The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has issued a strong warning to social media influencers who promote illegal gambling services, stressing that such activities violate Australian law. Influencers who advertise online gambling services that are not licensed in Australia are subject to severe legal consequences. ACMA has made it clear that individuals who profit from promoting illegal gambling can face civil penalties of up to AU$59,400. Those who facilitate access to prohibited platforms—such as by sharing links or guiding their followers to unlicensed gambling services—could be fined as much as AU$2.5 million.

Influencers face hefty fines for promoting illegal gambling:

This announcement from ACMA is in response to a growing trend where influencers across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook have been found endorsing or showcasing illegal online casinos. The Interactive Gambling Act 2001 regulates gambling advertising in Australia and strictly prohibits such activities. Under this law, only licensed operators can legally offer sports betting and certain types of lotteries. All other forms of online casino gaming, including pokies, blackjack, and in-play sports betting, remain illegal in the country.

ACMA has emphasized that the penalties for violating these rules are substantial, and influencers must fully understand the risks associated with promoting illegal gambling. Any influencer promoting or facilitating access to illegal gambling services is not only breaking the law but also placing themselves and their followers at risk.

ACMA has highlighted that unregulated gambling sites are inherently dangerous, lacking the consumer protections required by law. These illegal platforms can expose players to financial scams, as they do not adhere to the same safety standards as licensed services. In particular, young Australians who are active on social media are more vulnerable to the influence of popular personalities promoting these illegal services. The authority pointed out that influencers could unknowingly put their followers at significant risk by promoting these sites.

The online gambling landscape is fraught with risks, particularly for those who are less experienced or vulnerable, such as underage individuals or those battling gambling addiction. ACMA has warned that the growing prevalence of illegal gambling promotions on social media is a serious issue, and the authority is actively monitoring these activities to prevent further harm.

Promoting illegal gambling: what’s at stake?

In its press release, ACMA has made it clear that promoting illegal gambling is a breach of Australian law, with serious financial repercussions. For individual influencers, the maximum civil penalty for breaching this law is AU$59,400, which can apply to actions such as live streaming on an illegal gambling site or offering promotional giveaways related to prohibited gambling services. In more severe cases, individuals who help facilitate access to illegal platforms—such as by providing links to gambling sites or directing followers to these services—may face penalties of up to AU$2.5 million.

The rise in illegal gambling promotions on social media platforms has prompted ACMA to take a more proactive stance on enforcement. The regulator has already penalized operators for violating regulations in recent months. In June 2025, ACMA took action against gambling companies for not adhering to self-exclusion rules, which are designed to protect individuals who wish to limit or stop their gambling activities. In April 2025, the agency also blocked 61 illegal gambling websites, a move that further demonstrates its commitment to protecting Australians from unlicensed and potentially dangerous gambling services.

The increasing prevalence of illegal gambling sites has led ACMA to warn that these services pose a significant threat to Australian consumers. These sites operate outside the boundaries of the law, which means they can easily scam users out of their money without recourse for the victims. Moreover, the lack of consumer protection on these sites makes it difficult for players to recover any lost funds or seek assistance if they encounter issues.

In response to these threats, ACMA has urged Australians to ensure that any gambling site they visit is licensed. To facilitate this, the regulator provides an online register that allows individuals to verify the legitimacy of gambling operators before engaging with them. ACMA has also pointed out that individuals who are affected by gambling issues should seek help through services such as Gambling Help Online, which provides support to those struggling with addiction. Additionally, the BetStop self-exclusion register allows Australians to voluntarily exclude themselves from gambling activities, offering a further layer of protection.