Australian watchdog warns influencers against promoting illegal online gambling

ACMA says it is monitoring social media.

Australia.- The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has issued a statement to warn influencers over promoting illegal casinos on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok and other social media. It stressed that online slots and casino-style games like blackjack are illegal in Australia as are unlicensed lotteries or wagering services and online in-play bets on sports.

It warned influencers against live streaming or showing themselves gambling on an illegal service, including demonstrating how to play a game or place a bet, and including links to illegal gambling services or promotional giveaways. Influencers who facilitate access to illegal online gambling services, such as by giving hyperlinks, can incur fines of up to AU$2,475,000 (US$1.5m).

“Social media influencers are on notice: stop promoting illegal gambling services to Australians. If you don’t, you risk facing significant penalties,” It said. “Influencers must understand the promotion of illegal gambling services in Australia is illegal, and substantial penalties apply. If you’re an influencer and profit from promoting illegal games and wagering services to Australians, you are breaking the law.”

“The risks of using illegal gambling services are high. These services don’t provide the consumer protections Australians expect, so players can be scammed out of their money. The ACMA is monitoring what influencers are promoting very closely.”