KVA flags Google search suggestions for illegal online casinos

Dutch affiliate regulatorr KVA warns that Google’s autocomplete and search options pose a problem in terms of directing users to unlicensed gambling operators. Keurmerk Verantwoorde Affiliates (KVA) has pointed out the faults of Google for leading its users to unregulated gambling websites. The company claims to have conducted research into the issues of Google’s services through Google’s anonymous browsing. KVA said users received suggestions while browsing for terms like “online casino zonder Cruks” (online casino without Cruks) and “beste online casino buitenland” (the greatest online casino abroad), which both point to unregulated websites. This comes as the Dutch lawmakers pressure the tech sector to hold it responsible for the presence of its websites in illegal gambling business activities. State Secretary of Justice KT van Bruggen announced that Google and Meta expressed willingness to cooperate with the government regarding the issues of illegal gambling, while the authorities may receive reports from the online platforms every half a year. KVA is not the only entity that voiced alarm over the work of online gambling industry online. The issue reflects growing regulatory attention across Europe to how search engines, affiliates and social media can direct traffic towards unlicensed operators.