The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has issued a warning to social media influencers across the country over the risks of promoting illegal online gambling operators.
Australia’s online gambling regulator claimed to have witnessed influencers promoting illegal online casinos on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and other social media platforms.
The ACMA reminded influencers that online slots and casino games such as blackjack are illegal Down Under in Australia. Only sports betting and horseracing are regulated in the market, as well as land-based pokies.
Providing unlicensed lotteries or wagering services, and accepting online in-play bets on sports, is also prohibited.
Per Australian gambling regulations, influencers in breach of the law could receive civil sanctions of up to A$59,400 (£28,411).
Any influencers found facilitating access to illegal online gambling, such as through providing hyperlinks or affiliate services, could receive fines of up to A$2,475,000.
The ACMA’s definition of promoting illegal gambling includes live streaming or “showing yourself gambling on an illegal service”, which includes demonstrating to followers how to play a game or place a bet.
Influencers are also prohibited from including links in their content that directs people to an illegal gambling site, or hosting any promotional giveaways relating to an illegal operator.
An ACMA statement read: “Social media influencers are on notice: stop promoting illegal gambling services to Australians.
“If you don’t, you risk facing significant penalties. If you are an influencer and you 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.
“Young Australians who are active online can be more vulnerable. You may be putting people that follow you at real risk of harm. The ACMA is monitoring what influencers are promoting very closely.”
Last week, the ACMA fined Tabcorp $A4m after the operator was found to have breached spam laws more than 5,000 times.
The regulator has also issued hefty fines to major operators including PointsBet and Unibet over self-exclusion failings in recent weeks.
So far this year, the ACMA has ordered internet service providers to block 16 unlicensed gambling websites.
The post ACMA threatens social media influencers with fines for promoting illegal operators first appeared on EGR Intel.
Australian regulator urges influencers to prioritise the safety of younger consumers, with a reminder that individuals face fines of more than A$2m for law violations
The post ACMA threatens social media influencers with fines for promoting illegal operators first appeared on EGR Intel.