Google say I need a license!

Hi guys,
First and foremost I would like to thank everyone for contributing and putting together this great forum, I hope to contribute many of the skills I have learnt being a successful web master in the gambling industry.

I was wondering if anybody has had this same problem (I am in the UK)

I run a horse racing tipping service, horseracing-tips (dot) com , The gambling commision have confirmed I do not need a license for this as I am only giving my opinion on horse racing, not accepting bets, however google has stated I need a gambling license!

If I type in horse racing tips, free horse racing tips etc I can see all of my competitors advertising also!

Have you any ideas on ways round this?

Thanks all!

Hi Horsefan,

It is not a license you need. If your site only provides information, then you need to apply for an "Aggregator Services" certificate.

Here is the help center link that will help you access the application form:
http://adwords.google.com/support/aw...&answer=176014

Note that it's also good to have a link to Gamble Aware on your page.

It's a little frustrating but stick with it. Be sure to read their policies on how to get your ads approved. They're very fussy.

CCJ has it bang on here.

We applied for one of these with some of our affiliate sites recently and got accepted within a few hours, a surprisingly painless process!

CCJ has given you the best answer anyone could, please could you let us know the outcome?

CCJ is spot on - it's simply a case of filling out a form.

Hi member CCJ - Thank you so much for your reply! Your help is sincerly much appreciated.

Here is what google have said in regards to aggregator service!

Hello Matthew,

The reason your site does not fall under aggregator service is because
your site is all about horse racing tips which is not allowed as per our
policies.

If you want your site to be approved for betting aggregator services then
your site must have information about or reviews about other sports
betting sites that are that are registered with the Gambling Commission
and hold a valid operating license.

If your site just has betting tips, then it will not qualify to be
approved.

Sincerely,

Ruth Angeline
The Google AdWords UK and Ireland team


From this I deduct that I must review sites such as bet365, ladbrokes etc that are all registered in the UK with the gambling commision?

Its strange that my competitors that are currently advertising in adwords for the terms "horse racing tips" "free horse racing tips" do not have this!


So basically I must make a few pages reviewing sports betting sites that are registered with the gambling commision? Am I right in still thinking I will be able to keep my homepage as it is and use it as the landing page?

Its just that googles email seems slightly vague!

Once again I must say what a great forum this is- I really look forward to becoming a valued member here! :)

Here is one quote I note from the above link stated by member CCJ regarding the provisions in my demographics - UK based targeting UK consumers.

Google allows the following online gambling as long as the advertiser is registered with the Gambling Commission and provides a valid operating license number.
Gambling-related promotional products such as gambling-related vouchers, bonus codes, etc.
Gambling-related tutoring and educational materials such as books and e-books
Gambling-related information such as tips, odds, and handicapping
Gambling-related lotteries
Alternatively, advertisers based in the Republic of Ireland, Italy, Austria, Belgium, Alderney, Isle of Man, Gibraltar, Malta, Belgium, or Antigua and Barbuda who wish to target online gambling ads to Great Britain must be licensed to advertise online gambling in their respective country.

Advertisers must also be certified with Google. Please see the "How can I apply to advertise online gambling in the countries where it's allowed?" section above for details.


I find query in the quote:
Google allows the following online gambling as long as the advertiser is registered with the Gambling Commission and provides a valid operating license number.

After querying a Solicitor on the matter, which have consulted the gambling commision - the commision state I do not require a License and there is no license relevant to my service.

I hope my competitors have not resorted to so called "black hat" techniques to have their website featured within the sponsored link category, I see no reason why I should not legitimately be able to place my link within the sponsored listing category.

I will add the gamble aware logo predominantly at the top of the screen hoping this helps also.

Hi Horsefan,

To get into Google AdWords, you're going to have to do exactly what they want. For every one that get's in easy, five struggle to get in.

When we were approved for the "Aggregator Services" certificate a little while back, we thought everything was good to go with our ads. When we did submit our ads, we were declined because we had a disapproved keyword on our page. We had to remove the word "lotteries" from our page.

If your competitors are not following the rules, Google AdWords will eventually stop showing their ads.

It sounds like they're telling you that you need more information on your site and it looks like Google AdWords wants to work with you because you got an email back from them right away. Keep a good rapport with the person that emailed you and hopefully they'll walk you through this.

When you do get approved for Google AdWords and before you spend any money, be sure you understand the difference between: 1) Broad Match, 2) Phrase Match and 3) Exact Match. It will save you a lot of money. Also, learn how to use "negative" keywords.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by CCJ

When you do get approved for Google AdWords and before you spend any money, be sure you understand the difference between: 1) Broad Match, 2) Phrase Match and 3) Exact Match. It will save you a lot of money. Also, learn how to use "negative" keywords.

---

Would you be so kind to share how you could waste money without understanding the difference between these terms?

Hi AAdmit,

An Exact Match is for example the keywords "online casino". It will only pick-up these two words, in this order.

A Phrase Match is for example the keywords "online casino". It contains these two words in this order plus it may pick-up other words.
For example "online casino job" or "best online casino"

A Broad Match is for example the keywords "online casino". It contains these two words in any order plus it will pick-up other words.
For example "online visit casino" or "casino job online"

When I use Phrase or Broad Match - these are some of the Negative keywords that I make sure are excluded (and therefore will not pick up anything with these keywords in it):
advise, addict, addiction, anonymous, cheating, counsellor, complaint, coupons, illegal, issues, jobs, problems, results

Also, there's a video about this topic at the CAP. It's a few years old but it's still relevant.

Hi AAdmit,

Just want to make sure you saw the Information you asked for above

There is a mis-understanding. I have also been managing couple of betting advice sites and never had such an issue. Please acknowledge Google once more that you are not an operator but a portal.