Australian mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Jamie Mullarkey has been formally warned by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) after an investigation found he promoted an illegal offshore gambling service through sponsored posts on his Instagram account.

The enforcement action follows an ACMA investigation that concluded Mullarkey breached Australia’s online gambling laws in 2025 by promoting the offshore gambling operator Leon on social media. According to the regulator, his Instagram profile included references to a sponsorship arrangement with the service, a link directing followers to the gambling website and promotional posts using branded hashtags.

Australian law prohibits promoting illegal online gambling services, including through social media posts, livestreams, hyperlinks to unlicensed gambling websites and promotional giveaways connected to illegal operators.

MMA fighter’s illegal gambling promotion triggers first ACMA enforcement action

The investigation began on Nov. 11, 2025, after a media inquiry raised concerns about possible illegal advertising of offshore gambling services during a mixed martial arts event. While the ACMA found no illegal advertising in the event broadcast itself, investigators traced the inquiry to Mullarkey’s Instagram account, where they identified promotional content for Leon.

According to the investigation report, Mullarkey entered into a Talent Partnership Agreement with Moonlite N.V., trading as Leon, in April 2025. Under the agreement, he was contracted to provide endorsement and promotional services for Leon’s online sportsbook through content published on his personal Instagram account until around August 2025.

The ACMA found the account featured Leon branding, hashtags including #LeonGames, #LeonMMA and #FreeBet, references to free bets and a hyperlink directing users to the gambling service. Investigators concluded the content promoted a prohibited and unlicensed interactive gambling service while helping Australian consumers access the platform.

ACMA member Carolyn Lidgerwood said the case should serve as a warning to influencers and athletes with large online audiences.

“Athletes and social media personalities with large online followings can ...