Gambling addiction in the United States is becoming increasingly elusive. Historically, addiction was linked to clear problems like drugs and alcohol. Gambling was often associated with the image of someone stuck at a casino table. Today, gambling doesn’t need a casino. It’s as accessible as a smartphone and a bank account. You can gamble through an entire football game while staying on your couch and might lose thousands without anyone noticing. This makes gambling addiction more insidious, as addicts can appear outwardly successful and normal while secretly losing everything on their phones.
Unlike substances, gambling addiction holds a false promise of recovery. Losing substantial amounts of money can lead a gambler to believe that one more bet will solve their problems. This mindset often leads to repeated losses. Now, artificial intelligence is poised to exacerbate this issue significantly. Gambling companies collect vast data on betting behaviors and losses. AI can analyze this information to create detailed profiles of those more likely to gamble continually and suffer significant losses. A concerning outcome arises when technology identifies a gambler’s weaknesses better than the gambler can.
For years, markers of addiction included noticeable physical changes like slurred speech or visible evidence of substance abuse. However, the digital era leaves no such evidence. For instance, a 25-year-old analyst could place substantial bets during work without anyone knowing. At home, they might lose their yearly bonus during a game without showing any outward signs.
Previously, visiting a casino involved physical barriers that could deter potential impulsive decisions. For example, in 1996, placing a bet at 3 a.m. required effort. This journey provided time for self-reflection. Now, smartphones remove those barriers. Casinos are readily accessible, merging gambling with everyday digital activities. Data collection from these interactions creates an uneven battle. Companies like DraftKings treat users uniquely, applying advanced modeling to understand personal betting habits. They recognize patterns, such as increasing bets after a loss, and use precise triggers to invite users back to betting platforms.
This system contrasts with other industries employing data algorithms. Banks use tools to prevent reckless spending and ensure long-term financial stability. Hospitals use data for early disease detection to prolong life. However, sports betting platforms have conflicting motives. Their most valuable customers are not casual bettors but those who consistently lose large amounts, yet can afford ongoing losses.
Unlike substance addictions, gambling allows continuous engagement because individuals perceive the same outlets of their addiction as tools for recovery. Traditional gambling required patience, as bettors would wait hours to see results. Now, micro-betting offers rapid, frequent opportunities to place bets, providing fleeting dopamine hits.
While recovering addicts might not receive tempting offers promoting their addictions, gambling platforms do this regularly, leveraging AI to exploit vulnerabilities. The deregulation of this industry, combined with sophisticated psychological manipulation techniques, risks severe financial and social damage.
John Mac Ghlionn writes about culture, society, and technology’s influence on everyday life.