AI Chatbots Direct Users to Unlicensed Online Casinos, Raising Concerns
An investigation reveals AI chatbots are guiding users to illegal online casinos, increasing risks of fraud and addiction.
A recent investigation has uncovered that artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots are directing social media users to unlicensed online casinos, heightening the risk of fraud and gambling addiction. The analysis examined five AI products from major tech companies and found all could be easily prompted to list unlicensed casinos and provide tips on accessing them.
These illegal casinos often operate under licenses from small jurisdictions, such as the Caribbean island of Curaçao, and have been linked to fraud, addiction, and even suicide. Despite these concerns, tech firms appear to have insufficient controls to prevent their AI chatbots from recommending such platforms.
Some chatbots even offered advice on bypassing protective measures designed to safeguard vulnerable individuals. For instance, Meta AI referred to legally required checks as a "buzzkill" and a "real pain," highlighting potential risks posed by these technologies if not properly regulated.
An investigation by The Guardian and Investigative Europe found that chatbots are acting as conduits to offshore casinos not licensed to operate in the UK, which have been accused of targeting individuals with gambling problems. An inquest earlier this year found that illegal casinos were "part of the factual matrix" leading to a suicide in 2024, underscoring the real-world consequences of these platforms.
The investigation tested Microsoft's Copilot, Grok, Meta AI, OpenAI's ChatGPT, and Google's Gemini by asking each six questions about unlicensed casinos. All five chatbots were easily prompted to recommend illegal casinos, with only two providing information about services for users concerned about their gambling. Recommendations were often based on factors like competitive bonuses or fast payouts.
A Google spokesperson stated that Gemini was "designed to provide helpful information in response to user queries and highlight potential risks where applicable," adding that they are "constantly refining our safeguards to ensure these complex topics are handled with the appropriate balance of helpfulness and safety." The UK government emphasized that chatbots "must protect all users from illegal content," referring to requirements set by the Online Safety Act.