Online Casinos ads on Adwords

No level playing field

[Rob_Cook]

I've been somewhat frustrated for some time with Google's blatant unlevel playing field with online casinos ads via Adwords.

Google claim not to allow online casinos listings but have known for over a year now that they still list them. I've discussed this with them in person, via e-mail and via livechat. They always have the same response - "Yes, we see those ads and they're not allowed. You can't bid on those terms either and we shall remove the offending ads."

They never remove them. When I e-mail back to query this, they ignore EVERY e-mail I send.

I have hard evidence that Google know they're listing online casino ads despite their public policy claiming to disallow them.

I have been advised by more than one person that there is a financial reason for this that isn't entirely 'above board'.

So, Google - do you accept them or not? If not, why can I find the same ads on the same pages, day after day, and have been able to do so for as long as I can remember?

[Rob_Cook]

Incidentally, I recorded the livechat conversion with the Google rep where they admit to see the ads, admit they breach their t&c, and promising to deal with them. I'm happy to post this if required as further evidence of Google's dishonesty.

[TheGuyAboveYou]

I see them periodically showing up but not for very long.

[Rob_Cook]

I see them right now. If you are able to, use a UK-based proxy and you'll see even more. Loads of them.

[jdancing]

Its all about money. Remember that and you will understand.

[Rob_Cook]

Well, precisely - and that's the basis of the explanations given to me by people who should know.

Thing is, how do we proceed? A few priviliged people get to advertise online casinos via adwords for dirt-cheap bids while Google pretend not to allow them. Anyone else trying is kicked out.

It is 100% possible - in fact, incredibly easy - to prove that Google has lied about this. There is zero doubt about their dishonesty.

Is this entirely legal, I ask? Are there any kind of 'fair trade' issues that could arise?

[Tropical Island]

I just did a test on "casinos" and sure enough the number one listing is an on-line gambling site. All the others are strategy plans or things not directly attributed to paying money to gamble. The first one sure is though.

Is that because it's Saturday and they are all asleep down at the Plex?

I used the &gl=us to see the ads from here.

[ronmcd]

Actually I always thought it was down to online gambling not being illegal in UK, I kind of always assumed the reason GG didnt allow gambling ads was due to US laws, but they didnt enforce those rules outside US. Certainly during the last year Ive seen lots of online gambling ads in UK.

(I believe its not legal to own & operate an online casino in US?)

[TheGuyAboveYou]

I would relax. I guarantee there is not
some conspiracy or any privledges with Google. If others are beating the system
then good for them. You should figure out ways
to beat the system if that is what you want to do.

This is not a big deal. There are not privledged people that get to advertise. Besides its there search engine
they don't owe anyone anything.

[Rob_Cook]

The UK issue is irrelevant as far as Google are concerned. I've specifically asked them about (documented in my livechat records) and they categorically state that online casino ads are not allowed in any language in any country.

Bottom line is that Google know they're there but blatantly lie about intending to remove them.

I have no objections to others buying those ads - but I want the same access.

Any legals experts here know if there are legal issues with Google lying to 'keep out' the majority whilst dishonestly allowed a small number of 'friends of Google' to bid on non-allowed terms?

[Rob_Cook]

re: "I guarantee there is not
some conspiracy or any privledges with Google."

You are wrong.

[TheGuyAboveYou]

No I am not wrong. You are paranoid.

[Rob_Cook]

And you are deluded and naive. If you can't play nice and want to get personal, take it to private messages with me - I'll play.

I give you or anyone else this challenge:

1. Try a search for online casino terms. Make them UK based terms if you want to see loads.

2. Make a note of the online casino ads and ask Google adwords if you can get approval for a similar page.

3. When they say no, ask them why. They'll tell you they'll remove the offending ads.

4. Check back in 7 days and see the same ads there. They will be.

5. Contact them for a second time and ask for an explaination.

You will never receive a second reply from them. Guaranteed.

Try it. And then see if you've suddenly become 'paranoid'.

[toddb]

Everyone knows how they are doing it. Google does not condone it. They are just very poor at stopping it.

[Rob_Cook]

Found at least 3 blatant online casino ads active right now. I've dropped an e-mail to google adwords - let's see if they bother to reply.

[toddb]

Rob, I am not going to explain the technique, I am seeing. But it is not a conspiracy as much as a loop hole. Looking at the big keywords right now, I do not see any cheaters.

[Rob_Cook]

I search for 'online casino', see an ad for an online casino, click on it and land on an online casino.

Hardly a loophole.

[Rob_Cook]

So it appears that google can't even work out the geo-targeting scam these advertisers have going on.

How stupid are google? It's 100% easy to work out for everyone else but it's beyond adwords staff to solve it?