The Australian Communications and Media Authority has issued formal warnings to former AFL players Mitch Robinson and Rhys Mathieson over their promotion of prohibited online gambling service Vegastars.
According to an ACMA media release dated 22 October 2026, the promotions appeared between March and April this year. The regulator said the content featured the service’s name, logo and website address, along with gameplay and promotional commentary.
Instagram and podcast promotions investigated
ACMA identified Robinson’s promotions on Instagram and on the YouTube channel for his Rip Through It podcast. Mathieson promoted the service on Instagram, the regulator said.
The activity followed ACMA’s January 2026 request for Australian internet service providers to block Vegastars. The latest action concerns publicity for an illegal gambling service, rather than a licence application or approval to operate.
ACMA member Carolyn Lidgerwood said both men accepted responsibility, promptly ended their involvement and removed the promotional material. The regulator said it had increased monitoring and used formal warnings to secure future compliance.
“All influencers are now firmly on notice.”
The action announced against Robinson and Mathieson consists of formal warnings, not fines.
Warnings under existing illegal-gambling rules
The Interactive Gambling Act framework distinguishes between lawful licensed wagering and prohibited or unlicensed interactive gambling services. Advertising an illegal service can attract enforcement action independently of the rules applying to licensed operators.
In this release, ACMA put the maximum civil penalty for an individual promoting or publicising an illegal gambling service at AU$65,520 per contravention. It cited a maximum of AU$2,730,000 for facilitating access, including through hyperlinks or directing users to a service. These are potential statutory penalties cited by the regulator, not amounts imposed on either former player.
The case follows ACMA’s July warning to a mixed martial arts fighter over illegal gambling promotion, illustrating the regulator’s attention to sports figures with online audiences.
CND previously reported on ACMA warnings to four gambling operators over illegal services. Those operator cases provide further context for the regulator’s enforcement work.
January advertising changes are a separate measure
New restrictions beginning on 1 January 2027 will prohibit licensed wagering providers from using notable people, including current and former athletes and influencers, in gambling advertising. Our coverage of Australia’s gambling bill and online advertising opt-out register outlines the broader reform package. ACMA has published initial industry guidance on those forthcoming rules.
The Robinson and Mathieson warnings concern existing laws governing illegal-service promotion. They are not findings that the men breached the future January restrictions.
Our Australia gambling guide explains the distinction between licensed wagering, prohibited online casino services and the protections available to consumers.
Source: Australian Communications and Media Authority, “Former footballers warned for promoting illegal gambling site”, media release dated 22 October 2026.