Jared Thau is the Founder and CEO of Gameverse Interactive Corp.
The most significant change to slot-machine design in decades has been incorporating predictive artificial intelligence (AI) into the machine software. Over just a few short years, this has enabled casinos to gain insights into their customers’ behavior, preferences and trends that were previously unavailable. As a result, predictive AI has enabled casinos to provide personalized gaming experiences, helping ensure optimal profits and promoting responsible gambling. This article aims to demonstrate the extent to which predictive AI changed slot-machine design and to show the direction in which casino design is headed.
The Rise Of Predictive AI In Slot Machines
What differentiates classic slot machines from their 21st-century counterparts is that the results of gambling with classic slot machines are purely random and solely down to chance. However, the advent of random number generators (RNGs) and predictive AI has ushered in a new era of sophistication, and slot machines can now continuously evaluate the customer who’s playing by analyzing this data in lightning-fast real time. New rules and principles can be applied to the gambling experience based on algorithms that feed off player demographics, previous betting habits, the time of day, what bets have been placed in other casinos and less likely variables such as weather and location.
Personalization And Player Experience
Another of these advantages is the data analysis capabilities of predictive AI. Using this approach, slot machines can better personalize the gaming experience for the player. One application of predictive AI is using past gameplay data of players’ behavior to provide gameplay features they’ll enjoy. For instance, by installing predictive AI into a slot machine, the machine can determine what game to present to the player by analyzing previous interactions between the player and the machine’s features and options. The personalized machine might offer a specific game, bonus or wagering concept because other players with similar behavior were known to enjoy those things in the past.
In addition, highly personalized gaming experiences provide higher levels of player satisfaction and loyalty, meaning they’re more likely to revisit and spend more time and money on the gaming floor. By creating a truly unique experience for each player and providing them with interactivity that makes them feel the casino “knows them,” predictive AI can boost both satisfaction and revenues.
Maximizing Profits And Responsible Gaming
But beyond making the gaming experience more immersive, predictive AI also allows policymakers to make better data decisions that benefit casinos and players alike by creating more profit and safe gaming experiences. Using data to analyze players, predictive AI can detect long-term customers, anticipate spending patterns and flag those at risk of problem gambling. With this information, casinos can fine-tune their advertising, alter games and implement new responsible gaming measures that protect players’ interests.
Likewise, if the algorithm spots someone recently tagged by predictive AI as at risk of gambling addiction, the form of outreach that the casino provides could be different from the support offered to the high-turnover player. In this way, leveraging that knowledge might help maximize the return on the player without resorting to unduly predatory practices by casinos. The lesson for us is that—when used carefully—predictive AI can be helpful without compromising behavioral integrity.
Conclusion: Embracing Innovation With Responsibility
With emerging predictive AI rapidly becoming integral to casino gaming, the growth in innovative technologies must be matched by ethical responsibility. Although the technology is beneficial to the gaming sector in terms of improving player experiences and boosting revenue, ethical and regulatory scrutiny of predictive AI is necessary. Stakeholders and gaming regulators have their work cut out to establish rigorous ethical standards and robust regulatory frameworks that enable the technology to be utilized ethically.
Innovation with responsibility can help the gambling industry embrace predictive AI and make gaming safer and more enjoyable—and even more profitable—for everyone. In the future, predictive AI is poised to change the casino industry like never before, bringing new opportunities for innovation, growth and success.
Forbes Technology Council is an invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs and technology executives. Do I qualify?
