The Australian Communications and Media Authority announced formal warnings to Mitch Robinson and Rhys Mathieson on 22 October over promotions for Vegastars, an illegal online gambling service. The two notices are dated 8 October; the later date is the public announcement.
The ACMA announcement places the promotional material in March and April 2026. Robinson promoted the service on Instagram and the Rip Through It podcast on YouTube. Mathieson's promotions appeared on Instagram. ACMA had already requested website blocking in January.
The notices record separate breaches
Robinson's formal warning identifies two contraventions: an Instagram video published on 6 April and a YouTube video published on 10 March. Mathieson's notice identifies three, involving one Instagram video on 20 March and two on 6 April.
Both documents apply subsection 61EA(1A) of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001, concerning publication of designated gambling-service advertisements in Australia. Each issues a warning under section 64A. These documents impose warnings, not fines.
ACMA records paid promotional arrangements in both notices. That makes the commercial relationship explicit in the regulator's account, rather than leaving readers to infer it from a logo or a video format.
According to ACMA's announcement, both men accepted responsibility, ended their involvement with Vegastars and removed the promotional material after the regulator contacted them.
January's advertising restriction is separate
ACMA says new rules beginning on 1 January 2027 will prohibit licensed wagering providers from using current or former athletes, influencers and other notable people to promote wagering services. The warnings concern the existing prohibition on promoting illegal services.
Our guide to gambling streamer rules examines another distinction: a platform's content policy does not grant a gambling licence. The Australian notices concern national law, not a platform moderation decision.
