Australian regulators are tightening the reins on social media influencers who promote illegal gambling, warning that steep fines await those who break the law. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has issued a direct message: any influencer caught advertising or facilitating access to unlicensed gambling platforms could face civil penalties up to AU$2.5 million.
This action comes as ACMA responds to a spike in illegal gambling content spreading across Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Influencers have been livestreaming gameplay from outlawed casinos, embedding links to unlicensed sites, and running promotions tied to banned platforms—all in violation of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
What the Law Allows—and What It Doesn’t
In Australia, only licensed operators are allowed to offer online sports betting and specific lottery services. Casino-style games like pokies, blackjack, and live in-play betting remain off-limits. Promoting or linking to such services is illegal, and influencers are now squarely in ACMA’s sights.
Those profiting from illegal gambling promotions could be fined up to AU$59,400. But anyone facilitating direct access—like posting hyperlinks or guiding users to blacklisted platforms—risks penalties soaring to AU$2.5 million.
Influencers Warned: You’re Putting Followers at Risk
ACMA’s concern isn’t just legal—it’s personal. The authority warns that unlicensed gambling sites are a breeding ground for scams and lack the consumer protections that licensed platforms must follow. Young Australians, often the core audience for influencers, are particularly at risk of falling prey to these services.
“If you’re profiting from promoting illegal gambling to Australians, you’re breaking the law,” ACMA stated in a recent press release. “You may be putting people that follow you at real risk of harm.”
Regulator Steps Up Enforcement
The crackdown is well underway. In recent months, ACMA has taken direct action against both operators and individuals. It blocked 61 illegal gambling sites in April 2025 and issued fines to companies breaching self-exclusion rules in June. More enforcement actions are expected as the agency continues monitoring social media.
To help Australians steer clear of unlicensed sites, ACMA offers an online register to verify legal gambling operators. It also promotes tools like the BetStop self-exclusion register and urges anyone facing gambling problems to contact Gambling Help Online.
The Bottom Line
Promoting illegal gambling isn’t just risky—it’s a serious offense. As ACMA ramps up surveillance and penalties, influencers should think twice before linking to any gambling platform that hasn’t been cleared for use in Australia. The cost of a single post could now run into the millions.
