Google confirmed: Online casino ads are only available for licensed operators in the Netherlands

Google confirmed that there is a whitelist mechanism in place within the search engine that allows only online casinos with a license from Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) to place ads.

This decision was made in response to the initiative of MPs Tseggai and Koops, who insisted on introducing a formal ban for unlicensed casinos.

The initiative and its goal

After MPs Mikal Tseggai and Willem Koops proposed creating a legislative ban on online casino ads in Google without a KSA license, the topic received widespread discussion. The Dutch Parliament supported the creation of a formal whitelist that would allow only trusted operators to advertise their services through the Google search engine.

The aim of this initiative was to ensure safe access for users to only verified and legal online casinos. This approach is focused on protecting consumers and preventing the spread of ads from illegal operators, which may pose risks to players.

How the whitelist mechanism works

A Google representative stated that the whitelist mechanism already exists. Under current advertising regulations, the company allows ads to be placed only by operators who have received a license from Kansspelautoriteit (KSA). Despite this, illegal online casinos continue to try to bypass the system using various methods.

According to Google, in 2023, more than 5.5 billion ads were removed for violating the platform’s requirements. Of these, 192.7 million were related to the “Gambling” category. This highlights the seriousness of the issue and the need for further control over gambling ads.

Google’s response to attempts to bypass the system

Despite the protection mechanisms in place, Google continues to fight attempts by violators to bypass the existing rules. For example, online casinos without a KSA license continue to use deceptive methods to place ads in the search engine. This can include situations where ads lead users to illegal websites.

Google actively monitors violations and removes prohibited ads when such cases are identified. In 2023, many operations were carried out to remove ads that could have led to undesirable consequences for users, such as misleading them or directing them to illegal operators.

Complaint mechanism and fight against illegal ads

To combat illegal ads, Google encourages users to report such cases through a special form. It is important to note that through this form, users can not only complain about ads but also about related automatic search query suggestions.

For example, Google previously suggested a search query addition “Online casino” that led to illegal operators by adding the phrase “without Cruks” — the national self-exclusion system used in the Netherlands.

Google states that all users can easily report such incidents using the form for submitting queries and complaints. This form allows users to report complaints about both ads and other search functions that may be harmful or violate Dutch laws.

Steps to submit a complaint

To file a complaint about illegal ads in Google, users must follow a few simple steps:

1. Go to the special form for submitting queries.
2. Click the “Create query” button.
3. Select the product “Google Search” and then choose “Other search features.”
4. Under “Autocomplete or related queries,” specify the issue.

The role of the whitelist in the new legislative initiative

The recent initiative from MPs, discussing the creation of a whitelist for gambling operators, ultimately aimed at establishing stricter standards for advertising gambling in Google. This whitelist should ensure that only licensed operators can publish ads in the search engine, thus minimizing the chances of users landing on illegal websites.

As noted by a Google representative, despite the existing security measures, illegal operators still try to find ways to bypass them. However, Google continues to fight violations and actively removes all ads that do not meet the company’s standards. It is important for users to also report such cases and help maintain security in the search engine.

Google clarified that despite current efforts, the company will continue to improve its mechanisms to combat illegal operators and prevent harmful ads from appearing in the search engine. Ultimately, the company’s goal is to provide users with access only to legal and verified resources, which helps protect the interests and safety of customers.

Conclusion

Overall, the steps taken by Google and the Dutch lawmakers are aimed at improving control over gambling ads and increasing user safety. The introduction of a whitelist and enhanced control over compliance with legislation helps protect citizens from landing on illegal websites and reduces the risks associated with gambling.

Users also play an important role in this fight by reporting suspicious or illegal advertising materials that may violate the established rules. Through the joint efforts of Google and users, a safer and more reliable environment for online gambling can be created.