ACMA Issues Warnings to Former AFL Players Over Illegal Online Casino Promotion

On 22 October 2026, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) formally issued warnings to two former Australian Football League (AFL) players for promoting an illegal offshore online gambling site. The regulatory enforcement targeted Mitch Robinson and Rhys Mathieson, who advertised the prohibited interactive gambling service Vegastars across social media platforms, including YouTube and Instagram, between March and April 2026. According to official investigation reports, Robinson received approximately AU$120,000 for his endorsements, while Mathieson was paid around AU$19,200. Following formal notices issued under Section 64A of the Interactive Gambling Act (IGA), both influencers removed the promotional content from their public channels.

The enforcement action reflects an intensified regulatory crackdown by Australian authorities on offshore iGaming operators and third-party promoters attempting to bypass domestic licensing frameworks. Vegastars, operated by Neptune Projects SRL, has been subject to regulatory sanctions since January 2026, including repeated domain blocking orders issued to Australian internet service providers. ACMA clarified that ignorance of statutory prohibitions does not exempt individuals from regulatory scrutiny. Under the Interactive Gambling Act, individuals promoting prohibited interactive gambling services face civil penalties of up to AU$65,520 per infringement, whereas corporate entities facilitating customer access or directing players risk penalties reaching AU$2.73 million. Furthermore, starting 1 January 2027, Australia will introduce stricter statutory restrictions that prohibit licensed wagering operators from using current or former athletes, notable personalities, and social media influencers in promotional campaigns.

For international iGaming operators and B2B software vendors, this regulatory development underscores the critical necessity of adhering to strict jurisdictional compliance and transparent marketing practices. Companies managing a turnkey online casino or deploying white label casino solutions must establish robust geolocation boundaries and marketing compliance protocols to prevent inadvertent exposure in restricted markets. Engaging unvetted promotional channels or offshore marketing partners can lead to severe regulatory repercussions, including ISP blacklisting and substantial financial liability for facilitating services. As global regulatory bodies coordinate more actively with local service providers and financial networks, sustainable commercial operations depend on certified compliance, disciplined traffic acquisition, and comprehensive governance frameworks.

Source: iGaming Business