The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has issued formal warnings to two former Australian Football League (AFL) players for promoting an illegal online gambling service.
The regulator said Mitch Robinson and Rhys Mathieson, who have become online influencers in their post-football careers, published content promoting the prohibited online gambling service Vegastars, which they are prohibited from doing under Australian online gambling rules.
The promotional content, published between March and April 2026, included videos displaying the service’s name, logo and website address, as well as footage of gameplay and commentary promoting the service.
The ACMA had previously taken enforcement action against Vegastars, including requesting Australian internet service providers block its website in January 2026, it explained.
Robinson, who played 247 games for Carlton and the Brisbane Lions, published promotional content on Instagram and through the Rip Through It podcast on YouTube, while Mathieson – who played 72 games for the Lions – published promotional content on Instagram.
ACMA member Carolyn Lidgerwood said the regulator has increased its monitoring of illegal gambling promotion online and the warnings are a continuation of recent enforcement action against individual social media influencers under these laws.
“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,” she 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 come just days after the ACMA published guidance on new wagering advertising laws that from 1 January 2027 will prohibit licensed wagering providers from using current or former athletes, social media influencers and other notable people to promote wagering services.
RelatedPosts
