Australian influencers threatened with fines over promotion of illegal offshore operators
The Australian Communications and Media Authority has threatened influencers with fines of up to AU$59,400 (US$39,100)1 AUD = 0.6576 USD
2025-06-30Powered by CMG CurrenShift if they continue to “promote or publicise illegal online gambling services.”
This comes after influencers unwittingly promoted offshore gambling operators. One operators is Leon Australia, which claims to be Australia’s top sportsbook and online casino, but it is not licensed in the country and operates from Belize.
This year, Leon Australia was found to be in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001, which led the Australian regulator to request that Internet providers block Australians from accessing the gambling site.
Several big influencers in the country also were found to be advertising for Leon Australia.
Influencers DegenerateAngelss, Steveypants, and comedian Julian Woods have recently posted on their Instagram accounts advertising promotions that the offshore gambling site is running.
Australian tabloid the Herald Sun also ran advertisements for the gambling platform. A spokesperson told The Guardian that the ad was “delivered by a third-party ad server programmatically” and had been promptly blocked.
ACMA has since issued a warning to influencers who promote gambling sites, saying, “social media influencers are on notice: stop promoting illegal gambling services to Australians. If you don’t, you risk facing significant penalties.”
Dig deeper
2025/04/01: New Zealand warns influencers they face fines for advertising offshore casinos
2025/03/13: Illegal offshore operators comprise 15% of Australian market, Sportsbet Chief Executive says
2025/03/20: Nevada senator introduces bill for stricter fines for offshore operators
2025/04/22: Indian social media influencers profited from gambling promotion
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