Key Moments:
- Regulators in Ireland have issued warnings about criminal liability tied to promoting unlicensed gambling operators
- Rainbet, promoted by Cork-based influencers, operates without an Irish betting license and has contested regulatory credentials
- Munster Technological University has acknowledged awareness of the situation and cited its disciplinary processes
Influencer Business Model Under Spotlight
A recent incident at a furniture showroom in Cork brought publicity to local influencer Vladyslav Morhulets, known online as Rendy Vlad, when security escorted him out after staff found him hiding under display bedding as part of a prank. This episode highlighted his signature approach to content, which involves filming unscripted public interactions and pranks—often using Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses—and sharing them with his TikTok following of over one million.
Many individuals in his videos reportedly do not realize they are being recorded, raising privacy questions, especially as content has included confrontational shop exchanges and encounters with vulnerable members of the public. Irish data authorities have examined whether Meta’s glasses offer sufficient notification via their LED indicator light, as stipulated by Meta, though some individuals featured claim they did not observe any recording warning. Meta has since tightened safety features in response to criticism concerning covert recording.
Sponsorship Ties to Rainbet Casino
Monetizing viral content has proven challenging for Morhulets, as Ireland is not part of TikTok’s creator rewards program, often leaving influencers reliant on sponsorships. Despite controversy surrounding his content, Morhulets was able to secure a deal, integrating a promotion for Rainbet—a cryptocurrency gambling platform—directly into one of his prank videos filmed inside the showroom.
Rainbet identifies as a crypto casino managed by RBGaming N.V., listing an address in the Union of Comoros and claiming a banking license from the Anjouan Offshore Finance Authority. However, the Central Bank of the Comoros has described that authority as fictitious and accused it of unlawfully distributing licenses online.
| Platform | Claimed License | Regulator’s View | Irish License |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rainbet | Anjouan Offshore Finance Authority (Union of Comoros) | Described by Central Bank of the Comoros as fictitious | No |
Similar promotional activity for Rainbet has appeared on the accounts of another Cork-based influencer, Maksym Yakushev, who also films public interactions using Meta smart glasses and directs followers to the gambling site through his affiliate link.
Controversial Terms and Commission Structures
Rainbet’s terms diverge from those set by licensed European operators. The company prohibits the use of VPNs to mask location, provides customers with a 72-hour window to dispute bets, disclaims responsibility when self-excluded individuals resume gambling, limits all promotional or affiliate bonus winnings to $50, and caps maximum liability at $500, regardless of total losses.
Affiliates are promised commissions of up to 60% on the gambling revenue from referred users. Marketing materials highlight features such as anonymous play, instant withdrawals, and attractive commission rates to incentivize content creators.
Regulator Issues Strong Warning
Irish gambling authorities have raised substantial legal concerns regarding these promotional activities. The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland has affirmed that both operating and promoting an unlicensed gambling operator violate Irish law. According to the regulator, criminal offenses related to unlicensed bookmaking can result in sentences of up to eight years’ imprisonment, and those assisting in such offenses may also face prosecution.
The authority advised that consumers exposed to unlicensed gambling operations risk losing regulatory protections and may see their personal and financial information compromised. It reported engagement with businesses and stakeholders about compliance and noted the ability to seek court orders to block prohibited advertising.
University Responds to Public Concerns
Munster Technological University confirmed awareness of online content involving one of its students that had prompted public concern. The university outlined its expectation that students uphold principles of privacy, dignity, and respect, and stated that complaints related to student conduct are managed through existing disciplinary channels. The university declined to provide comment on individual cases.
Morhulets and Yakushev did not respond to outreach for comment.
- Author
Daniel Williams
