Two AFL Stars Got Off With a Warning—Here's What They Did

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-10-22

Australia's communications regulator just sent a clear message to former athletes who moonlight as influencers. Mitch Robinson and Rhys Mathieson, both former Australian Football League players, received formal warnings from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) for promoting an illegal online gambling service. The service in question? Vegastars. Between March and April 2026, the two men published promotional material across social media and video content. The ACMA's investigation confirmed the posts featured the Vegastars name and logo. Under Australian law, promoting illegal online gambling services—even through influencer content—is prohibited. ### What Exactly Happened? The ACMA didn't fine them. It didn't take them to court. It issued formal warnings. That might sound like a slap on the wrist, but it's actually a big deal. A formal warning from the regulator goes on record. If either player slips up again, the consequences could escalate quickly. Here's the thing: promoting gambling isn't like promoting a sneaker brand. The rules are strict, and for good reason. Australia has been cracking down hard on illegal online gambling, especially when it reaches audiences through trusted figures like former athletes. These guys have followings. People listen to them. That's exactly why the regulator is watching. ### Why This Matters for Influencers If you're a content creator—or you work with one—this case is a wake-up call. The ACMA isn't just going after the big gambling operators. It's going after the people who help them reach new audiences. And "I didn't know it was illegal" won't cut it. - **Do your homework.** Before you promote any gambling service, check if it's licensed in Australia. If it's not, walk away. - **The logo matters.** Even just showing a logo can count as promotion. The ACMA specifically mentioned the Vegastars name and logo in its findings. - **Warnings are not free passes.** They're a formal strike. A second offense could mean fines or worse. ### The Bigger Picture This isn't an isolated incident. Regulators around the world are tightening the screws on gambling advertising, particularly on social media where younger audiences are easily reached. Australia has been one of the strictest markets, and the ACMA is making an example of high-profile figures to deter others. > "The era of influencers being used as a loophole for illegal gambling promotion is over." — that's the message the ACMA is sending. For Robinson and Mathieson, the warning is a chance to course-correct. For everyone else in the influencer space, it's a reminder: the rules apply to you too. If you're going to promote something, make sure it's legal. Otherwise, you might find yourself on the wrong side of a regulator's letter—and that's never a good look. ### What's Next? The ACMA hasn't announced any further action against the two players at this time. But the investigation serves as a public notice. The regulator is actively monitoring social media for illegal gambling promotions. If you see something that looks off, you can report it to the ACMA. And if you're a creator, think twice before hitting publish on that next sponsored post.