Meta Allows Illegal Crypto Gambling Ads to Run Despite ACMA Warning

Meta has been criticised after reports that Instagram posts promoting an offshore “crypto casino” remained online despite repeated user reports. The Guardian says an Australian streamer known as Dinah (about 820,000 followers) promoted Rainbet in multiple posts, including “link in bio” style content encouraging people to use the service. Australia’s communications regulator, ACMA, has warned influencers that promoting illegal gambling services to Australians can attract significant penalties, including fines up to $2.4m if the promotion helps people access the service.

What the Guardian says happened on Instagram

The Guardian reported that a user supplied screenshots showing reports made against around 10 posts in January that promoted Rainbet to Dinah’s followers. In most cases, Meta reportedly responded that it would not act, saying the content did not breach its community standards on fraud or scams. The report also noted Instagram did not offer a specific reporting category for gambling promotion.

Why ACMA is warning influencers about “illegal” gambling promotion

Australia restricts online casino-style gambling offered to Australians from offshore operators, and ACMA has been stepping up enforcement against illegal services and their marketing pathways. That enforcement includes asking internet service providers to block access to illegal gambling and affiliate websites.

ACMA’s warning to influencers focuses on risk created by promotion that directs Australians to illegal gambling services. In the Guardian report, ACMA is quoted warning influencers to stop promoting illegal gambling services, stating substantial penalties apply. It also reported the regulator’s position that individuals can face fines up to $59,400, while influencers who facilitate access (such as by posting links) could face fines up to $2.4m.

Blocking is expanding, but it is not foolproof

ACMA says website blocking is only one of its enforcement options, but the numbers show how active the strategy has become. In a February 2026 update, ACMA said that since its first blocking request in November 2019 it has blocked 1,518 illegal gambling and affiliate websites, and that over 220 illegal services have pulled out of the Australian market since enforcement began in 2017.

What this means for everyday users

For Australians scrolling social media, the key issue is that illegal gambling promotions can look like normal lifestyle content, especially when they are framed as entertainment or quick money. ACMA’s message is that even if an offshore service looks legitimate, it may lack consumer protections and Australians may have limited recourse if something goes wrong.