Former AFL Stars Warned for Promoting Illegal Online Casino

Two former Australian Football League players have received formal warnings after promoting an illegal online casino to their social media audiences. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) found that Mitch Robinson and Rhys Mathieson advertised Vegastars through Instagram and YouTube earlier this year. The enforcement action comes as Australia prepares to introduce tougher restrictions on using athletes and influencers in gambling advertising.

AFL Players Promoted Vegastars on Social Media

ACMA announced the warnings on 22 October 2026 after investigating promotional content published between March and April.

Robinson promoted Vegastars on Instagram and through the Rip Through It podcast on YouTube. Mathieson also shared promotional material on Instagram.

The content displayed the gambling website's name, logo and address, alongside gameplay footage and commentary encouraging viewers to use the service.

Vegastars was already the subject of Australian regulatory action. In January 2026, ACMA requested that internet service providers block access to its website.

Promoting prohibited online gambling services breaches Australian gambling advertising laws, even when the promotion appears on an individual's social media account.

Both former players accepted responsibility and removed the material after ACMA contacted them.

Regulator Warns Influencers About Illegal Gambling Ads

ACMA member Carolyn Lidgerwood said the regulator had increased its monitoring of illegal gambling promotions across social media.

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.”

The regulator confirmed that both players promptly ended their involvement with Vegastars.

Although neither received a financial penalty, the warnings highlight the consequences influencers may face for advertising prohibited gambling services.

The warnings follow earlier concerns about illegal casino promotions on social media. Casino.com previously reported on ACMA's crackdown on illegal crypto casino advertising on Instagram, where influencers were warned about the substantial penalties for promoting offshore gambling services.

Individuals who promote illegal gambling services can face civil penalties of up to A$65,520 per contravention.

Those who facilitate access to these services, including by providing links or directing users to gambling websites, may face penalties of up to A$2.73 million.

These are maximum potential penalties, not amounts imposed on Robinson or Mathieson.

Australia Tightens Rules on Gambling Influencers

The warnings come ahead of further changes to Australia's wagering advertising laws.

From 1 January 2027, new restrictions will prohibit the use of notable people in wagering advertising, subject to specified exceptions.

The rules cover current and former professional athletes, celebrities, social media influencers and other prominent individuals.

They will apply across television, radio, websites, online games and social media.

Licensed wagering providers will also face restrictions on sponsorship and promotional arrangements involving notable people.

ACMA published initial industry guidance on 19 October to help operators understand the new requirements.

The official ACMA announcement provides details of the warnings and applicable penalties.

What the Warnings Mean for Gambling Advertising

The Robinson and Mathieson case illustrates the risks of promoting gambling services without checking whether they are legally permitted in Australia.

An offshore operator's willingness to pay for advertising does not establish that its services can lawfully be offered to Australian customers.

The warnings also demonstrate that regulators are scrutinising individual influencers, rather than focusing exclusively on gambling operators.

For athletes and content creators, promotional agreements involving online gambling now carry significant compliance risks.

With the January 2027 advertising changes approaching, both licensed wagering businesses and social media personalities will need to review how gambling products are promoted to Australian audiences.