Gambling Meets AI: Navigating the Fine Line Between Help and Harm
USA.- May 21, 2025 www.zonadeazar.com As players and fans gear up for the 2025 World Series of Poker in Las Vegas on May 27, a critical conversation is emerging around AI and ethics in the gambling world.
While the global gambling market is projected to surpass $876 billion by 2026, concerns are rising about how unregulated AI systems might exploit vulnerable individuals for profit.
Nasim Binesh, Ph.D., M.B.A., assistant professor at the University of Florida’s College of Health & Human Performance in the Department of Tourism, Hospitality & Event Management, is investigating these issues. She recently published a study in the International Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Administration that highlights the ethical risks of AI use in gambling.
Currently, regulations on AI in gambling are scarce both in the U.S. and internationally. For instance, the U.S. Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights and the European Union AI Act attempt to govern AI broadly but lack specific industry focus. Recently, in March, the International Gaming Standards Association’s Ethical AI Standards Committee, which ensures fairness in AI-driven gaming, announced plans to develop a best practices framework to assist regulators in understanding AI’s role in gambling.
“AI systems designed to maximize profit could identify and target players vulnerable to addiction, pushing them deeper into risky behaviors,” Binesh warned. She co-authored the study with Kasra Ghaharian, Ph.D., research director at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas International Gaming Institute.
The gambling industry, once limited to land-based casinos and lotteries, has expanded into online gambling and sports betting, bringing economic growth and tourism benefits to hubs like Las Vegas and Macau. However, the sector also faces challenges related to misconduct and risks to players’ finances and mental health.
“The danger that AI could worsen gambling harms and exploit vulnerable people is a pressing reality requiring swift, informed action,” Binesh emphasized. “Our study doesn’t just recommend guidelines for AI use—it stresses that ethical frameworks are essential for the future of responsible gambling.”
The research outlines necessary measures such as independent audits of AI systems to ensure ethical compliance, training for AI developers on working with at-risk groups, transparency about AI-driven game decisions, and clear communication to players about data collection and usage.
Interestingly, AI also holds promise for protecting players by detecting early signs of addiction, fraud, and cheating.
“While AI’s role in consumer protection is promising, without proper regulation, these technologies risk being underutilized or misused, failing to prevent gambling-related harms,” Binesh explained.
As AI continues to evolve and gambling expands worldwide, ongoing research and regulation are crucial. Binesh plans to extend her studies to include consumer data and social media analysis to identify early markers of gambling risks.
“Ironically, the absence of AI regulation could hinder the innovation it aims to promote,” she concluded. “Ethical concerns and public backlash against unregulated AI might trigger stricter policies and block progress. Moreover, lack of oversight can discourage responsible innovators vital for sustainable growth in the industry.”
Edited by: @MaiaDigital www.zonadeazar.com