Social media influencers in Australia have been warned to stop promoting illegal gambling services or risk facing significant penalties. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), which regulates online gambling in the country, has observed influencers advertising unlicensed online casinos and related services on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
Clampdown
Promoting illegal online slots, casino-style games, unlicensed lotteries, or in-play sports betting is against Australian law. Influencers who profit from such promotions are breaking the law, whether by live-streaming gambling activity, sharing links to illegal services, or running promotional giveaways tied to unlicensed gambling.
Penalties
Civil penalties for individuals can reach up to $59,400 for publicising illegal gambling services. Those who facilitate access, such as by providing hyperlinks, face even higher penalties, up to $2,475,000. The ACMA emphasises that illegal gambling services lack consumer protections, increasing the risk of scams and financial loss, especially for younger Australians who are active online.
The regulator is closely monitoring influencer activity and urges all content creators to comply with Australian laws to protect themselves and their followers from harm.
