At DraftKings, AI Targets the Gamblers Likeliest to Lose
Data science helps determine who receives betting incentives, but the company has resisted using similar technology to protect gamblers at risk of addiction.
TL;DR
- DraftKings created a machine learning model to identify customers likely to respond to promotions by gambling and losing money.
- The model prioritized offering free bets and bonuses to these 'likely losers,' seen as a profitable investment.
- Concerns were raised by an employee that the model targeted individuals prone to gambling addiction.
- Former employees stated DraftKings continued to refine methods to target losing gamblers for more betting.
- Simultaneously, efforts to use similar technology to predict and prevent gambling problems were reportedly stalled or suppressed.