Summary
- The ACMA has cautioned social media influencers to stop promoting illegal gambling to their followers.
- Individuals who direct others to unregulated gambling websites and fail to comply with regulations may face severe penalties.
- The ACMA is employing a comprehensive strategy to prevent third parties from enabling offshore gambling.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has been actively working to restrict the influence of unregulated operators in the country, primarily by compiling a list of websites that have been subject to an ISP block over recent years.
ACMA issues a warning to social media influencers
The regulator has issued a strong warning to social media influencers that the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) believes are promoting illegal gambling services to Australians. In an official statement, the watchdog emphasized its expectation that these practices must cease, warning that those involved could face substantial penalties. ACMA has begun to identify these promotions and the individuals responsible. They noted that these activities have been happening on several social media platforms, including major sites like TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram, among others. The regulator highlighted that many of the activities being promoted are completely illegal, making them ineligible for advertisement. This includes casino-style games like blackjack and online slots, as well as live betting on sports events. The statement reaffirmed that all these activities are banned. To clarify the scope, ACMA provided specific examples of what they consider illegal advertising by social media influencers. The authority also pointed out that live streamers are complicit if they promote illegal gambling. They stated that sharing links to illegal gambling services within content is strictly prohibited. In addition, ACMA has identified instances where social media influencers have used promotional giveaways to generate excitement for the gambling services they endorse.
Non-compliant parties may face stiff penalties
The regulator has emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that individuals who violate the law could face civil penalties of up to AU$59,400. More severe consequences await those found guilty of promoting illegal gambling websites by sharing links, with potential fines reaching up to AU$2,475,000, as warned by ACMA. Recently, ACMA targeted regulated gambling services it suspected of violating rules associated with the National Self-Exclusion Register—BetStop. This initiative was created to protect consumers across Australia from gambling-related harm.
