AI Assistants Lead Users to Illegal Casinos 

AI search tools are increasingly recommending unlicensed gambling sites, according to a recent study by Dutch legal consultancy firm XY Legal Solutions. Ten of the leading AI chat and search tools were tested on Dutch-language gambling-related queries. All ten named at least one operator without a Dutch licence, while four produced the names of unlicensed casinos on one prompt. In several cases, the tools presented these operators as legal or KSA-approved.

The findings align with those of an earlier investigation, which tested public-facing AI assistants, including ChatGPT, Gemini, and Meta AI. The investigation revealed that chatbots could be prompted to suggest illegal casinos in response to simple requests.

This issue is also emerging outside of Europe. For example, Australian consumer group CHOICE found that Google AI Mode and Microsoft Copilot recommended illegal online casinos and pokies sites to users searching for gambling options. Some of these results included claims regarding regulation, payouts and reliability, despite the fact that these sites are prohibited under Australian law.

Tech firms are also being scrutinized for unlicensed gambling advertisements. Just earlier this week, VNLOK, the Dutch trade organization, filed a lawsuit against Meta because they allowed illegal gambling ads on Facebook and Instagram in the Netherlands. The group had previously raised this issue with Meta and the European Commission.

For the gambling industry, the findings highlight a new risk as AI becomes another gateway to online casinos. If assistants continue to direct users to unlicensed operators, it could provide the black market with a new channel through which to reach consumers, while also increasing the pressure for stricter regulation and advertising restrictions, and potentially even platform-level blackouts.