Summary
- Researchers from the University of Florida and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, are examining the impact of AI on gambling.
- Researchers are concerned that both malicious entities and even well-meaning businesses might exploit the technology to market their products and target consumers.
- The academics at UF are concerned that the absence of regulations might impede the potential benefits of the technology.
Two researchers, one from the University of Florida and the other from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, have explored the implications of using AI in the gambling industry. They have analyzed the potential risks to consumer safety and discussed how the current lack of regulation could limit AI's ability to enhance player security.
AI's implementation in the gambling industry must be overseen by tight rules
UF researcher Nasim Binesh, PhD, MBA, an assistant professor in the Department of Tourism, Hospitality & Event Management at the UF College of Health & Human Performance, and her colleague Kasra Ghaharian, PhD, director of research at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas International Gaming Institute, have co-authored a study published in the International Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Administration. The study aims to explore the ethical considerations and risks associated with using AI in the gambling industry. Ghaharian warns of the potential dangers, stating that AI systems designed to maximize profit could identify and prey on players vulnerable to addiction, thereby worsening their behavior. Binesh echoes this concern, emphasizing the urgent need to address these risks. The capability of AI to amplify gambling-related harms and exploit vulnerable users is a pressing issue that requires immediate and informed action, Binesh argues. This viewpoint is shared by Matej Novota, Head of Data and Complaints at Casino House Group. AI, while useful for detecting harmful gambling patterns and promoting timely interventions in regulated markets, can also be manipulated to deliver personalized promotions and incentives to vulnerable individuals, thereby worsening addictive behaviors, notes Novota, stressing the need for regulatory oversight in the implementation of this technology.
AI could be a game-changer in game prevention, but then again, it could be a conduit
The key to effective AI integration lies in its implementation and regulation. With ethical guidelines and robust oversight in place, AI can become a valuable tool for reducing harm. Without these precautions, however, it risks turning into a tool of exploitation, prioritizing profits over player well-being, Novota concluded. Binesh shares similar concerns, warning that without proper oversight, AI-driven tools designed to analyze player behavior or detect early signs of addiction could inadvertently cause more harm within the industry. It is ironic that the lack of AI regulation could hinder the very innovation it aims to encourage," she warned of the future.
