OpenAI Bans Gambling Ads in ChatGPT, But Some Appear

OpenAI has opened applications for advertising within ChatGPT in the Netherlands, but has classified the gambling category as prohibited alongside politics, terrorism, weapons, and tobacco, while leaving open the possibility of expanding eligible categories in the future, according to a report by CasinoNieuws.

Despite this restriction, a Telegram channel called "Довольный арбитражник трафика" (Content Traffic Arbitrager) reported that an advertisement from Playtika Holding Corp titled "Best Casino Brand 2026" appeared within the free version of ChatGPT, directing users to a page featuring a selection of online casinos targeting the Dutch market. The geographic location of the session shown in the accompanying screenshot was not disclosed, meaning the advertisement may have appeared for a user located outside the Netherlands as well.

The discrepancy between OpenAI's stated gambling advertising ban and the reported appearance of a casino-related ad within ChatGPT raises questions about the platform's ad review and enforcement processes during this early rollout phase. As OpenAI continues developing its advertising program, instances like this may prompt closer scrutiny of how effectively prohibited categories, including gambling, are being screened before ads reach users.