Optima integrates AI in tool to fight problem gambling

Optima, a gaming technology firm based in Spain, is deploying artificial intelligence and machine learning in its newest tool to tackle problem gambling.

The tool could detect the exact moment when a person moves from entertainment into gambling addiction levels through the use of artificial intelligence.

Optima, who has partnership with several betting companies including power houses bwin and bet365, is developing the tool on Oracle Cloud Technology, analysing the entire bet making process from the calculation of bets to how payments are processed.

Jacob López Curciel, CEO of Óptima said: “We are working at a European level to combat problem gambling through machine learning and artificial intelligence. The objective is to prevent users from becoming gamblers, not so much by identifying the patterns but the trigger, that moment that makes one become addicted.”

Curciel acknowledges that identifying the trigger is complex as it could be anything from a specific promotion, outside influences, or perhaps the type of content the player is exposed to.

“Through artificial intelligence, OPTIMA seeks to detect what that key moment is and move it to a previous stage, avoiding crossing the threshold into addiction.”

The company has also sought the service of psychologists and other professionals for developing the tool.