The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) recently issued a strong warning against social media influencers promoting unlicensed online gambling services on digital platforms, stating that the regulatory body will take stricter actions to combat this issue. As more influencers use popular platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to promote illegal gambling content, ACMA urges social media users to increase their legal awareness to avoid legal risks.
ACMA has found that multiple accounts are displaying online gambling activities during live streams, or teaching how to register, recharge, and participate in gambling games on illegal platforms through images and videos. These contents often contain links that lead to illegal gambling websites, or host giveaways and promotions in collaboration with these platforms. The regulatory body clearly states that such actions violate current Australian laws.
According to Australian regulations, any online gambling service must obtain official permission before operating in the country. Online slots (commonly known as pokies), blackjack, live casino games, and unauthorized sports betting and lottery activities are prohibited from being promoted without authorization. Regardless of whether the promoter is directly involved in the operation, profiting through affiliate links, brand sponsorships, or paid promotions constitutes illegal activity.
ACMA emphasizes that individuals found promoting illegal gambling services could face civil penalties up to 59,400 Australian dollars (approximately 38,643 US dollars). In severe cases involving guiding others to access illegal gambling platforms, the maximum fine could reach up to 2.4 million Australian dollars (approximately 1.5 million US dollars).
Furthermore, ACMA is particularly concerned about the potential harm such content poses to the youth demographic. The regulatory body notes that a large amount of social media content targets young audiences, and illegal gambling platforms often lack basic consumer protection measures. Once users become involved in gambling traps, they may not only suffer significant financial losses but also become targets of fraud.
An ACMA spokesperson stated: "These illegal platforms lack transparent payout mechanisms, as well as basic compliance measures such as identity verification and risk warnings. Once people lose money, they almost have no channels for rights protection."
Currently, ACMA has intensified its content review efforts on social platforms and is collaborating with platform providers to remove violating content. The regulatory body also urges influencers, content creators, and brand partners to conscientiously comply with Australian gambling laws and refrain from participating in or promoting illegal gambling projects.
This warning is seen as the latest move by Australian regulatory authorities to strengthen supervision of the chaotic gambling scene on digital entertainment platforms, and also serves as a reference for other countries in combating illegal online gambling activities. For influencers who rely on digital platforms as a source of income, compliant operation becomes an unavoidable baseline.
