A group of unknown affiliates has managed to push a fake version of the Vbet website to the top of Google’s search results in the Netherlands, overtaking the licensed operator’s official domain. The fraudulent site, which closely mimics the design and branding of Vbet, reroutes visitors to unregulated gambling platforms such as HiddenJack and Bass Win through affiliate tracking links.

The deception appears to be powered by AI-generated content and interface elements, giving the site a veneer of legitimacy at first glance. However, when users click on the login or register buttons, they are automatically redirected to offshore casinos, depending on their IP location.

Official Vbet Response and Google’s Silence

Ed Quigley, Vbet’s regional director for the Netherlands, confirmed the incident and expressed concern over the platform’s visibility being compromised. According to Quigley, Google has not responded to requests for clarification on why the legitimate Vbet website was demoted in organic search.

Vbet has submitted multiple complaints through the official Dutch gambling fraud reporting portal, meldvalsspel.nl, but as of this writing, no enforcement action has been taken against the fraudulent site.

Ongoing Risk and Visibility Manipulation

The fake site continues to rank first for the keyword “Vbet” on Google Netherlands — a high-value brand term — potentially diverting a significant share of traffic and undermining consumer trust. The case highlights growing challenges in affiliate monitoring, brand protection, and search engine accountability, particularly in jurisdictions with strict regulatory frameworks like the Netherlands.

It also raises broader concerns about the ease with which bad actors can exploit Google’s algorithm and affiliate systems to funnel users into unlicensed gambling ecosystems.

Investigations are ongoing, and Vbet is reportedly considering further legal and technical measures to address the breach.

Source: https://www.casinonieuws.nl/online/vbet-nl-weg-uit-google-malafide-nepsite-op-1/