TLDR
Australia's media regulator has formally warned ex-Brisbane Lions players Mitch Robinson and Rhys Mathieson for promoting Vegastars, an illegal offshore casino it asked ISPs to block in January 2026. Promoting an illegal gambling service can cost up to $65,520 per contravention. From 1 January 2027, licensed wagering providers will also be barred from using athletes and influencers in ads.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
What the regulator found
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has issued formal warnings to former AFL players Mitch Robinson and Rhys Mathieson for promoting Vegastars, an online gambling service prohibited in Australia, Mediaweek reported on 21 October.[1] The promotions ran between March and April 2026. Robinson promoted the service on Instagram and on the Rip Through It podcast on YouTube; Mathieson posted on Instagram.[1]
ACMA had asked Australian internet service providers to block the Vegastars website in January, months before the posts went up. After ACMA contacted them, both men accepted responsibility, ended their involvement with the service and removed the material.[1] Both are former Brisbane Lions players, and the promotion included a $5,000 giveaway backed by the operator, World Casino Directory reported.[2]
What it could have cost
A formal warning carries no fine, but the penalties available are steep. Individuals who promote an illegal gambling service face civil penalties of up to $65,520 per contravention, and those who help people reach the service, such as by providing hyperlinks, face up to $2,730,000.[1] ACMA member Carolyn Lidgerwood said: "All influencers are now firmly on notice."[1]
Tim Costello of the Alliance for Gambling Reform told A Current Affair: "It's utterly irresponsible."[2] ACMA has blocked 1,564 illegal gambling and affiliate websites since its first blocking request in November 2019.[2]
A tighter rule from January
The warnings arrive ten weeks before separate rules for licensed operators take effect. From 1 January 2027, licensed wagering providers will be barred from using notable people, including current or former professional athletes, celebrities and social media influencers, in gambling advertising, under guidance ACMA released this week.[3]
For brands and agencies that work with sports talent, that changes the brief. Promoting an illegal offshore casino is already prohibited; from January, even a licensed bookmaker will not be able to put a former player in its ads. Any campaign that pairs athletes or influencers with wagering will need checking before the new year.
SOURCES & CITATIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why were Robinson and Mathieson warned rather than fined?
What changes for influencers on 1 January 2027?
Can a brand or agency also face penalties for a post like this?
James Dore is founder and editor of Prompt the Market and Strategy Director at Bushnote, a Sydney strategy, SEO and AI search agency. He has a background in strategy, media and financial services, and led consumer product marketing at MONEYME. He writes on AI search, answer engines, technology policy and media economics.
