominent personalities in gambling marketing, including former athletes whose public profiles may help operators reach sports audiences.
For the ACMA, the warnings provide a direct reminder that influencers remain subject to gambling laws when publishing promotional material online. The regulator has indicated that it will continue monitoring such activity and may pursue stronger penalties where individuals or businesses breach the rules.