AI & Ethical Considerations in Gambling

Date: January 16, 2024
Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm EST

Contact Hours: 1

Training Description & Learning Objectives:

 

As gambling operations and associated technologies evolve, so too do the methods to mitigate the harms associated with at-risk and problem gambling. This webinar provides an accessible introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), tailored to how these technologies are being deployed to identify individuals at-risk of problem gambling. With the capability to analyze vast amounts of data for indicators of at-risk behavior, AI and ML presents a promising tool for player protection. However, the use of AI extends beyond safeguarding players; it also serves gambling operators commercial interests. This dual use raises significant ethical questions: How do we balance the benefits of AI in protecting vulnerable players with the risks associated with data privacy, consent, and potential exploitation for profit? This session will unravel these complexities, examining the ethical considerations of AI use within the gambling industry.

 

 

1.      Explain the dual use of AI in gambling: Evaluate the ways in which AI is employed for both protecting players and enhancing gambling operators commercial interests, identifying potential conflicts between these uses.

 

2.      Identify key ethical dilemmas: List and discuss the ethical implications of AI in gambling, particularly concerning data privacy, consent, and the risk of exploiting vulnerable populations.

 

3.      Propose strategies for ethical AI use: Recommend practical strategies that enforce the responsible and safe use of AI.

Kasra Ghaharian

 

 

Kasra Ghaharian is the director of research for UNLV's International Gaming Institute. He is a global gaming expert who specializes in online settings and AI applications, machine learning, consumer protection, and payments modernization.

Ghaharian brings several years of industry experience in digital analytics, strategic marketing, e-commerce analysis and product management, enterprise strategy, and sales at several of the world's largest casino-hotel companies to the position. His scholarly works have examined ways to improve industry tech and user experience. While pursuing his Ph.D., Ghaharian explored the implications of digital payments for the gambling industry and applied machine learning to payment transaction data to uncover behavioral patterns and potential markers of problem gambling. His master's thesis was a first-of-its-kind study to apply mathematical methods to the age-old task of optimizing the casino floor. His current research projects include using consumer bank transaction data to support gambling harm prevention and investigating the efficacy of AI chat bots to educate consumers about responsible gambling.

Ghaharian has been called upon by media outletsvincluding BBC, Sports Handle, and Inside Asian Gaming to offer industry insights.

Continuing education statements
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Social Work has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6642. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Social Work is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs. Each successfully completed webinar qualifies for 1 contact hour.

This course has been submitted the North Carolina Addiction Specialist Professional Practice Board for 1 SS contact hours.