Artificial intelligence is revolutionising professional sports and sports betting, with AI analytics transforming training, recruitment, and game-day strategies. As AI predictions become more accurate, concerns rise over gambling addiction and responsible practices in the industry. Regulatory measures such as the Safe Bet Act are being proposed to address the rapid advancement of AI in sports betting.
On February 10, 2023, at South Point sportsbook in Las Vegas, the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in professional sports and sports betting was highlighted. AI analytics and algorithms are becoming integral in tracking metrics such as a running back’s speed or an infielder’s throw velocity. Athletes and coaches use AI to enhance training, recruitment, and game-day strategies. Similarly, AI is transforming sports betting by quickly analyzing vast datasets to offer personalized betting experiences and predictive modeling.
AI tools, which can predict certain events with up to 90% accuracy, are anticipated to become more prevalent. While this technology could democratize access to sports analytics, it also poses risks. The National Council on Problem Gambling estimates up to 9 million Americans struggle with gambling addiction, which could be exacerbated as bettors are lured by AI-driven predictions.
The industry has mechanisms to track problematic gambling behaviors through markers like betting frequency, credit card usage, and account activities. AI could potentially enhance these efforts, detecting fraud and irregular patterns. However, its benefits hinge on the gambling industry’s commitment to responsible practices.
In the U.S., sports betting is regulated at the state level, resulting in a regulatory patchwork. Rep. Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.) has proposed the Safe Bet Act, which would prevent operators from using AI for targeted promotions and gambling habit tracking. The rapid advancement of AI in sports betting highlights the need for comprehensive regulatory measures.
