Two former Australian Football League (AFL) players, Mitch Robinson and Rhys Mathieson, have received formal warnings from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) for promoting an offshore online casino that is illegal under Australian law.
The ACMA issued the warnings on Thursday after investigations identified that Robinson and Mathieson had advertised Vegastars, an online gambling platform previously labeled by the regulator as a prohibited interactive gambling service.
These promotions appeared in videos showcasing Vegastars branding, website details, gameplay, and endorsements, posted between March and April 2026.
Details from the ACMA's reports indicate that Mitch Robinson, currently a co-host of the Rip Through It podcast, was mentioned in a report dated September 30, 2026. The report noted that Robinson had published illegal gambling advertisements twice: in a YouTube podcast episode on March 10, 2026, and in an Instagram video on April 6, 2026. Robinson entered into two commercial agreements with Vegastars in March 2026, earning around AU$120,000 (approximately $84,132) in payments. Following an ACMA notice in May, he removed the promotional content.
Rhys Mathieson was cited in an ACMA report issued on October 1, 2026. The authority found that Mathieson shared three violating Instagram videos—one on March 20 and two on April 6, 2026—earning nearly AU$19,200 from these promotions. While Mathieson expressed remorse and claimed he was unaware of Vegastars’ illegal status, the ACMA emphasized that ignorance does not exempt individuals from violating the Interactive Gambling Act (IGA).
The warnings were issued under Section 64A of the IGA. The ACMA noted that individuals who promote banned gambling services could face civil penalties up to AU$65,520 for each violation. In contrast, entities that facilitate access, such as linking or directing users to these services, may incur penalties as high as AU$2.73 million.
Vegastars' operator, Neptune Projects SRL, has faced regulatory scrutiny since January 2026, when the ACMA demanded that Australian internet service providers block access to the Vegastars website and its alternatives. Despite these efforts, the ACMA reports that the gambling service continues to operate through mirror sites accessible to Australian users, prompting additional ISP blocking requests.
The ACMA has intensified its monitoring of illegal gambling promotions on social media and among influencers. Carolyn Lidgerwood, an ACMA board member, emphasized the need for influencers to recognize that promoting these services is against the law. She warned that individuals using a public platform for endorsing prohibited gambling activities may face significant financial penalties.
Beginning January 1, 2027, new regulations will prevent licensed wagering providers from hiring current or former athletes, social media influencers, or other prominent figures to promote their services. This measure aims to limit the influence of well-known individuals in betting product advertising.
This guidance arises following discussions during the Senate inquiry into the bill. On August 4, 2026, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young expressed concerns regarding the provision relating to notable personalities, while Sportsbet cautioned that even “anyone with an Instagram account” could be implicated by the proposed regulations.
