Artificial intelligence in gambling

Artificial intelligence is starting to impact many sectors of human activity, not least in terms of the gambling sector where companies are just starting to scratch the surface of what the technology can offer.

The Litmus test came in January 2017 when a computer program called Libatus, based on AI, beat some of the top players in the world in a no-limits game of Hold ‘em poker.

And then, last year, an algorithm-based software was able to defeat the world’s best player of the Chinese strategy game Go.

These though are just two small examples of the ways in which AI is starting to make a tangible difference.

Take the calculation of odds. Although human beings in the form of highly trained and experienced actuaries still have a large part to play in determining betting odds, a great deal of the heavy lifting is now down by AI, using data crunching techniques like machine learning.

Leading online operators, such as those included in casinolist.ca as described here will calculate the statistical probabilities to ensure that the odds offered at any point in time reflect all the latest information.

At the same time, those worried about the machines taking over should remember that, however advanced and sophisticated computers may become, it is impossible to take all the certainty out of an event when human beings are involved.

For example, a computer could calculate the odds of a football match using factors like the two teams involved, current form, past results, weather conditions and a hundred other variables. But that does not legislate for one of the players scoring a last-minute on goal, or having a sudden rush of blood to the head and getting sent-off.

AI though, has a role to play in making online casinos more accessible and appealing, with the use of both virtual and augmented reality bringing the online experience closer to that of the physical player.

And it is also used y operators to ascertain gambling habit and patterns by individual layers, making it easier to target loyalty programmes, promotions, and bonuses at them.

And chatbots have helped improve customer service and communication.

Online operators are also using AI in their fight against cyber criminals and hackers.

They can be deployed to try and detect players who are using their own AI bots or probability calculation programs to try and beat the system, giving them an edge over other, legitimate players.

The would-be criminals will always have an advantage because they are forever coming up with new and imaginative ways of beating existing controls. But AI at least gives operators a way of levelling the playing field.

Last, but certainly by no means least, AI is helping to identify problem gamblers.

It is estimated, for example, that 0.6% of all Canadians are problem gamblers, with a further 2.6% of the population at risk.

This is an issue not only for the individuals concerned, but for society on a broader level. It is also not good from the perspective of the gambling operators because it makes them the target of lobbying groups and, potentially, the subject of government action to curb their activities.

Using AI to identify those whose gambling may be addictive, helps operators to block accounts before major debts are incurred.