• Researchers highlight the need for more research into AI adoption in the gambling industry
• To ensure that AI protects consumers, researchers need to produce more relevant research
• There is a lingering danger that if left unchecked, AI could very well be used to harm gambling

The advancement of Artificial Intelligence in the gambling industry is now a matter of public record, with the risks of regulation highlighted by both the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and the University of Florida in recent research.

Seeking to remain at the forefront of this emerging field, UNLV’s International Gaming Institute has invited the Responsible Online Gaming Association (ROGA) to be a founding member of the former’s AI Research Hub. The stated goal of the AI Research Hub, or AiR Hub for short, is to help support players and identify advanced best practices when it comes to consumer protection.

ROGA joins UNLV to spearhead research in AI and its use in gambling

The goal is to accelerate the adoption of AI in the gambling industry in a trusted and responsible way, allowing companies and players to benefit. AiR argues that it will work on adopting those aspects of the technology that help it with risk identification and advancing the best responsible gambling practices.

Commenting on this opportunity in a statement, ROGA Executive Director Dr Jennifer Shaley had this to add:

"ROGA is committed to innovative responsible gaming solutions that support players and help ensure their gaming experience remains fun and recreational. AI can help us to proactively identify ways to strengthen these programs, including increasing engagement with responsible gaming resources by personalizing tools that will resonate with each individual player."

Dr Shatley argued that the collaboration with UNLV’s International Gaming Institute would help provide the "critical research and insight" necessary to adopt evidence-based strategies when it comes to leveraging AI to strengthen responsible gambling.

The UNLV was similarly pleased with this collaboration. The UNLV International Gaming Institute Director of Research and co-founder of AiR Hub Dr. Kasra Ghaharian had this to say:

"Having ROGA as a founding member is especially meaningful, as it supports one of the Hub’s core objectives, that is, to positively influence the trajectory of responsible gaming in the age of AI."

Research into the ethical and regulated use of AI is crucial

Dr Ghaharian is also the co-author of recent research published in collaboration with the University of Florida, in which he and his colleague assessed the impact that AI could potentially have if implemented without ethical and regulatory guidance and principles.

"UNLV International Gaming Institute has a long history of pioneering research in the gaming sector, and we are excited to have ROGA as a collaborator for this crucial initiative," Dr Ghaharian said on welcoming the new founding member.

"Having ROGA as a founding member is especially meaningful, as it supports one of the Hub’s core objectives, that is, to positively influence the trajectory of responsible gaming in the age of AI," he wrapped up.

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