Use of artificial intelligence (AI) -powered technology is growing on casino floors – from table operations to surveillance and marketing. New academic research highlights ethical risks in the event of unchecked implementation of AI in that business sector.
“Identifying Risks and Ethical Considerations of AI in Gambling: A Scoping Review”, published last month in the International Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Administration, says guidelines are necessary to ensure the responsible use of this technology within the gaming industry.
The authors recommended use of independent auditors to assess AI systems for ethical compliance, and to identify ethical risk. They also proposed training for AI developers on best practice in relation to what the authors defined as at-risk populations of casino players.
The study did note that AI also has the potential to protect players, by detecting early signs of addiction among individuals, as well as, more generally, identifying fraud and cheating.
The paper was writen by Nasim Binesh, an assistant professor in the Department of Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management at the University of Florida, in the United States, and co-written by Kasra Ghaharian, the director of research at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas International Gaming Institute.
According to the study, few regulations exist – either in the United States or elsewhere – governing the use of AI in gaming.
In March, the International Gaming Standards Association’s Ethical AI Standards Committee, which is responsible for ensuring the fair use of AI in gaming, announced it would begin developing a best-practices framework to help gambling regulators better understand AI’s role in the industry.
“AI systems, which are designed to optimise profit, could identify and target players susceptible to addiction, pushing them deeper into harmful behaviours,” said Dr Binesh, as quoted in a release by the University of Florida. “The potential for AI to exacerbate gambling harms and exploit vulnerable individuals is a stark reality that demands immediate and informed action.”
According to the scholar, the study’s call for clear AI guidelines “is not just a recommendation; it is imperative for the future of ethical gambling.”
She added: “AI’s potential to enhance consumer protection by identifying at-risk behaviours and intervening appropriately is well acknowledged.”
“Yet, without regulation, these technologies could be underused or misapplied, missing critical interventions and failing to mitigate harms with gambling.”
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