The DraftKings logo is displayed at the sports betting company headquarters, May 2, 2019, in Boston. /Charles Krupa, File)
AUGUSTA (WGME) — Maine gambling regulators say they are monitoring the use of artificial intelligence by sports betting operators after aNew York Times investigation raised concerns about how DraftKings ALLEGEDY used the technology to send promotional offers to customers.
The Times reported that DraftKings used machine learning to analyze customers’ betting histories and identify people most likely to continue gambling when offered promotions. Former company employees told the newspaper they worried the technology could harm people struggling with gambling addiction.
The reporting has prompted regulators in Massachusetts to open an investigation into the company’s use of artificial intelligence.
DraftKings is one of Maine’s two licensed mobile sports betting operators.
In a statement to the CBS13 I-Team, a spokesperson for Maine’s Gambling Control Unit said the agency is watching the issue but does not currently have rules specifically governing AI.
“the Gambling Control Unit is monitoring the use of AI locally and nationally, but at this point there are no Maine laws or rules specifically addressing it’s use,” the spokesperson said.
Other states are currently considering potential limits on how betting companies can use artificial intelligence. The Governor of Maryland, for example, has called for a law that would prohibit betting apps from using “algorithmic and other means” to identify and target users who show patterns of problem gambling.
DraftKings denied The New York Times’ reporting and said it was working to comply with the betting regulations in Massachusetts.
“DraftKings does not use A.I. to target anyone based on losses and does not market to customers based on indicators of potential problem gaming,” the company said in a statement to the Times.
If you or someone you know may have a problem with gambling, please contact 211 Maine. 1-800 GAMBLER will direct you to 211 as well.
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