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AI Is Being Used To Predict Gambling Behavior (theguardian.com)

Posted by BeauHD on from the connecting-the-dots dept.

"The gambling industry is increasingly using artificial intelligence to predict consumer habits and personalize promotions to keep gamblers hooked," reports The Guardian, citing industry insiders. "Current and former gambling industry employees have described how people's betting habits are scrutinized and modeled to manipulate their future behavior." From the report: Publicly, gambling executives boast of increasingly sophisticated advertising keeping people betting, while privately conceding that some are more susceptible to gambling addiction when bombarded with these type of bespoke ads and incentives. Gamblers' every click, page view and transaction is scientifically examined so that ads statistically more likely to work can be pushed through Google, Facebook and other platforms. Users unwittingly consent to the use of their data in ways they aren't aware of due to lengthy terms and conditions, enabling their information to legally be used in this way. Last August, the Guardian revealed the gambling industry uses third-party companies to harvest people's data, helping bookmakers and online casinos target people on low incomes and those who have stopped gambling. Despite condemnation from MPs, experts and campaigners, such practices remain an industry norm.

3 of 54 comments (clear)

  1. I don't get gambling by rsilvergun · · Score: 1, Interesting

    you know you're going to lose. Especially Casino gambling. It was one thing before video games when there was novelty and excitement in the bleeping lights. I suppose there's more to poker and the like, but that's not what most folks play. Is there anyone here under 40 who regularly gambles at Casinos? Or even thinks it's anything other than strange and offputting?

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    1. Re:I don't get gambling by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Interesting

      Do you gamble at poker machines - and if so, out of genuine curiosity, could you explain why?

      I mean, I kinda get gambling on sport - not my thing, but I guess you combine something you enjoy watching with the delusion that you can predict the outcome, add some extra spice to cheering for an outcome, fair enough.

      And cards... yeah I suppose it's an excuse to sit around, have a drink and play a game with your mates, so ok, I get that.

      But poker machines... why? I mean seriously, why? Unless you're a complete nit you know that you'll lose - pretty much 100% guaranteed. And there's no social upside. Really, to me, it just looks like poker machine players willingly turn themselves into zombies, mindlessly shovelling their hard-earned into a machine that gives nothing back but random blinking lights and annoying noises. How is that fun?

    2. Re:I don't get gambling by Spy+Handler · · Score: 3, Interesting

      you know you're going to lose

      Wrong. You can win or lose. That's why it's called gambling.

      If you absolutely know for certain you're gonna lose, nobody would gamble and casinos wouldn't exist. It's the thrill of winning money that keeps people hooked.

      Over long term yes the house wins. Law of large numbers and all that. But over a short time period - say one hour or one day - you can easily win. I've done it, I won 5 grand playing blackjack one night when I was 22 years old. It was exhilarating.