Former AFL players warned over promoting offshore casinos
Two former AFL players have received formal warnings from Australia’s communications regulator after promoting an illegal offshore online casino through social media and podcast content.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) found that former Brisbane Lions Mitch Robinson and Rhys Mathieson advertised Vegastars, an online gambling platform prohibited from offering its services to Australian customers.
The promotions appeared between March and April 2026 and included videos featuring the casino’s branding, website address, gameplay footage and endorsements.
Robinson promoted Vegastars through Instagram and the Rip Through It podcast on YouTube, while Mathieson published promotional videos on Instagram.
The ACMA had already taken enforcement action against Vegastars in January 2026, including requesting that Australian internet service providers block access to its website.
ACMA member Carolyn Lidgerwood said the warnings reflected increased scrutiny of influencers promoting illegal gambling services.
“Illegal gambling services can cause significant financial harm to individuals and families,” Lidgerwood said.
She said both former players accepted responsibility, ended their commercial involvement with Vegastars and removed the offending material after being contacted by the regulator.
“All influencers are now firmly on notice,” Lidgerwood warned.
Under Australia’s Interactive Gambling Act, individuals promoting prohibited gambling services can face civil penalties of up to A$65,520 per contravention.
Those facilitating access to illegal gambling services, including through hyperlinks or directions to websites, can face penalties of up to A$2.73 million.
The enforcement action comes ahead of additional Australian advertising restrictions taking effect on January 1, 2027, which will prohibit licensed betting sites from using current or former athletes, social media influencers and other notable people in gambling promotions.
The warnings are particularly significant for gambling affiliates and content creators, demonstrating that enforcement can extend beyond offshore operators to individuals paid to promote their websites.
