Two former Australian Football League (AFL) players have received formal warnings for promoting an illegal online gambling service through their social media platforms.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) found that Mitch Robinson and Rhys Mathieson published promotional material for Vegastars, a prohibited online gambling service, between March and April 2026.
The content included videos displaying the Vegastars name, logo and website address, as well as gameplay footage and commentary promoting the platform.
Robinson promoted the service through Instagram and the Rip Through It podcast on YouTube, while Mathieson's promotional activity appeared on Instagram.
The regulator had previously taken enforcement action against Vegastars, including requesting that Australian internet service providers block access to its website in January 2026.
After being contacted by the ACMA, Robinson and Mathieson accepted responsibility, ended their involvement with Vegastars and removed the promotional material. The regulator subsequently issued formal warnings to both individuals over the conduct.
ACMA member Carolyn Lidgerwood said the regulator has increased its monitoring of online promotions for illegal gambling services, with the latest action continuing its enforcement efforts involving individual social media influencers.
Under Australian gambling rules, individuals who promote or publicise illegal gambling services can face civil penalties of up to AU$65,520 for each contravention.
Penalties can be substantially higher for facilitating access to prohibited services. Individuals who provide hyperlinks or otherwise direct users to illegal gambling platforms may face penalties of up to AU$2.73m.
Further restrictions will take effect from 1 January 2027, when new wagering advertising laws will prohibit licensed wagering providers from using current or former athletes, social media influencers and other notable individuals to promote wagering services.
Australia will ban notable people from wagering promotions from 1 January 2027
