6 Ways AI is Improving iGaming and Online Gambling
It’s become a runaway train and something we had all better get ready to embrace. Indeed, artificial intelligence (AI) technology is moving fast, and it’s seemingly going to affect almost every aspect of our lives profoundly. That includes the profound effect it is starting to have on the iGaming communities in the U.S. and UK.
It was just a matter of time before top-rated iGaming software developers would start integrating AI technology into their online casino platforms. They aren’t doing it to be part of the crowd but are figuring out how to use AI technology to increase the enjoyment of online casino entertainment. That’s a big deal to a growing population of online gamblers from one end of the planet to the other.
As we enter a new age of online casino gambling, AI will play a big role in delivering iGaming content.
let us take a look at the six (6) key ways AI is already improving the iGaming experience.
1. Promoting Responsible Gambling
As U.S. states and countries seek the legalization of online casino gambling, one question in particular weighs on the minds of lawmakers: “How do we protect our people from gambling addiction?”
AI might have the answer. Using the criteria set forth by problem gambling experts, AI might be able to monitor and flag problem gambling behavior. If this technology can proactively identify potential issues, it would likely save a lot of heartache for online gamblers who might be walking a fine line.
2. Personalizing the iGaming Experience
As the population of online casino gamblers increases, so does their sophistication as consumers. They are becoming finicky, always looking for the opportunity to gain maximum value for their wagering dollars.
Customer personalization is quickly becoming necessary if iGaming operators want to compete for new business. Online casino gamblers like the idea of being treated like individuals instead of being treated like cattle headed to financial slaughter. How can AI help personalize a player’s iGaming experience?
Customizing the Player Experience via AI
- Gaming preferences (slots, table games, specific software developers, etc.)
- Playing patterns – frequency and bet sizes
- Time of day that the player likes to gamble
- Types of bonuses they prefer
Using this kind of information, iGaming operators can tailor customer access to certain kinds of games and bonus opportunities. That will assuredly increase the enjoyment of the online casino gambling experience.
How significant are these value-added tools? In an interview, Michael Oliver, an iGaming researcher stated:
“AI tools are fundamental in analyzing game performance and player preferences. By examining popular games and pinpointing underperforming machines, AI enables casino operators to craft targeted marketing strategies that maximize player satisfaction and profits. This data-driven approach ensures that casinos can offer games that players love while optimizing machine placement to enhance the gaming experience,”
3. Fraud Prevention
Cybercriminals are always coming up with more and better ways to wreak havoc on the Internet. Their favorite targets are any type of site that deals in $$$. Yes, you can count online casinos in that group.
Online casino operators are constantly under siege from hackers while astute corrupt players are continually finding ways to game casino platforms. AI is proving to be a great weapon against such activities. With integrated fraud detection systems in place, AI can track gaming patterns and activities looking for betting anomalies.
If anything looks suspicious, the technology can throw up flags and stop said activities for further review. Players benefit by knowing their casinos do everything possible to protect the integrity of casino platforms.
At the player level, AI with integrated facial recognition technology can help verify the identities of players and police for underage gamblers trying to bypass security protocols.
4. Ensuring Fair Play
It requires a bit of trust on the part of online casino players to accept that online gaming results are random and fair. That trust is a fundamental contract between iGaming operators and players.
The first line of defense to ensure randomness and fair play comes via game audits by leading stat auditing firms like TST and eCOGRA. These types of firms run thousands of gaming transactions on a particular game, testing for statistical randomness. When a game passes, it gets the “random & fair” seal of approval. Most jurisdictions will not allow online casino games that lack such certification.
AI is a great second line of defense against game manipulation. Using embedded algorithms, the technology can detect when a game’s gaming results seem contrived and biased. It can flag those games for review and audit at the casino or software developer’s discretion.
5. Improving Customer Service Efficiency
Time and again, customer service has been the one thing that will make or break relationships between operators and customers. Enter the ChatBot. With AI and ChatBot technologies in place, players can get instant responses to their basic queries about rules or technical issues. This frees up customer service representatives to work on critical issues related to money transactions and gaming disputes. Said technologies also lower an online casino’s manpower needs, which could translate to bigger and better bonus programs for customers.
6. Benefits of Predictive Analysis
Most recreational or novice online casino players are looking for advice. They want some direction that will lead them to casino games that they enjoy and pay better. Given the “house” always has a built-in advantage, operators don’t mind giving advice to help players enjoy themselves. It’s strictly a revenue play.
Using a player’s past behavior, AI can predict what players value the most as online casino players. This enables operators to market to each player’s preferences, which saves players time and increases revenue for the casinos.
And the Future Holds?
AI is still in its infancy. Developers constantly test limits to see how far they can keep moving the ball forward. That raises the question: “How will AI influence the iGaming industry in the future?”
It would seem the Future Benefits of AI to the iGaming Industry
- Real-time predictive analysis could help sports bettors and casino players make better betting decisions
- AI can help software developers create innovative games and interactive slot bonus features
- AI is sure to play a key role in the development of virtual casinos, bringing realistic casino play to the home
- Smart slots – AI technology can be used to automatically increase game difficulty to match a player’s skill level (increase player enjoyment)
- Further developments in AI can be used to continue tightening the noose on cyber criminals
Conclusion
Any thoughts that AI is a fad or trend must be set aside. The announcement that OpenAI, SoftBank, and Oracle will combine forces to develop “The Stargate Project” shows that AI is here to stay to the tune of a $500+ billion investment dollar over the next four (4) years.
All eyes will be on where AI takes us in the future. Some of those eyes will belong to iGaming software development companies that will be charged with making online casino gambling a premiere form of adult entertainment on the Internet.
If you are intrigued by this information, it might be time to join the iGaming phenomenon. For over a decade, online casino gamblers have increased by double-digit percentages year-over-year. The good news is there is still plenty of room for you and your family/friends to get on board before the AI rocket is launched into the iGaming stratosphere.