Attention all influencers. ACMA is watching you for illegal promotion of online gaming

ACMA is Australia’s online gambling regulator. They are an independent Commonwealth authority who regulate communications and media services in Australia

As such they are not to be trifled with and any directives from them should be heeded.

Old man (me) lecture coming up

This week ACMA issued a warning for social media influencers. That their activity online is not exempt from guidelines and laws that govern online gambling and there could be real world consequences for virtual world activity

They report that they have seen influencers promoting illegal online casinos on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and other social media and pointed out that it is illegal in Australia to provide unlicensed lotteries or wagering services, or to accept online in-play bets on sports.

In short if an influencer profits from promoting illegal games and wagering services in Australia they are breaking the law.

So what kind of activity has led them to issue this edict?

They list:

• 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.

ACMA go on to say that they are watching influencers very closely as they believe that they put people that follow them at risk, particularly young people who are potentially vulnerable.

So what is the risk?

Anyone found to have breached these laws may receive civil penalties of up to $59,400 (weird number but it is what it is). Additionally those that take the extra step and actually provide followers links could see $2,475,000 fines coming their way

The lesson here is the law is the law no matter what platform, virtual or otherwise so you influencers out there be careful what you do

If you or someone you know might have a gambling problem, seek help through Gambling Help Online. You can also exclude yourself from gambling via BetStop – the National Self-Exclusion Register™