As online gambling continues to grow worldwide, it has created an increase in addiction. Young people are greatly affected, as well as mid-life to seniors. The problem has grown considerably in recent years with the onset of mobile and online gaming apps. To try and combat the increase in gambling addiction, the online gaming industry CRM platform Optimove has created a solution.
Optimove provides an option to allow players and operators to focus on informed decision-making. The goal is to prevent the development of bad gaming habits. The model provided by Optimove uses AI and machine learning algorithms to analyze the player’s behavior and detect patterns that showcase the potential for problem gambling.
How Does Optimove’s AI Program Work?
Optimove will collect data from several sources, such as gameplay, customer transactions, and customer service discussions. The data is analyzed via algorithms to seek out patterns to show that an individual might be at risk of developing a gambling issue.
Online gambling has witnessed exponential growth in recent years, thanks to the convenience and accessibility it offers. In this digital age, where online casinos and betting platforms abound, the need to monitor and protect vulnerable individuals has become more critical than ever.
By tapping into a vast pool of data derived from online gambling activities, Optimove’s sophisticated algorithms can identify subtle behavioral cues that might indicate a potential gambling problem. This proactive approach not only helps the industry uphold responsible gaming standards but also underscores the power of data-driven insights in safeguarding the well-being of online gamblers.
What Happens After Detection?
Once the AI detects that a player is at risk, it will change the messaging sent to the player to promote responsible gambling actions. Players could be provided with details on how to self-exclude or additional support for problem gambling.
Optimove representatives say that the solution is designed to give operators the tools necessary to remain proactive and prevent members from experiencing problem gambling. Advanced analytics and machine learning can help to identify behavioral patterns that can detect a problem early on. This allows for intervention in the early stages before an addiction can become a full-blown problem.
The tech is in the early stages, so it is unclear if it will actually help to detect such gambling problems. However, it is still something that operators can consider to provide a safe and responsible gambling environment for their members.
Responsible Gambling Measures
Overall, online casino sites are supposed to provide responsible gambling measures for their players. Generally, this includes a self-exclusion method, help from support, or additional measures like national or local assistance.
Operators are to display the responsible gambling measures prominently, and each regulator has additional rules that must be followed to ensure player protection. Customer support should also be trained to detect if players have a gambling problem. This is where the AI technology would come in handy.
Even though support is supposed to be trained and look for signals of addiction, they don’t always see it. This can be due to not paying attention, not caring, or simply missing it. Several factors are reviewed with AI to determine if a player might have a gambling addiction. These factors are not readily available to customer support representatives.
AI would seem to have a better shot at detecting an addiction as the computer program would have all the variables to consider. Support has to make decisions based on what a player is stating to them and a few key factors. AI can review all the data and provide a response based on every factor involved in gaming.
Officials at Optimove feel that responsible gambling is a shared responsibility between the player and operator. Everyone must take accountability. The Optimove solution empowers players to take control of gambling behavior with specific cues. In turn, operators are also to provide their members a safe and responsible gambling environment.
It will be interesting to see if such technology is implemented across the board or which companies will be the first to try AI programs like the one by Optimove to help their players gamble responsibly. I expect we will see more technology like this in the future as operators try to find secure ways to protect players and maintain the rules and regulations of various online gambling environments.
Disclaimer:
- As per the Public Gambling Act of 1867, all Indian states, except Goa, Daman and Sikkim, prohibit gambling
- Land-based casinos are legalized, with certain guidelines, in Goa and Daman, as per the Goa, Daman and Diu Public Gambling Act 1976
- Land-based casinos, Online gambling and E-gaming (games of chance) are legalized in Sikkim under the Sikkim Online Gaming (Regulation) Rules 2009
- Only some Indian states have legalized online/regular lotteries as per and subject to the conditions laid down by state laws. Kindly refer to the same here
- Horse racing and betting on horse racing, including online betting, is permitted only in a licensed premise in select states. Kindly refer to the 1996 Judgement by the Supreme Court Of India here and for more information
- This article does not endorse or express the views of Qrius and/or any of its staff.