Social media behemoth Meta is in hot water with Australian authorities after permitting an influencer with more than 800,000 followers to advertise an illegal gambling site, despite the threat of significant penalties.
Online streamer Dinah encouraged her followers to sign up to Rainbet, a crypto casino that operates outside the jurisdiction of the Australian government’s regulation.
Meta deems ads acceptable, despite complaints
The adverts appearing on Dinah’s social media feed included text like “WHY PAY RENT WHEN U CAN JUST DOUBLE IT???? (ty rainbet! link in bio – helps me out a lot)” and “50/50 Michelin star or Maccas speedrun (thx rainbet link in bio)”.
Those posts racked up several complaints from users, the Guardian reports, and as of February 3, 2026, any mention of Rainbet in Dinah’s profile has since been taken down.
Responding to the story, a spokesperson for Meta said: “Our team reviewed the content. They found that it does not go against our community standards on fraud or scam.”
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), have warned social media influencers not to promote illegal gambling sites, with applicable fines stretching up to the $59,400 for individuals and up to $2.4 million for social media companies.
The regulator said last year: “Stop promoting illegal gambling services to Australians. If you don’t, you risk facing significant penalties. The promotion of illegal gambling services in Australia is illegal, and substantial penalties apply.”
Latest instance of Meta riling gambling regulators
Last month, Meta faced criticism from UK gambling regulators for allegedly allowing unlicensed gambling operators to advertise on its platforms, potentially putting vulnerable users at risk.
According to UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) executive director Tim Miller, black market sites are appearing on Instagram and Facebook, some explicitly marketing themselves as “not on GamStop” to target players seeking to bypass self-exclusion tools.
Speaking at ICE in Barcelona, Miller rejected Meta’s claim that it was unaware of such ads, saying the company “could leave you with the impression they are quite happy to turn a blind eye and continue taking money from criminals and scammers until someone shouts about it.” He noted Meta’s own search tools could easily identify these ads.
Meta denied prior knowledge, asserting it enforces strict advertising policies and removes violating ads when flagged. A spokesperson emphasized ongoing collaboration with UKGC to protect users and legitimate advertisers.
Recent studies estimate about 1.4 million British adults experience problem gambling, with rates higher in deprived areas and among frequent gamblers. Regulators stress that ignoring GamStop or promoting unlicensed sites increases risks to vulnerable players.
This scrutiny comes as Meta faces ongoing legal and regulatory challenges in Europe, including fines for unfair practices and data protection violations.
Action from ACMA taking effect on illegal gambling sites, but problem persists
More than 1,400 illegal gambling and affiliate websites have been removed by ACMA from circulation in Australia since the regulator began blocking them in 2019, while 220 illegal services have since left the country.
While they have been working hard to remove illegal gambling operations, there remain issues. A recent study from Responsible Wagering Australia (RWA), the independent peak body for Australian‑licensed wagering service providers, suggests illegal gambling has doubled over recent years.
The research, conducted by H2 Gambling Capital for RWA in November last year, states: “Australia’s illegal offshore gambling market has more than doubled since 2019, with Australians now losing $3.9 billion a year to illegal sites and this figure rising to $5 billion by 2029.
“Annual losses are projected to reach $585 million by 2029, including $135 million stripped from racing and $40 million from sport every year.”
RWA CEO Kai Cantwell said: “These operations are often controlled by organised criminal networks in tax and regulatory safe havens, exploiting loopholes to launder money and dodge sanctions,
“Australia’s world-leading consumer protections are only effective if people stay within the system, and right now, it’s too easy to bypass them offshore with a few clicks.”
Australian Government remains under pressure on sports betting adverts
While ACMA cracks down on illegal adverts on social media, the Labor government is facing increasing criticism for dragging its heels on key gambling advertising reform.
Calls are growing for Communications and Sports Minister Anika Wells to accelerate the issue, with some MPs requesting a meeting to push the topic. Around a dozen Labor MPs are backing stricter regulations, describing a “groundswell” of support within the party. One MP told the Guardian frustration is mounting because conversations on reform are limited and pressure is also coming from outside parliament.
A 2022 federal inquiry, chaired by the late Labor MP Peta Murphy, recommended a phased overhaul of online gambling advertising, citing its role in normalizing betting and exposing children to gambling. The plan would begin with restrictions on inducements, social media, and school-time ads, expand to sports broadcasts and online content, and conclude with a full online gambling ad ban by the end of a three-year transition period.
