Advanced artificial intelligence is already changing the face of professional sports. AI-generated analytics and algorithms can more precisely track such metrics as a running back’s speed on the gridiron or the velocity of an infielder’s throws across the diamond. Athletes use AI to enhance their training regimens. Coaches use it in recruitment and game-day strategizing.
Just as AI is affecting sports, it is, perhaps inevitably, going to transform the business of betting on them.
The legal gambling industry has already figured out how to track bettors’ data, know whether they are on a winning or a losing streak, offer various odds, and supply predictions or probabilities of certain outcomes. Advanced AI systems will help sportsbooks do all of that much faster, using bigger data sets, thus creating an individually tailored gambling experience. AI will know your favorite team and players, how much you typically bet, at what times of day and night — and target you with specific betting recommendations.
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Proponents of online sports betting see this as leveling the betting field, giving anyone seated on a couch access to the analytics once available only to professional gamblers. But for those grappling with a gambling problem — estimated by the National Council on Problem Gambling as up to 9 million Americans — it could reinforce the addiction, as bettors wager increasing amounts because they think they have a better chance to beat the house.
