The use of AI and machine learning is giving casinos the ability to better address potential gambling problems
One of the biggest stumbling blocks to widespread gambling legalization is the concern that allowing the activity will lead to major gambling addiction. While this assertion has already been debunked, with studies showing that less than 5% of gamblers develop a problem, casinos are still required to implement controls to prevent addiction. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are making it easier to develop and introduce those controls, ensuring casinos can comply with regulations and help keep problem gambling to a minimum.
AI and ML are being used by both brick-and-mortar and online casinos to counter the possibility of gambling addiction. In physical casinos, they are used to monitor who comes and goes to see how often the same individuals are playing, and, in both segments, AI and ML can monitor how long people spend playing, track how much they win or lose and help cut off customers when certain thresholds are reached. They also make it easier for casinos to implement self-inclusion policies, with AI being able to identify someone who tries to circumvent the controls.
The concept isn’t entirely new – it’s been in the works for years. Entities concentrating on the development of AI have begun collecting data that can be used to identify behavioral patterns, and this information is being integrated to make the AI solutions even smarter. With the latest advances in AI and ML that have appeared over the past two to three years, the role the innovation is taking to ensure protection to both casinos and their patrons has taken on a greater amount of responsibility, and will continue to be adopted across all gaming segments going forward.