We have seen artificial intelligence used in many different industries to date, but did you know it is also used in the iGaming industry? In other words, sites such as SpinCity casino and sportsbooks also benefit from this technology. However, this causes a certain amount of concern among players: does artificial intelligence create a disadvantage in casino games, particularly in terms of fairness? If not, what is the purpose of its use, and why do online casinos utilize this technology? We will answer all these questions below.
Definition of Fairness: How Does a Casino Game Produce Fair Results?
First, we need to provide general information about how fairness works in online casino games. Regardless of the type, every online casino game determines the outcome based on an RNG algorithm. RNG stands for random number generator, and that’s exactly what it does: it generates a random number. This number determines what the player sees on the screen, i.e., whether they win or lose (or how much they win). For example, let’s say you’re playing a slot machine.
- Such games have many symbols, but to keep things simple, let’s assume there are only three symbols: apple, cherry, and watermelon.
- Each of these symbols is assigned a specific numerical range. For example, the apple is assigned 1-100, the cherry is assigned 101-200, and the watermelon is assigned 201-300.
- When the player clicks the Spin button, the RNG algorithm generates three random numbers. In this example, let’s assume these numbers are 78, 110, and 195.
- This means the player will see one apple and two cherry symbols on their screen. Since the RNG did not generate a number within the watermelon’s range, this symbol will not appear on the screen.
An RNG algorithm (and slot machine mechanics) is, of course, more complex than this, but this is how it works in general. All these calculations are completed the moment the player presses the Spin button, so you see the results instantly; there is no need to wait. All other online casino games (roulette, poker, blackjack, etc.) work exactly the same way.
How Does This Ensure Fairness?
The reason this system ensures fairness is that the results are truly random. No one, including the person who coded the game, can know what the RNG results will be: only chance decides whether you win or lose. Therefore, this is a fair system: the numbers selected from a specific range are random, and they have no specific pattern.
So, how does artificial intelligence technology affect this gameplay? More precisely, does the use of this technology in online casino games make any difference in terms of fairness?
How Is Artificial Intelligence Used in Online Casino Games?
Artificial intelligence is not used in the RNG system and does not interfere with its operation in any way. Therefore, it cannot influence or alter game outcomes – there is no need to worry about it compromising fairness. Artificial intelligence is used to personalize the services offered in the iGaming sector to an unprecedented level.
No, we are not referring to being able to see your favourite games on the casino site’s home page. This is very basic personalization and is already found on almost every website. Artificial intelligence takes this much further and creates a unique profile for each player. This profile contains extremely detailed data points such as the player’s favourite games, how much time and money they spend on each game, the games they win/lose, the bonuses they use, how often they play, and whether or not they use a strategy.
These data points are used to truly personalize the services offered to the player. For example, artificial intelligence can do the following:
- When a player loses in a game, it can offer them a mini bonus specific to that game to encourage them to continue playing.
- The player can be offered a free spin package specific to a slot machine they haven’t played in a long time to encourage them to return to it.
- The player can be guided to choose games with the highest contribution rate while trying to complete wagering requirements.
In addition to all this, it can act as a kind of personal assistant, answering players’ questions or facilitating responsible gaming. For example, if gambling is turning from a hobby into an addiction, artificial intelligence can see this before you do and ask you to take precautions. In other words, the purpose of its use in the iGaming industry is to personalize the services offered and provide players with a more enjoyable and responsible experience.
Use of Personal Data: The Real Ethical Issue
The real ethical issue here may be the use of personal data. Artificial intelligence analyzes a large amount of personal data to offer this level of personalization, and there is currently no legal regulation regarding what the limits of this should be. It is clear that such analysis will cause certain ethical issues, but this is not limited to iGaming: the same issues exist in every sector where artificial intelligence is used to improve and personalize the services offered.
New legal regulations on artificial intelligence and personal data privacy are expected to come into effect in 2026, meaning that its access to user information (or how it is used) will be restricted by setting certain limits. However, these restrictions may also limit the level of personalization offered in both iGaming and other industries. In other words, more ethical artificial intelligence may also mean more restricted artificial intelligence. We will all see what the outcome will be, but you can be sure of one thing: this technology will always provide you with a more personalized service than ever before.
