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An Australian social media influencer, known as Dinah, is facing backlash for endorsing an illegal offshore crypto-gambling platform to her substantial Instagram following of over 820,000 users. Despite warnings from regulatory authorities about potential fines reaching up to $2.4 million, the posts promoting the online casino Rainbet remain active, raising concerns about the enforcement of advertising regulations in the digital space.
Influencer’s Promotion of Rainbet
Dinah, who presents herself as a “Chinese girlfriend in Australia,” has leveraged her popularity to promote Rainbet, which markets itself as an online crypto casino. In her posts, she has made light of the gambling experience, suggesting to her followers that they could easily “double” their money instead of paying rent. One of her popular videos, which garnered over 16,000 likes, shows her engaging with the Rainbet app while being handed a phone, encouraging her audience to follow the link in her bio.
In another instance, Dinah is seen using the app in a vehicle, captioning it with a rather casual challenge about dining options, showcasing a blend of lifestyle content with gambling promotion. However, as of Tuesday, a link to Rainbet no longer appeared in her profile, indicating potential changes following the scrutiny.
Meta’s Inaction on Reports
Despite receiving multiple complaints regarding Dinah’s posts, Meta, the parent company of Instagram, has largely remained unresponsive. Reports indicate that Meta dismissed nearly a dozen notifications about the influencer’s content, claiming it did not violate their community standards concerning fraud or scams. This lack of action has frustrated many users and raised questions about the platform’s commitment to curbing illegal gambling promotions.
Interestingly, Meta’s reporting tools did not include a specific category for gambling-related content, complicating the ability of users to flag such posts effectively. Although some content was restricted from being viewed by minors, the overall response has been perceived as inadequate, allowing the posts to stay live.
Regulatory Warning and Legal Ramifications
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) issued a stern warning last year to social media influencers, emphasising the risks associated with promoting illegal gambling services. The ACMA highlighted that individuals could incur fines up to $59,400, while influencers who facilitate access to these services could face penalties as steep as $2.4 million. The authority has been actively blocking illegal gambling sites since November 2019, having restricted access to 1,455 websites and seen 220 services withdraw from the Australian market.
Rainbet, the platform in question, has reportedly implemented measures to prevent Australian users from accessing its services. However, concerns remain regarding the efficacy of these measures, as some individuals may still find ways to circumvent blocks through VPNs.
Why it Matters
The ongoing situation underscores a critical intersection of social media influence, regulatory oversight, and the burgeoning world of online gambling. As influencers like Dinah command substantial followings, their capacity to shape opinions and behaviours carries significant weight. The lax enforcement by platforms like Meta raises urgent questions about accountability and the need for stricter regulations to protect consumers from potentially harmful practices. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the implications of this case may serve as a pivotal moment for policy reform aimed at safeguarding public interests in the realm of online gambling.
