Australian regulator cracks down on gambling influencer partnerships

[The Buzz]

The gambling regulator in New South Wales says it will step up scrutiny of operators’ relationships with social media influencers in 2026.

Speaking for Liquor and Gaming NSW, hospitality and racing deputy secretary Tarek Barakat said both paid and unpaid promotional partnerships will face closer review, along with influencer content that “normalises betting behaviour or glamorises gaming products.”
The regulator also plans to examine gambling advertising on platforms such as podcasts, particularly those with large youth or otherwise vulnerable audiences.

From iNTERGAME:

“These practices may increase the risk of gambling harm by blurring the line between entertainment and marketing, and by exposing at‑risk groups to persuasive promotional content,” Barakat said.

“L&GNSW will require social media content creators to demonstrate that their social media and website content complies with legal requirements.

“We also work with other responsible agencies as required to ensure people abide by the law and gambling harm is minimised.”

Keeping track of social media advertising for gambling is one of several annual regulatory priorities published by Liquor and Gaming NSW.

This year, the regulator is also keen to look into the barriers for closing gambling accounts, VIP or loyalty programs and other marketing practices, including direct advertising by casino and gaming venue operators.

Read more here: https://www.intergameonline.com/igam...-nsw-spotlight