Ex-Brisbane Lions teammates warned over illegal gambling promotions

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has formally warned former AFL players Mitch Robinson and Rhys Mathieson for promoting the illegal online gambling service Vegastars on social media.

ACMA investigations found the pair, now online influencers, published promotional content between March and April this year. The videos showed Vegastars’ name, logo, and website address, along with gameplay footage and commentary promoting the service.

Robinson’s material ran on Instagram and through the Rip Through It podcast on YouTube. Mathieson’s appeared on Instagram.

ACMA had already sought to have Australian internet providers block the Vegastars website in January.

ACMA member Carolyn Lidgerwood said both men accepted responsibility once the regulator contacted them. They ended their involvement with Vegastars and removed all promotional material, she said, adding that ACMA had increased its monitoring of illegal gambling promotion online and that the warnings continued recent enforcement action against individual influencers.

“All influencers are now firmly on notice. Anyone who uses their online profile to promote illegal gambling services will face regulatory action which can include significant financial penalties,” Lidgerwood said.

Individuals who promote or publicise illegal gambling services face civil penalties of up to $65,520 per contravention. Those who facilitate access, including by providing hyperlinks or directing users to the services, face penalties of up to $2,730,000.

Robinson played 247 AFL games for Carlton and Brisbane, while Mathieson played 72 games for Brisbane.

The regulator’s tally of blocked illegal gambling and affiliate sites reached 1822 in September. Since 2017, more than 230 illegal services have exited Australia.

The warnings come after ACMA confirmed its guidance on upcoming changes to the federal law which restricts former sports professionals as well as other ‘notable people’ from promoting licensed wagering companies in Australia.

From January 1, 2027, new wagering advertising laws will bar licensed wagering providers from featuring present or past athletes, influencers on social media and other notable people to promote their services.

The obligation sits with the operator. As The Straight reported on October 19, ACMA’s initial guidance sets two tests for the racing exception: advertising must relate solely or principally to racing and appear on a dedicated racing program, channel or online content service. The regulator has set no minimum follower count for determining who is an influencer.

The reforms have already led racing and wagering influencer Ben Scarf, whose business relies largely on bookmaker affiliate deals, to consider moving overseas.

Responsible Wagering Australia warned during the reform debate that tighter restrictions on licensed operators could push customers towards illegal offshore services. It argued those services contribute nothing to Australian sport and racing.