Google News, a platform renowned for aggregating and presenting news content, is currently inundated with a flood of commercial gambling-related content to the point that it cannot get worse.
This issue has escalated to the point where some user queries are yielding results that are 100% against platform policies which are designed to combat spam.
Google News has explicit guidelines forbidding promotional and gambling related content.
We don’t allow content that conceals or misrepresents sponsored content as independent, editorial content – Google News
Transparency is key, with a clear disclosure of sponsorship, including ownership, affiliate interest, payment, or material support, being mandatory for the readers’ awareness.
These guidelines are in place to ensure the integrity of news content and to prevent the blurring of lines between editorial content and advertising.
Research
Research by GamblingIndustryNews.com illustrates the scale of the problem:
A search for query “BetMGM” on Google News ought to yield some news about the company MGM Resorts International (MGM), listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
We analyzed the first 100 results and discovered that 100% of the results are not independent editorial content.
Google users are presented with 100 results of a commercial nature – pushing gambling affiliate bonus codes & links on news-hunters (of all ages).
| Position | Promotional Gambling Content | Outlet | Post Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | yes | Rocky Top Insider | BetMGM Bonus Code ROCKYBET: $158 in Bonus Bets for Cowboys vs. Packers |
| 2 | yes | NJ.com | $158 BetMGM Bonus Code PLAYNJSPORTS for NFL Wild Card Weekend, Eagles vs. Buccaneers odds |
| 3 | yes | The Action Network | BetMGM Bonus Code TOPACTION Unlocks Your Guaranteed $158 Bonus Bets; 20% Deposit Match Also Available |
| 4 | yes | WTVG | Youngstown State vs. Oakland Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 |
| 5 | yes | Gaming Today | BetMGM Bonus Code TODAY: Get Up to $158 for Eagles vs Bucs |
| 6 | yes | cleveland.com | Bet365 bonus code + BetMGM promo code: Lock-in $2158 MNF bonuses for PHI-TB |
| 7 | yes | WWSB | Florida State vs. Miami (FL) Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 |
| 8 | yes | New York Post | BetMGM Bonus Code: Claim guaranteed $158 bonus or 20% match on any sport, including NFL |
| 9 | yes | MLive.com | MLIVEMGM: Get $158 from BetMGM to bet on Philly vs. Tampa Bay |
| 10 | yes | KOLD | Arizona vs. USC Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 |
| 11 | yes | Bookies.com | BetMGM Casino Deposit Match Bonus: Get Up To $3K In Bonuses, Varies By State |
| 12 | yes | KSNB | Nebraska vs. Rutgers Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 |
| 13 | yes | Toro Times | BetMGM NFL Bonus Code: Win $158 INSTANTLY Betting $5 on Texans vs. Ravens! |
| 14 | yes | WYMT | Navy vs. Lehigh Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 |
| 15 | yes | Detroit Free Press | BetMGM Michigan Bonus Code FREEP – Bet $5, Grab $158 in Bonus Bets for Detroit Playoff Odds |
| 16 | yes | cleveland.com | BetMGM bonus code CLE158: Bet $5, get $158 offer for PIT-BUF, PHI-TB |
| 17 | yes | Wyoming News Now | UConn vs. Creighton Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 |
| 18 | yes | WAFB | Tulane vs. UAB Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 |
| 19 | yes | Worcester Telegram | BetMGM Massachusetts Bonus Code USATODAY – Get $158 Bonus Bets Now for Football & Celtics |
| 20 | yes | Live 5 News WCSC | South Carolina Upstate vs. Longwood Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 |
| 21 | yes | Arizona’s Family | Arizona State vs. UCLA Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 |
| 22 | yes | AL.com | BetMGM bonus code ALBONUS: Bet $5, get $158 in bonuses for NFC Wild Card Eagles vs. Buccaneers |
| 23 | yes | WOWT | Creighton vs. UConn Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 |
| 24 | yes | WAFB | LSU vs. Ole Miss Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 |
| 25 | yes | WWSB | Miami (FL) vs. Florida State Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 |
| 26 | yes | WAFB | Louisiana vs. Texas State Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 |
| 27 | yes | AL.com | BetMGM bonus code ALBONUS: Bet $5, get $158 in bonus bets for Steelers vs. Bills on Wild Card Weekend |
| 28 | yes | WWNY | Saint Bonaventure vs. Rhode Island Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 |
| 29 | yes | Arizona’s Family | Arizona vs. USC Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 |
| 30 | yes | The Cincinnati Enquirer | BetMGM Ohio Bonus Code CINCY | Get $158 in Bonus Bets for Football Playoffs & NBA Today |
| 31 | yes | WIFR | Illinois State vs. Drake Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 |
| 32 | yes | WFLX Fox 29 | UCF vs. Texas Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 |
| 33 | yes | WSMV 4 | East Tennessee State vs. Wofford Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 |
| 34 | yes | WSMV 4 | Belmont vs. Northern Iowa Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 |
| 35 | yes | WRAL News | BetMGM bonus code unlocks $158 bonus for NFL Playoffs |
| 36 | yes | NJ.com | $158 BetMGM Bonus Code PLAYNJSPORTS for NFL Wild Card Weekend, Steelers vs. Bills Odds |
| 37 | yes | KTRE | Houston vs. Texas Tech Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 |
| 38 | yes | Bookies.com | BetMGM Illinois Bonus Code BOOKIES: Bet $5, Get $158 In Bonus Bets For Philadelphia-Tampa Bay |
| 39 | yes | KTRE | UTSA vs. Tulsa Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 |
| 40 | yes | WBKO | Murray State vs. UIC Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 |
| 41 | yes | Western Massachusetts News | Holy Cross vs. Lafayette Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 |
| 42 | yes | WGEM | UIC vs. Murray State Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 |
| 43 | yes | KOLO | Nevada vs. San Diego State Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 |
| 44 | yes | KCRG | Northern Iowa vs. Belmont Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 |
| 45 | yes | WIFR | Bradley vs. Southern Illinois Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 |
| 46 | yes | KCRG | Drake vs. Illinois State Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 |
| 47 | yes | WIS News 10 | Wofford vs. East Tennessee State Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 |
| 48 | yes | WTAP | West Virginia vs. Oklahoma Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 |
| 49 | yes | New York Post | BetMGM Bonus Codes: Claim $1.5K offer or $158 for NFL Wild Card Weekend |
| 50 | yes | WBKO | Louisville vs. North Carolina Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 |
| 51 | yes | WGEM | Northwestern vs. Maryland Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 |
| 52 | yes | 14 News WFIE Evansville | Valparaiso vs. Evansville Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 |
| 53 | yes | MLive.com | MLIVEMGM: The Best BetMGM promo code in NJ |
| 54 | yes | KTRE | Texas Tech vs. Houston Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 |
| 55 | yes | The Arizona Republic | BetMGM Arizona Bonus Code USATODAY | Get $158 in Bonus Bets for Pro Football Playoffs Today |
| 56 | yes | Chicago Tribune | BetMGM bonus code TRIB1500 and Caesars Sportsbook promo code CTNEWS1000: Get max $2.5K sign-up value now |
| 57 | yes | 14 News WFIE Evansville | Evansville vs. Valparaiso Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 |
| 58 | yes | Western Massachusetts News | Boston University vs. Bucknell Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 |
| 59 | yes | KGNS | Texas State vs. Louisiana Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 |
| 60 | yes | Miami Herald | BetMGM Bonus Code MCBET Giving $158 In Bonus Bets On $5 Bet for Philadelphia-Tampa Bay |
| 61 | yes | KAIT | Arkansas State vs. Southern Miss Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 |
| 62 | yes | 25 News Now | Loyola Chicago vs. UMass Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 |
| 63 | yes | 14 News WFIE Evansville | Purdue Fort Wayne vs. IUPUI Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 |
| 64 | yes | 14 News WFIE Evansville | IUPUI vs. Purdue Fort Wayne Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 |
| 65 | yes | WITN | Davidson vs. Fordham Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 |
| 66 | yes | WITN | Gardner-Webb vs. Radford Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 |
| 67 | yes | KFVS | Kentucky vs. Mississippi State Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 |
| 68 | yes | Sports Illustrated | New BetMGM Bonus Code: Bet $5, Get $158 Promo on Pacers vs. Hawks Today |
| 69 | yes | Bookies.com | BetMGM NBA Bonus Code BOOKIES: Bet $5 Get $158 In Bonuses For Thunder-Lakers Tonight |
| 70 | yes | Bookies.com | BetMGM Pennsylvania Bonus Code BOOKIES: Bet $5, Get $158 In Bonus Bets For Philadelphia-Tampa Bay |
| 71 | yes | WITN | High Point vs. Presbyterian Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 |
| 72 | yes | KOLD | DePaul vs. Providence Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 |
| 73 | yes | Fox 10 News | Auburn vs. Vanderbilt Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 |
| 74 | yes | Bookies.com | BetMGM Michigan Bonus Code BOOKIES: Bet $5 Get $158 In Bonus Bets For Philadelphia-Tampa Bay |
| 75 | yes | WHSV | Virginia vs. Virginia Tech Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 |
| 76 | yes | WTOC | Georgia State vs. Appalachian State Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 |
| 77 | yes | Bookies.com | BetMGM Arizona Bonus Code BOOKIES: Bet $5 Get $158 In Bonus Bets For Philadelphia-Tampa Bay |
| 78 | yes | WECT | Appalachian State vs. Georgia State Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 |
| 79 | yes | WSMV 4 | Chattanooga vs. Mercer Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 |
| 80 | yes | Newsweek | BetMGM Promo Code + Bet365 Bonus Code: $2,158 in Bonuses for NFL Playoffs |
| 81 | yes | WHSV | Longwood vs. South Carolina Upstate Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 |
| 82 | yes | WNEM | BYU vs. Iowa State Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 16 |
| 83 | yes | WRAL News | BetMGM bonus code WRAL158: Secure $158 bonus for Steelers-Bills, Eagles-Bucs |
| 84 | yes | Gambling.com | BetMGM NBA Bonus Code: Grab $158 Bonus for Thunder vs. Lakers |
| 85 | yes | WIS News 10 | Furman vs. VMI Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 |
| 86 | yes | WBNG | Colgate vs. Army Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 |
| 87 | yes | WECT | North Carolina vs. Louisville Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 |
| 88 | yes | WECT | Houston vs. Texas Tech Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 |
| 89 | yes | Newsweek | Bet365 Bonus Code + BetMGM Promo Code: Get $2,158 NFL Playoffs Bonuses |
| 90 | yes | WNEM | Oakland vs. Youngstown State Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 |
| 91 | yes | KGNS | Texas vs. UCF Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 |
| 92 | yes | WNEM | Detroit Mercy vs. Robert Morris Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 |
| 93 | yes | WHSV | Virginia Tech vs. Virginia Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 |
| 94 | yes | Eagles Wire | BetMGM PA Bonus Code SBWIRE – Bet $5, Get $158 in Bonus Bets for Football Playoffs Today |
| 95 | yes | WBRC | UAB vs. Tulane Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 |
| 96 | yes | The Pewter Plank | BetMGM Bonus Code: Win $158 INSTANTLY Betting $5 on Tampa Bay vs. Philadelphia! |
| 97 | yes | Crossing Broad | Eagles-Buccaneers Betting Promos: Top Sportsbook Offers on BetMGM, DraftKings, More |
| 98 | yes | The Philadelphia Inquirer | BetMGM bonus codes grant you one of two sign up bonuses for Eagles vs Bucs, any game |
| 99 | yes | WVLT | Vanderbilt vs. Auburn Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 |
| 100 | yes | USA TODAY Sportsbook Wire | BetMGM Bonus Code SBWIRE | Bet $5, Get $158 in Bonus Bets for Football & NBA on MLK Day |
Results – 100% Spam
Of the 100 results returned for this query, 100% of the results are commercial gambling material from news websites promoting betting bonus codes and sign up offers.
In some instances authors spam their bonus codes into the actual post titles
Small local and state news websites are often used as proxies to reach bettors by gambling affiliate companies like Catena Media & Better Collective – both of which have media partnership deals in place with outlets like the Chicago Tribune, The Philadelphia Inquirier and NJ.com in order to garner eyeballs and clicks and to exploit the ‘rankability’ of these sites in Google’s organic search results.
Google News Is Broken
It seems for now that google news is “broken” – and this trend diminishes the credibility and usefulness of Google News as a news source for the gambling industry but also starkly violates Google’s own set of policies.
In some cases, it’s not clear how the sites in question even got white-listed on google news as they are dedicated gambling sites (bookies.com, gambling.com, USA TODAY Sportsbook Wire)
Google’s policy clearly states that when content or behavior violates these policies, the company may remove the content from its news surfaces. In severe cases, particularly those involving repeated or egregious violations, a site may even lose its eligibility to appear on Google News.
London based reporter covering all aspects of the global regulated and unregulated land-based and online gambling industry - including business news, sports-betting, casinos, poker & regulation