Integrating across various industries, the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on online gambling is evolving. Not just a background tool, AI is helping operators optimize systems and redefine the players’ experience.
AI is also transforming how companies detect and prevent fraud, as well as how regulatory bodies maintain safer digital environments.
Driven by mobile platforms, real-time data integration, and AI-powered personalization, according to Yahoo Finance, the global online gambling industry, including esports, is expected to surpass $150 billion in 2030. With online casinos and sportsbooks attracting millions of users worldwide, companies are turning to AI to tailor user experiences and identify potential risks.
However, there is an inherent risk with this opportunity. The tools used to create a personalized experience could amplify problematic behavior. With AI designing new forms of gameplay, the ethical line in game design can become blurred.
Nevertheless, AI is still the future of gambling, and the industry is only beginning to tap into its potential.
Personalized betting experiences with AI
No two gamblers play alike. In 2025, AI ensures they no longer have to.
Gambling platforms utilize AI to analyze player behavior down to the smallest detail. The algorithm will collect data about the games players play, the amount they wager, and how they interact with the site's interface. The collected data is then analyzed by AI models that generate personalized dashboards, which dynamically adjust promotions and even suggest games the player is most likely to enjoy.
Players who frequently bet on a specific event, such as the UFC, or popular esports titles like League of Legends and Valorant, may receive targeted bonuses or promotions. Platforms may personalize dashboards to highlight esports matches, upcoming tournaments, or suggest in-play bets on esports competitions.
These personalized experiences not only increase engagement but also improve retention rates.
Problem gambling tools
AI plays a significant role in protecting vulnerable players.
Modern responsible gambling tools go far beyond deposit limits or self-exclusion options. AI systems use real-time behavioral tracking to detect signs of at-risk gambling before it escalates.
The system will flag behavior and initiate an automated intervention if, for example, a player suddenly increases bet sizes, chases losses, or logs in and plays at unusual hours. Sometimes, the same technology is also used to identify suspicious activity tied to betting scandals within the industry.
Some systems automatically set deposit or time limits when risk indicators are detected. Others escalate cases to human review teams, who may temporarily restrict account access or refer users to professional support services.
A study, published in 2023 by the Journal of Gambling Studies, found that AI can predict problematic gambling patterns, enabling earlier interventions to reduce harm.
Meanwhile, between 2023 and 2024, GambleAware reported that nearly 11,000 individuals received support or treatment through the National Gambling Support Network. Of those, 30% received early intervention support, while 28% progressed to structured treatment. This relatively high level of engagement suggests that structured support programs can be effective.
This proactive approach, enabled by AI, marks a shift in how the industry approaches addiction prevention.
Dynamic odds
Odds-making has become a high-speed, data-driven science.
AI systems absorb vast amounts of data, including live game footage, player and team statistics, injury reports, and weather updates. This data is used to adjust odds in real time. Vital in a rapidly growing microbetting market, as users can place bets on in-game events such as the outcome of the next pitch, serve, or possession. For esports fans, it's the next kill, map winner, or objective capture.
These dynamic systems provide betting precision and help maintain balance on both sides of the wager. The interactive nature of microbets attracts bettors who thrive on fast-paced betting, while sportsbooks utilize AI to mitigate risk and maximize profitability.
According to The Dales Report, in 2022, microbetting accounted for 30% of DraftKings' NCAA Football handle and 26% of the Super Bowl.
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Customer Service
The days of long wait times and frustrating live chat loops are over.
Platforms have turned to AI chatbots, which now take on the majority of customer service inquiries in the gambling industry. These systems, trained from millions of saved interactions, are capable of interacting and solving problems such as account questions, payment disputes, bonus terms, and even complaints.
AI chatbots provide faster resolution times and lower overhead costs. Industry projections by Gartner suggest that chatbots handle up to 70% of customer queries without requiring human intervention, and by 2029, that number will rise to 80%.
Some online casinos are even experimenting with AI avatars as live dealers in virtual card games. Complete with voice interaction and lifelike facial expressions, these AI avatars can sometimes blur the line between traditional video gameplay and a real-life casino experience.
Advanced Game Design
One of the most cutting-edge uses of AI is in game design.
Instead of creating static slot machines or card games, developers are using AI to build adaptive games. These games respond to player behavior.
Someone who chases jackpots and the thrill might encounter more volatile games. A conservative bettor, on the other hand, will likely be offered a lower-risk experience. Even bonus rounds could be tailored to match a player's favorite mechanics.
AI also allows operators to personalize themes, soundtracks, and even story arcs. Essentially, AI is creating customized games.
A player who frequently places esports bets might begin to see their dashboard styled with team colors and animated overlays resembling popular games. Someone who regularly bets on UFC events might see octagon-style motifs and fighter imagery built into their interface.
Fraud Detection
AI is revolutionizing the way operators approach fraud, collusion, and identifying theft.
Analyzing betting behavior, device biometrics, login locations, and by monitoring transaction patterns, AI can flag suspicious activity with greater accuracy and speed than humans. Whether it's spotting bots at poker tables or blocking account takeovers, AI acts as a digital guardian.
In esports, AI helps detect suspicious betting patterns and potential match-fixing attempts, protecting the integrity of the sport.
Biometric verification has also become more common, especially on mobile casino apps. Users can log in securely using facial recognition or fingerprints. Using cross-checking features, AI will utilize documents in detecting potential deepfake or spoofing attempts. In highly regulated markets like Ontario, these tools are a legal requirement.
According to Zipdo’s Education Report, AI-enhanced platforms have reduced fraud-related losses in online casinos by 60%.
While there are concerns over the opaque nature of AI's algorithmic decision-making, particularly regarding how personalization might target and exploit players with addictive tendencies, many jurisdictions require operators to audit their AI systems. Jurisdictions also require operators to provide explainable algorithmic logic and offer players the ability to opt out of certain AI features.
Even still, ethical dilemmas remain. Should players be told if odds are changing based on their play history? Should algorithms be able to suggest bets that statistically lead to higher losses? These are questions that will shape the next era of gambling policy.
For now, it's argued that with proper oversight, AI is the most effective tool regulators have ever had in combating fraud.
Conclusion
From customized game lobbies to real-time fraud detection and in-play betting, AI is rapidly reshaping every corner of online gambling. It improves efficiency for operators, providing a safe environment and a more enjoyable experience for players.
At the same time, the tools that power this innovation require regulation and ethical use. The future of gambling is in the hands of AI. It must be deployed and utilized correctly.
As operators race to outperform their competitors and governments work to keep up with the technology, one thing is clear: whether you're spinning a reel, placing a parlay, or chatting with a support bot, Artificial intelligence is here to stay.