AI-Powered Gambling: Is It Fair?
Industries all over the world are adopting the use of AI. While this makes sense for eliminating grunt work and other repetitive tasks, it can also be very damaging to a business.
But what about AI in gambling? Especially online gambling websites? In our opinion, although AI does have a place in the gambling world, the amount of AI in gambling right now can be concerning. Read on to learn if AI gambling is fair.
How is AI Used in Gaming?
AI is unfortunately used in many ways in gaming. While some uses are harmful, others are becoming critical to the operation. Here is a quick overview of some of the most popular uses, though we didn’t have space here for an exhaustive list.
AI-Dealers
AI has been used to create human-appearing dealers, which can be visually appealing to gamers. These AI-dealers can often answer questions or comments made by players, and can be a fun way to play.
In our opinion, this is one of the longest-running uses in gaming, and while it would be damaging to replace all human dealers with AI, the use of a few to make online gaming more fun is okay.
Customer Service
Gambling isn’t the only industry utilizing AI to replace customer service representatives. It’s cheaper, and companies typically still retain a few human representatives if AI really can’t solve the issue.
This honestly, has been going on far before the AI revolution, and though we aren’t a fan of talking to bots, AI is at least slightly more perceptive than some of the previous options available to companies.
Analyzing Stats
Many online gaming companies (especially those involved in sports betting) have begun offering analysis tools to bettors run by AI. Generally, this is one of the few good uses of AI, though we do worry about individuals blaming losses on it. Either way, this use of AI benefits the user and is likely a time-saver more than anything else.
It is important to note that analyzing stats is different than taking bet advice from AI. While AI is perfect for synthesizing information, it should never be used, or accepted as gambling advice. We believe that this is one of the more dangerous aspects of AI in gambling, as individuals become less and less adapted to making decisions on their own, especially risky ones like placing a large bet.
Autobetting
Autobetting using AI is an option available to players on many online casinos. Although autobetting is dangerous on its own (as you can place several bets to execute while you aren’t actively playing), we don’t see much more harm in AI bets, which can adapt as the autobets continue to execute. Of course, there is an argument that this can be a sign of compulsive gambling, but these players would have been using autobets anyway, so we don’t see an issue with introducing AI here, as it may actually benefit the player.
Tracking Player Habits
In our opinion, this is the most damaging use of AI gaming. While casinos claim they use AI to track player actions in order to “flag” them for dangerous (and possibly compulsive habits), we really doubt this is why they do it.
Rather, we think they track player habits for the purpose of making games more addictive, and sending ads and other clickbait that the gamer can’t resist. This is very dangerous, and we worry about the future of gambling with this sort of AI use available to companies we don’t trust to act ethically.
Is AI Gambling Fair?
Of course, the real reason you came to this article was because you want to know if AI usage in online gambling is fair, and honestly, while we can’t comment on every company, most that do use AI don’t use it in a way that would affect fairness.
Most casinos still use a random number generator (that is not AI-based) to find outcomes. This process doesn’t even have space to add AI. Obviously, there is the argument that companies using it to advertise or target is unfair (And we agree), but this is going to happen with or without AI. As it is, companies use sales and betting data to send out marketing emails. Adding AI isn’t going to make us like this process any more or less than we already do, but it will happen regardless.
Now, there is the question of whether it is fair for bettors to use it, and, in our opinion, yes. AI cannot make predictions or make decisions. It can only present the information that is available in a synthesized format. AI cannot help you make good bets. It can help you gather information but that is it. AI can also make mistakes and present false information.
If you choose to use AI to make betting decisions, know that the result is solely on your shoulders. Sometimes, you may win, but other times you will not. So be aware before making betting decisions based on AI.
Will AI Use in Gaming Increase in the Future?
Unfortunately, AI is here to stay, and we do not expect the usage to decrease in the future; in fact, we expect it to increase.
It’s important to be aware of AI tools and uses on anything you use to gamble—from websites to casinos. If you have an option, always deny cookies and AI tracking. Always check how outcomes are decided (look for a random number generator and check it out yourself). If you see anything other than a random number generator in use for slots, run.
Overall, we do have to accept that AI is part of the gaming space and part of the future. But we hope to educate individuals about the dangers of AI, especially when it comes to tracking human data. Ensure you are aware of your rights and how your data is tracked and used before agreeing to give it away for free. After all, in an increasingly digital world, you are the unwilling product.
