AI chatbots found recommending illegal online casinos to vulnerable users

Artificial intelligence chatbots are directing users to illegal online casinos and offering advice on bypassing UK gambling protections, according to a new investigation.

Analysis by journalists from the Guardian and Investigate Europe tested five AI chatbots operated by major technology companies. These included Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini, Meta AI, ChatGPT and Grok.

Each chatbot was asked questions about unlicensed casinos and how to access gambling sites not registered with GamStop, the UK’s national self-exclusion scheme.

Researchers found that all five chatbots could be prompted to list or recommend offshore casino operators. Many of the sites referenced operate under licences issued in jurisdictions such as Curaçao and are not authorised to serve UK players.

Advice offered on bypassing gambling checks

The investigation also found some chatbots offering advice on avoiding safeguards designed to protect vulnerable users.

These included tips on bypassing “source of wealth” checks, which are used by licensed operators to ensure players are not gambling with stolen funds or beyond their financial means.

Meta AI, available through Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, reportedly described such checks as a “buzzkill” while offering suggestions on how to avoid them.

Other bots recommended sites based on factors such as bonus offers, fast payouts and cryptocurrency payments.

Cryptocurrency gambling is not currently permitted by operators licensed in the UK.

Regulators and experts warn of potential harm

The findings prompted criticism from regulators, campaigners and addiction experts.

A spokesperson for the UK government said technology companies must ensure their platforms protect users from illegal content. This falls under obligations set out in the Online Safety Act.

The Gambling Commission also said it takes the issue seriously. It is working with government agencies to ensure technology firms take greater responsibility for harmful content online.

Henrietta Bowden-Jones, the UK’s national clinical adviser on gambling harms, warned that chatbots should not be allowed to promote unlicensed gambling operators.

“No chatbot should be allowed to promote unlicensed casinos or dangerously undermine free protection services like GamStop.” – Henrietta Bowden-Jones, national clinical adviser on gambling harms.

Tech firms promise stronger safeguards

Technology companies said they are continuing to strengthen safety systems:

• Google said its Gemini chatbot is designed to highlight potential risks when responding to complex topics. Safeguards are continually being refined.
• Microsoft said Copilot uses multiple layers of protection. This includes automated safety systems and human review to reduce the risk of harmful recommendations.

However, the investigation found that even chatbots that issued warnings about illegal gambling could still be prompted to provide lists of offshore casinos.

The findings have renewed calls for stronger oversight of AI systems as their influence over online behaviour continues to grow.