Former AFL Players Mitch Robinson and Rhys Mathieson Warned by ACMA Over Illegal Gambling Promotion

Two former AFL players have been formally warned by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) for promoting an illegal online gambling service on social media. The regulator announced the warnings on 22 October 2026 after investigating content that Mitch Robinson and Rhys Mathieson published earlier in the year for Vegastars, an online casino it has already moved to block in Australia.

What the ACMA found

The ACMA’s investigations found that both men published content promoting Vegastars, which the regulator treats as a prohibited online gambling service. The material went up between March and April 2026 and included videos showing the service’s name, logo and website address, along with gameplay footage and commentary promoting it.

Robinson posted the content on Instagram and through his Rip Through It podcast on YouTube. Mathieson posted his on Instagram.

According to the regulator, both players accepted responsibility once the ACMA contacted them, ended their involvement with Vegastars and removed all of the promotional material. Each has now received a formal warning, which the ACMA uses to secure future compliance rather than as a fine.

Vegastars was already on the ACMA’s radar. In January 2026 the regulator asked Australian internet service providers to block the site.

ACMA member Carolyn Lidgerwood said the regulator has stepped up its monitoring of illegal gambling promotion online, and that these warnings follow earlier action against individual social media influencers. Her message to anyone with a following was blunt: “All influencers are now firmly on notice.” She said anyone who uses their profile to promote illegal gambling services will face regulatory action, which can include significant financial penalties. You can read the ACMA’s full announcement on its website.

Who are Mitch Robinson and Rhys Mathieson?

Mitch Robinson played 247 AFL games, 100 for Carlton and 147 for Brisbane, and was one of the Lions’ most popular players before he retired at the end of the 2022 season. He has kept a large following since, including through the Rip Through It podcast he co-hosts.

Rhys Mathieson spent his whole AFL career at Brisbane. The contested-ball midfielder known as “Beast Mode” played 72 games for the Lions between 2016 and 2023 and was delisted at the end of the 2023 season. The pair were teammates at Brisbane for seven seasons.

The ACMA described both as former AFL players turned online influencers.

What are the penalties for promoting an illegal gambling site?

Australia’s online gambling rules prohibit promoting illegal gambling services. Under those rules:

• Promoting or publicising an illegal gambling service can bring civil penalties of up to $65,520 per contravention for an individual.
• Facilitating access to one, including by posting a hyperlink or directing people to it, can bring penalties of up to $2,730,000.

Robinson and Mathieson received formal warnings rather than penalties. For the same reason the law sets out above, this article does not link to Vegastars.

How to tell if a betting site is legal in Australia

Offshore casinos cannot legally advertise in Australia, so influencer content is one of the ways they reach Australian players. A few checks will tell you whether a site is operating legally:

• Online pokies and casino games are not legal to offer to Australians. No online casino can lawfully provide real-money pokies or table games to people in Australia, so any site that does is operating outside the law.
• Licensed bookmakers hold an Australian licence. Legal online sports and racing betting sites are licensed by an Australian state or territory regulator and show those licence details on their site.
• Licensed bookmakers are part of BetStop. Every licensed Australian wagering provider must honour the national self-exclusion register. Illegal offshore sites do not, and you have no Australian consumer protection if something goes wrong.
• Check the ACMA’s blocked list. The ACMA publishes the illegal gambling websites it has asked internet providers to block. If a site has appeared on a new web address after a block, treat it the same way.

If you are going to bet on the footy, stick to the licensed AFL betting sites in Australia, all of which hold an Australian licence and are covered by BetStop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Vegastars legal in Australia?

No. The ACMA treats Vegastars as a prohibited online gambling service and asked Australian internet service providers to block its website in January 2026.

Why were Mitch Robinson and Rhys Mathieson warned?

The ACMA found that both former AFL players published content promoting Vegastars between March and April 2026, including videos showing its name, logo, website address and gameplay. Robinson posted on Instagram and on the Rip Through It podcast on YouTube, and Mathieson posted on Instagram.

Were Mitch Robinson and Rhys Mathieson fined?

No. Both received formal warnings from the ACMA after accepting responsibility, ending their involvement with Vegastars and removing the promotional material.

What is the penalty for promoting an illegal gambling site in Australia?

Individuals who promote or publicise an illegal gambling service face civil penalties of up to $65,520 per contravention. Facilitating access to one, including by sharing a link, can bring penalties of up to $2,730,000.

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Gamble responsibly. If gambling is causing you or someone you know harm, call Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au. You can exclude yourself from every licensed Australian betting provider through BetStop.