Former AFL players receive warnings over illegal gambling promos

Two ex-Australian Football League (AFL) players, have been formally warned by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) following their promotion of an offshore online casino deemed illegal under Australian law.

The ACMA issued the warnings on Thursday after investigations revealed that Mitch Robinson and Rhys Mathieson advertised Vegastars, an online gambling platform previously classified by the regulator as a prohibited interactive gambling service.

The promotions, in the form of videos featuring Vegastars branding, website information, gameplay footage and endorsements, were posted between March and April 2026.

Details of the warnings and violations

Mitch Robinson, currently co‑host of the Rip Through It podcast and a former AFL player, was cited in an ACMA final report dated 30 September 2026. The regulator determined Robinson published prohibited gambling advertisements on two occasions – a YouTube podcast episode on 10 March 2026 and an Instagram video on 6 April 2026. 

Robinson entered into two commercial agreements with the Vegastars operators in March 2026 and received approximately AU$120,000 ($84,132) in payments. After receiving an ACMA notice in May, the promotional content was subsequently removed.

Rhys Mathieson, also a former AFL athlete, was addressed in a final ACMA report dated 1 October 2026. The authority found that Mathieson shared three infringing Instagram videos – one on 20 March and two on 6 April 2026. Documentary evidence indicated Mathieson earned around AU$19,200 from these promotions. 

While Mathieson expressed remorse and claimed unawareness of Vegastars’ prohibited status, the ACMA reiterated that ignorance of the law does not exempt individuals from infringement under the Interactive Gambling Act (IGA).

The formal warnings were issued pursuant to Section 64A of the IGA. ACMA highlighted that individuals promoting prohibited gambling services face potential civil penalties of up to AU$65,520 per violation, while entities facilitating access, such as linking or directing users, may incur penalties of up to AU$2.73 million.

Previous regulatory actions against Vegastars

Vegastars’ operator, Neptune Projects SRL, has been a subject of regulatory action since January 2026, when ACMA issued a formal warning and requested Australian internet service providers (ISPs) block the main and alternate Vegastars websites.

Despite this, ACMA reports that the service continues offering access to Australian users via multiple mirror sites, prompting the regulator to seek further ISP blocks.

A crackdown on the influencers promotion

The ACMA has ramped up monitoring of illegal gambling promotion via social media influencers and public figures. 

Carolyn Lidgerwood, ACMA board member, stated that they had increased their monitoring of illegal gambling promotion online and that “influencers need to be aware that promoting these services is against the law”. 

Lidgerwood added that those using a public profile to endorse prohibited gambling activities “will face regulatory action which can include significant financial penalties”.

From 1 January 2027, new wagering advertising restrictions will prohibit licensed wagering providers from employing current or former athletes, social media influencers and notable personalities to promote their services. 

This measure is aimed at reducing the influence of prominent individuals in advertising betting products.

The guidance follows concerns raised at the Senate inquiry into the bill. At a hearing on 4 August 2026, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young clashed with the ACMA over the notable person provision, and Sportsbet warned that “anyone with an Instagram account” could be caught by the draft. 

Kathryn Evans

Kathryn covers bitesize breaking news with a primary focus on EMEA and US legislation. A proud North Walian, fluent Welsh speaker and lifelong Wrexham FC fan – long before Hollywood came calling.