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 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamRocky Top Insider | BetMGM Bonus Code ROCKYBET: $158 in Bonus Bets for Cowboys vs. Packers | |
| 2 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamNJ.com | $158 BetMGM Bonus Code PLAYNJSPORTS for NFL Wild Card Weekend, Eagles vs. Buccaneers odds | |
| 3 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamThe Action Network | BetMGM Bonus Code TOPACTION Unlocks Your Guaranteed $158 Bonus Bets; 20% Deposit Match Also Available | |
| 4 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamWTVG | Youngstown State vs. Oakland Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 | |
| 5 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamGaming Today | BetMGM Bonus Code TODAY: Get Up to $158 for Eagles vs Bucs | |
| 6 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate Spamcleveland.com | Bet365 bonus code + BetMGM promo code: Lock-in $2158 MNF bonuses for PHI-TB | |
| 7 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamWWSB | Florida State vs. Miami (FL) Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 | |
| 8 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamNew York Post | BetMGM Bonus Code: Claim guaranteed $158 bonus or 20% match on any sport, including NFL | |
| 9 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamMLive.com | MLIVEMGM: Get $158 from BetMGM to bet on Philly vs. Tampa Bay | |
| 10 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamKOLD | Arizona vs. USC Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 | |
| 11 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamBookies.com | BetMGM Casino Deposit Match Bonus: Get Up To $3K In Bonuses, Varies By State | |
| 12 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamKSNB | Nebraska vs. Rutgers Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 | |
| 13 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamToro Times | BetMGM NFL Bonus Code: Win $158 INSTANTLY Betting $5 on Texans vs. Ravens! | |
| 14 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamWYMT | Navy vs. Lehigh Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 | |
| 15 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamDetroit Free Press | BetMGM Michigan Bonus Code FREEP – Bet $5, Grab $158 in Bonus Bets for Detroit Playoff Odds | |
| 16 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate Spamcleveland.com | BetMGM bonus code CLE158: Bet $5, get $158 offer for PIT-BUF, PHI-TB | |
| 17 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamWyoming News Now | UConn vs. Creighton Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 | |
| 18 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamWAFB | Tulane vs. UAB Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 | |
| 19 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamWorcester Telegram | BetMGM Massachusetts Bonus Code USATODAY – Get $158 Bonus Bets Now for Football & Celtics | |
| 20 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamLive 5 News WCSC | South Carolina Upstate vs. Longwood Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 | |
| 21 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamArizona’s Family | Arizona State vs. UCLA Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 | |
| 22 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamAL.com | BetMGM bonus code ALBONUS: Bet $5, get $158 in bonuses for NFC Wild Card Eagles vs. Buccaneers | |
| 23 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamWOWT | Creighton vs. UConn Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 | |
| 24 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamWAFB | LSU vs. Ole Miss Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 | |
| 25 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamWWSB | Miami (FL) vs. Florida State Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 | |
| 26 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamWAFB | Louisiana vs. Texas State Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 | |
| 27 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamAL.com | BetMGM bonus code ALBONUS: Bet $5, get $158 in bonus bets for Steelers vs. Bills on Wild Card Weekend | |
| 28 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamWWNY | Saint Bonaventure vs. Rhode Island Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 | |
| 29 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamArizona’s Family | Arizona vs. USC Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 | |
| 30 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamThe Cincinnati Enquirer | BetMGM Ohio Bonus Code CINCY | Get $158 in Bonus Bets for Football Playoffs & NBA Today | |
| 31 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamWIFR | Illinois State vs. Drake Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 | |
| 32 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamWFLX Fox 29 | UCF vs. Texas Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 | |
| 33 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamWSMV 4 | East Tennessee State vs. Wofford Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 | |
| 34 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamWSMV 4 | Belmont vs. Northern Iowa Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 | |
| 35 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamWRAL News | BetMGM bonus code unlocks $158 bonus for NFL Playoffs | |
| 36 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamNJ.com | $158 BetMGM Bonus Code PLAYNJSPORTS for NFL Wild Card Weekend, Steelers vs. Bills Odds | |
| 37 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamKTRE | Houston vs. Texas Tech Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 | |
| 38 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamBookies.com | BetMGM Illinois Bonus Code BOOKIES: Bet $5, Get $158 In Bonus Bets For Philadelphia-Tampa Bay | |
| 39 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamKTRE | UTSA vs. Tulsa Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 | |
| 40 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamWBKO | Murray State vs. UIC Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 | |
| 41 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamWestern Massachusetts News | Holy Cross vs. Lafayette Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 | |
| 42 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamWGEM | UIC vs. Murray State Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 | |
| 43 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamKOLO | Nevada vs. San Diego State Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 | |
| 44 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamKCRG | Northern Iowa vs. Belmont Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 | |
| 45 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamWIFR | Bradley vs. Southern Illinois Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 | |
| 46 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamKCRG | Drake vs. Illinois State Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 | |
| 47 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamWIS News 10 | Wofford vs. East Tennessee State Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 | |
| 48 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamWTAP | West Virginia vs. Oklahoma Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 | |
| 49 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamNew York Post | BetMGM Bonus Codes: Claim $1.5K offer or $158 for NFL Wild Card Weekend | |
| 50 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamWBKO | Louisville vs. North Carolina Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 | |
| 51 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamWGEM | Northwestern vs. Maryland Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 | |
| 52 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate Spam14 News WFIE Evansville | Valparaiso vs. Evansville Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 | |
| 53 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamMLive.com | MLIVEMGM: The Best BetMGM promo code in NJ | |
| 54 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamKTRE | Texas Tech vs. Houston Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 | |
| 55 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamThe Arizona Republic | BetMGM Arizona Bonus Code USATODAY | Get $158 in Bonus Bets for Pro Football Playoffs Today | |
| 56 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamChicago Tribune | BetMGM bonus code TRIB1500 and Caesars Sportsbook promo code CTNEWS1000: Get max $2.5K sign-up value now | |
| 57 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate Spam14 News WFIE Evansville | Evansville vs. Valparaiso Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 | |
| 58 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamWestern Massachusetts News | Boston University vs. Bucknell Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 | |
| 59 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamKGNS | Texas State vs. Louisiana Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 | |
| 60 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamMiami Herald | BetMGM Bonus Code MCBET Giving $158 In Bonus Bets On $5 Bet for Philadelphia-Tampa Bay | |
| 61 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamKAIT | Arkansas State vs. Southern Miss Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 | |
| 62 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate Spam25 News Now | Loyola Chicago vs. UMass Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 | |
| 14 News WFIE Evansville | Purdue Fort Wayne vs. IUPUI Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 | ||
| 64 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate Spam14 News WFIE Evansville | IUPUI vs. Purdue Fort Wayne Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 | |
| 65 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamWITN | Davidson vs. Fordham Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 | |
| 66 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamWITN | Gardner-Webb vs. Radford Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 | |
| 67 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamKFVS | Kentucky vs. Mississippi State Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 | |
| 68 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamSports Illustrated | New BetMGM Bonus Code: Bet $5, Get $158 Promo on Pacers vs. Hawks Today | |
| 69 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamBookies.com | BetMGM NBA Bonus Code BOOKIES: Bet $5 Get $158 In Bonuses For Thunder-Lakers Tonight | |
| 70 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamBookies.com | BetMGM Pennsylvania Bonus Code BOOKIES: Bet $5, Get $158 In Bonus Bets For Philadelphia-Tampa Bay | |
| 71 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamWITN | High Point vs. Presbyterian Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 | |
| 72 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamKOLD | DePaul vs. Providence Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 | |
| 73 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamFox 10 News | Auburn vs. Vanderbilt Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 | |
| 74 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamBookies.com | BetMGM Michigan Bonus Code BOOKIES: Bet $5 Get $158 In Bonus Bets For Philadelphia-Tampa Bay | |
| 75 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamWHSV | Virginia vs. Virginia Tech Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 | |
| 76 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamWTOC | Georgia State vs. Appalachian State Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 | |
| 77 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamBookies.com | BetMGM Arizona Bonus Code BOOKIES: Bet $5 Get $158 In Bonus Bets For Philadelphia-Tampa Bay | |
| 78 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamWECT | Appalachian State vs. Georgia State Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 | |
| 79 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamWSMV 4 | Chattanooga vs. Mercer Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 | |
| 80 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamNewsweek | BetMGM Promo Code + Bet365 Bonus Code: $2,158 in Bonuses for NFL Playoffs | |
| 81 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamWHSV | Longwood vs. South Carolina Upstate Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 | |
| 82 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamWNEM | BYU vs. Iowa State Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 16 | |
| 83 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamWRAL News | BetMGM bonus code WRAL158: Secure $158 bonus for Steelers-Bills, Eagles-Bucs | |
| 84 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamGambling.com | BetMGM NBA Bonus Code: Grab $158 Bonus for Thunder vs. Lakers | |
| 85 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamWIS News 10 | Furman vs. VMI Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 | |
| 86 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamWBNG | Colgate vs. Army Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 | |
| 87 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamWECT | North Carolina vs. Louisville Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 | |
| 88 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamWECT | Houston vs. Texas Tech Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 | |
| 89 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamNewsweek | Bet365 Bonus Code + BetMGM Promo Code: Get $2,158 NFL Playoffs Bonuses | |
| 90 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamWNEM | Oakland vs. Youngstown State Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 | |
| 91 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamKGNS | Texas vs. UCF Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 | |
| 92 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamWNEM | Detroit Mercy vs. Robert Morris Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 | |
| 93 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamWHSV | Virginia Tech vs. Virginia Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 | |
| 94 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamEagles Wire | BetMGM PA Bonus Code SBWIRE – Bet $5, Get $158 in Bonus Bets for Football Playoffs Today | |
| 95 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamWBRC | UAB vs. Tulane Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 | |
| 96 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamThe Pewter Plank | BetMGM Bonus Code: Win $158 INSTANTLY Betting $5 on Tampa Bay vs. Philadelphia! | |
| 97 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamCrossing Broad | Eagles-Buccaneers Betting Promos: Top Sportsbook Offers on BetMGM, DraftKings, More | |
| 98 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamThe Philadelphia Inquirer | BetMGM bonus codes grant you one of two sign up bonuses for Eagles vs Bucs, any game | |
| 99 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamWVLT | Vanderbilt vs. Auburn Predictions, College Basketball BetMGM Promo Codes, & Picks – January 17 | |
| 100 | Google News Overwhelmed by Gambling Affiliate SpamUSA 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.
David Burke
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