DraftKings built AI model to target likely problem gamblers with promotions, NYT reports
According to a New York Times investigation, DraftKings developed a machine-learning system that scores customers based on personal data to predict who is most likely to lose money in response to promotional offers. Former employees say the tool was used to funnel bonuses, free bets and profit boosts toward users flagged as high-risk gamblers, rather than to protect them.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The report suggests a major sports-betting platform may be weaponizing data science against vulnerable users instead of using it for consumer protection, raising serious ethical and regulatory questions. As gambling apps expand nationwide, this could intensify scrutiny from lawmakers and regulators over how AI is used to exploit addictive behavior for profit.
- DraftKings reportedly built an AI model scoring users by likely gambling losses.
- Former employees say high-risk gamblers were targeted with more promotions, not fewer.
- The findings raise ethical and regulatory concerns about AI use in gambling apps.
Source: futurism.com — Frank Landymore, 2026-09-22
Published there as: “DraftKings Is Using AI to Identify Problem Gamblers and Get Them Hooked”
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