The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has formally reprimanded two former Australian Football League (AFL) players for promoting an offshore online casino that is regarded as illegal under Australian law.
This warning came on Thursday following an investigation into Mitch Robinson and Rhys Mathieson, who had advertised Vegastars, a gambling platform already classified by the regulator as a prohibited interactive gambling service. Their promotional efforts, which included videos showcasing the Vegastars branding, website details, gameplay, and endorsements, were made between March and April 2026.
Details of the breaches were documented in ACMA’s final report on Mitch Robinson, dated September 30, 2026. The investigation revealed that Robinson, who co-hosts the Rip Through It podcast, posted prohibited gambling advertisements on two occasions: a YouTube podcast episode on March 10, 2026, and an Instagram video on April 6, 2026. He had entered into commercial agreements with Vegastars' operators in March 2026 and received approximately AU$120,000 (around $84,132) in payment for his promotions. Following an ACMA notice in May, the promotional material was removed.
Rhys Mathieson, another former AFL player, was mentioned in an ACMA report dated October 1, 2026. The regulator found that Mathieson had posted three infringing videos on Instagram, with one on March 20 and two on April 6, 2026. He reportedly earned about AU$19,200 from these promotions. Although Mathieson expressed remorse and claimed he was unaware of Vegastars' prohibited status, the ACMA emphasized that ignorance of the law does not protect individuals from violations of the Interactive Gambling Act (IGA).
The formal warnings were issued under Section 64A of the IGA, which points out that individuals promoting illegal gambling services can face civil penalties up to AU$65,520 per violation. Organizations facilitating access, such as by linking or directing users to prohibited services, could face fines reaching AU$2.73 million.
Neptune Projects SRL, the operator of Vegastars, has faced regulatory scrutiny since January 2026, when ACMA requested Australian internet service providers (ISPs) to block both the main and alternate Vegastars websites. Despite these restrictions, Vegastars has continued to be accessible to Australian users through multiple mirrored websites, prompting the regulator to pursue additional ISP blocks.
In response to the rising issue of illegal gambling promotions, the ACMA has intensified its efforts to monitor advertisements from social media influencers and notable personalities. Carolyn Lidgerwood, a board member of the ACMA, stated that they have escalated their oversight of online illegal gambling promotions, reminding influencers that advertising these services is unlawful. Lidgerwood underscored that individuals leveraging their public profiles for endorsements of banned gambling activities would encounter regulatory actions, including hefty financial penalties.
Starting January 1, 2027, new restrictions on wagering advertising will prevent licensed wagering providers from employing current or former athletes, social media influencers, and other prominent individuals to advertise their services. This initiative aims to mitigate the impact of influential figures in promoting betting products. The decision follows concerns raised during a Senate inquiry into the legislation, where Senator Sarah Hanson-Young challenged the ACMA regarding the provisions surrounding notable individuals. Sportsbet warned that the proposed regulations could ensnare anyone with an Instagram account.
