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How does AI shape online casinos?

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AI is no longer a phenomenon and rapidly becomes an integrated part of today’s world. It changes the way how hundreds of businesses and industries operate, including a not-so-obvious vertical of online casino.

Here, again, this is no news. The online gambling sector might be experiencing its top at all time AI transformation now, but its first impact goes as far back as 20 years ago, where IBM’s Deep Blue computer claimed victory over the world-class chess master Garry Kasparov 3.5 – 2.5 in a six-game match.

Technology vs. Online Casinos: How Machines Befriend Players

Modern technology changes the way how data is collected, analysed and handled, which constitutes the key for the growth and development of online casino these days. Knowledge is power and the case of virtual casinos proves likewise. Again, information is the highest currency in the world we live in and online casinos are willing to pay a high price to know as much as possible.

Thanks to the information on website users, visits, purchases, used devices, activity timing, advertisement interaction and tens of other factors, gambling operators and industry marketers offer tailor-made solutions to users who look for personalised offers. One of such advancements are the no deposit casino bonuses very popular especially on the UK market. Being given the right tools, casinos befriend new players and win their interest and, what’s even more important, trust.

While knowledge is power, data is king. Gambling businesses invest incredibly big money on it, given the fact the industry is so closely connected to statistical probability. AI software analyses consumer habits and makes predictions (which not once in the history has turned out surprisingly accurate) of what product, service or bonus can be of their interest in the future.

Technology vs. Humans: How Computers Beat Our Brains

Maths. It’s not the right time to assess our skills (and often feel sorry about them, like in my case) but rather face the truth and admit that a human brain pales in comparison to a computer. We, the homo sapiens species, are overloaded with information that we simply fail to handle, analyse and systemise. The AI software, instead, has all the mentioned superpowers and, therefore, becomes an ultimate choice for the casino industry. We can try to predict odds but AI can do it more accurately and ground its outcomes on the actual data.

Sadly to say, our performance in the Human VS AI casino challenge isn’t worth-praising either. In 2016 we experienced a real breakthrough when an algorithm-based software beat the world best GO player (a Chinese strategy game). Then, not too long time ago, in January 2017, the power of AI shocked us all again when a computer was able to take on and beat some of the world’s greatest poker players at over 12,000 hands of no-limit Texas Hold’em. Also in January 2017, the artificial intelligence program ‘Libratus’ beat a professor of Carnegie Mellon University and his PhD student and famous poker players Jimmy Chou, Daniel McAuley and Dong Kim.

So far, the result is quite simple: Humans 0 – AI 1. Are we awaiting a horrendous loss in the future?

AI And Safety In Online Casinos

The AI impact on online casinos becoming bigger than ever and we can expect it to be on the rise in years to come. Now, as many fear that the human force will eventually become obsolete, it’s crucial that we see both powers combined together, rather than a competition between both. AI has a clear advantage over humans when it comes to mathematical calculations but it’s still in people’s power to offer a personal approach to players that technology has not (yet) been able to develop.

Modern technology and tools don’t only improve operations of online casinos but also contribute to creating a safer gambling environment in the virtual world. The same exact data obtained and analysed for improving casino experience is used to detect and cease players who cheat. As they, too, incorporate the AI software to beat the competitors, online casinos now face a new challenge and have entered the AI-driven war with unfair players.

Speaking of safety, the new technology doesn’t always fight unlawful activities in online casinos but also helps to tackle gambling addiction. With the emergence of AI, the situation has improved with new tools and systems popping up online that aim to prevent problem gambling. The software BetBuddy, acquired by Playtech, is a key Responsible Gambling platform built around data mining and predictive analytics. It incorporates research into problem gambling, combined with machine learning and delivers end-to-end solutions of identification and management of gambling behavioural patterns. In the long turn, such technology can lead to decreasing the number of problem gambling activities in the online world.

AI And Online Gambling Of Tomorrow

We’ve already established that we have no powers to predict the odds of event results but we sure can draft an image of how the future of online casino will look like. With the ever-changing landscape of virtual gambling, we can expect personalised gaming experiences being on top of the list with online operators improving their (AI-driven) marketing strategies.

Taking a step further, we should get ready for the outburst of VR casinos. The statistics show that millennials become more interested as ever before in gambling experience, and for these reasons, casinos come up with new, exciting solutions to target this particular audience. These young, tech-savvy people have high expectations and easily get bored, so virtual reality is a next-level type of entertainment for them.

Artificial intelligence shouldn’t be scary to anyone and especially for those who love playing casino online. It carries endless possibilities that, if used wisely, can lead to truly immersive casino experiences, safer and friendlier virtual play zones and a completely new entertainment vertical we might not be yet able to imagine. Ironically, AI might have enormous power but it is still in our, human hands to manage this force. Now, let’s hope this will be done with extra cautiousness in mind that will ensure great improvement, rather than bitter regrets and disappointment.

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