Two former Australian Football League (AFL) players have come under investigation after promoting illegal online casinos to large audiences on social media, drawing criticism from regulators and advocacy groups concerned about gambling harm.

Former Brisbane Lions players Mitch Robinson and Rhys Mathieson have been identified as endorsing the offshore gambling platform Vegastars. Their promotional content included a $5,000 giveaway campaign linked to rising fuel costs, which was backed by the operator.

Authorities note that while such platforms may operate legally in some jurisdictions, online casino gambling involving real-money games such as poker machines and roulette remains prohibited in Australia. Despite these restrictions, the players’ promotional videos and related website links have continued to circulate online.

Neither Robinson nor Mathieson responded to repeated requests for comment regarding their involvement. The pair, who also co-host the AFL podcast Rip Through It with around 5,000 YouTube subscribers, have reportedly used their platforms to endorse the service.

Concerns Over Influence and Gambling Harm

The promotions have prompted strong reactions from gambling reform advocates. Tim Costello from the Alliance for Gambling Reform, cited by 9now – A Current Affair, described the content as “outrageous” and added, “It’s utterly irresponsible,” emphasizing that “Footy players have a duty to young people.”

Industry data highlights the scale of the issue. Responsible Wagering Australia estimates that Australians lose roughly AUD3.9 billion each year to illegal offshore gambling operators. According to its chief executive, Kai Cantwell, the unregulated sector is expanding at a rate two-and-a-half times faster than the licensed market.

Cantwell pointed out that these offshore platforms typically lack consumer protections, do not contribute tax revenue in Australia, and often target individuals who have registered with BetStop, the country’s national self-exclusion system designed to help problem gamblers limit access.

Costello also questioned the broader oversight structure, stating, “The whole problem is we don’t have a regulator in Australia,” and adding, “How’s it possible that in a country with the greatest gambling losses per head, the greatest gambling harm per head, that we don’t have a regulator?”

Regulatory Action and Enforcement Measures

Australia’s media and communications regulator, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), has warned that individuals promoting illegal gambling services could face significant penalties. Civil fines may reach AUD59,400 per breach, while facilitating access to such services, including sharing links, could result in penalties of up to AUD2.475 million.

The regulator confirmed it is actively engaging with influencers to highlight the legal risks tied to promoting offshore gambling platforms and is reviewing a number of potential violations. Many influencers have reportedly removed content after becoming aware of the consequences, while regulators have also worked with digital platforms to take down offending material.

In a statement, the ACMA said it was “engaging” with social media influencers to warn them of the risks and possible consequences of promoting illegal online casinos.

Website blocking remains a central enforcement tool. The ACMA explained: “Website blocking is one of the primary ways the ACMA disrupts illegal online gambling services,” adding, “Since the ACMA made its first blocking request in November 2019, 1564 illegal gambling and affiliate websites have been blocked.”

Regulators acknowledged that enforcement efforts face ongoing challenges. Offshore operators frequently create mirror sites to bypass restrictions. The ACMA noted: “While the Vegastars website has been blocked, we are aware illegal gambling services set up ‘mirror’ sites to circumvent the blocks. We monitor this activity and have re-blocked a number of Vegastars mirror sites.”

Since stricter enforcement measures were introduced in 2017, more than 225 illegal gambling services have exited the Australian market, according to the regulator.

Broader Policy Context

The controversy surrounding the former players comes shortly after the Australian government introduced new measures to limit gambling advertising exposure. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese outlined a plan that includes restricting television gambling advertisements to three per hour between 6 a.m. and 8:30 p.m., along with a full ban on radio ads during school pick-up and drop-off times.

Addressing the policy changes, Albanese said: “We are getting the balance right – allowing adults to gamble if they choose, while ensuring children aren’t exposed to betting ads everywhere they look.”

The situation involving Robinson and Mathieson underscores ongoing concerns about the reach of illegal gambling platforms and the role social media influencers play in promoting them. Authorities continue to monitor the issue as enforcement efforts evolve.