In the wild world of influencer marketing, many influencers are not aware that some media rules still apply to them.

The ACMA, which regulates online gambling, as well as other media laws, has warned social media influencers to “stop promoting illegal gambling services to Australians.”

ACMA has seen influencers promoting illegal online casinos on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok and other social media.

“Social media influencers must understand that the promotion of illegal gambling services in Australia is illegal, and substantial penalties apply,” says the regulator. Penalties can be as high as $2.4 million.

Online slots (pokie-style games) and casino-style games like blackjack are illegal in Australia.

It’s also illegal in Australia to provide unlicensed lotteries or wagering services, or to accept online in-play bets on sports.

Examples of promoting or endorsing illegal online gambling services include:

• live streaming or showing yourself gambling on an illegal service (including demonstrating to your followers how to play a game or place a bet)
• including links in your content that directs people to an illegal gambling service
• promotional giveaways relating to an illegal gambling service.

“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.”

The ACMA has put influencers on notice that it “is monitoring what influencers are promoting very closely.”