ACMA Warns Former AFL Players Over Illegal Casino Promotions

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Altay Celikkaya

Content Manager

Updated: 22/10/26

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Australia’s media regulator has formally warned two former AFL players for promoting an illegal offshore casino through social media and podcast content. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has formally warned former Australian Football League (AFL) players Mitch Robinson and Rhys Mathieson for promoting Vegastars, an illegal offshore gambling platform.

The enforcement action, announced on 22 October 2026, follows an investigation into promotional material published between March and April. Both players removed the content after the regulator contacted them.

ACMA logo and Australian flag feature in a graphic about illegal gambling advertising warnings.

Regulation & Compliance

Key Takeaways From ACMA's Latest Gambling Enforcement Action

ACMA issued formal warnings to former AFL players Mitch Robinson and Rhys Mathieson on 22 October 2026.
The players promoted the prohibited offshore casino Vegastars through Instagram, YouTube and podcast content.
Individuals promoting illegal gambling services may face civil penalties of up to A$65,520 per contravention.
Neither player received a financial penalty after accepting responsibility and removing the promotional material.
The enforcement action comes ahead of new Australian restrictions on using prominent individuals in licensed wagering advertising from January 2027.

How Did the AFL Players Promote Vegastars?

According to ACMA’s official announcement, Robinson promoted Vegastars through Instagram and the Rip Through It podcast on YouTube, while Mathieson shared promotional material on Instagram.

The content featured the casino’s name, logo, website address and gameplay footage, accompanied by commentary encouraging engagement with the platform. These promotions appeared despite ACMA having requested internet service providers to block Vegastars in January 2026.

The regulator had previously identified the offshore casino as operating unlawfully in Australia. The platform was also included in ACMA’s February crackdown on eight illegal gambling websites.

Following ACMA’s investigation, both former players accepted responsibility, ended their involvement with Vegastars and removed the promotional material.

ACMA Warns Influencers of Significant Financial Penalties

Although Robinson and Mathieson received formal warnings rather than fines, ACMA emphasised that promoting prohibited gambling services can carry substantial financial consequences. Individuals who advertise or publicise illegal gambling services may face civil penalties of up to A$65,520 per contravention.

Those who facilitate access to these services, including through hyperlinks or directions to illegal websites, could face penalties of up to A$2.73 million.

ACMA member Carolyn Lidgerwood said:

All influencers are now firmly on notice.

The regulator confirmed that it has increased monitoring of illegal gambling promotions across online platforms. The warnings also demonstrate that individuals promoting gambling services can face regulatory action independently of the operators involved.

Australia Tightens Oversight of Influencer Gambling Advertising

The enforcement action arrives as Australia prepares to introduce additional restrictions on gambling advertising involving prominent individuals. From 1 January 2027, licensed wagering operators will be prohibited from featuring current or former athletes, influencers and other notable personalities in wagering promotions.

ACMA recently clarified how the upcoming restrictions will apply, including the responsibilities of operators working with third-party marketing partners. The new rules are separate from the existing prohibition on advertising illegal offshore gambling services, which formed the basis of the warnings against Robinson and Mathieson.

Regulatory attention extends beyond federal enforcement. Earlier this year, New South Wales identified influencer marketing as a gambling compliance priority, highlighting growing scrutiny of digital promotional partnerships.

What Does the Enforcement Action Mean for Gambling Affiliates?

For gambling operators, affiliates, and marketing agencies, the case reinforces the need to review promotional partnerships before campaigns go live. Social media sponsorships, podcast ads, and influencer-generated content can attract regulatory scrutiny when they promote gambling services prohibited in the relevant market.

The Vegastars case also illustrates that blocking access to an illegal gambling website does not necessarily prevent further promotion through external channels. With additional advertising restrictions approaching in 2027, businesses operating in Australia’s regulated wagering market will need to distinguish between existing prohibitions on illegal gambling promotions and the new requirements affecting licensed operators.