It is fair to say that the online gambling industry has been a big beneficiary of advancements in technology. In fact, without these advancements, the industry would not even exist. The internet and mobile technology have allowed many casino games to be enjoyed in an online format. 

Not only that, but they advanced from basic games that used simple graphics to what they are today. Video slots at top rated online casinos for US players, for example, now feature amazing graphics, while we can play live casino games streamed to our devices via webcam, and there is also talk of virtual reality becoming a big part of the industry in the future. However, could the advancement of technology actually threaten the existence of this industry?

If artificial intelligence continues to advance at the rate it has done, could it be used to beat online casino games? If so, the industry could be at risk of those using it to profit. 

How Has Artificial Intelligence Faired in Other Games?

We all know how AI is increasingly used in marketing, transportation, construction, hospitality, and many other industries, but this is to their benefit. However, can AI better a human when playing games? There has certainly been evidence that it can. For instance, AI has beaten the best chess players, poker players, and when playing professional players of video games, such as DOTA and League of Legends.  

Artificial intelligence can learn to make the most optimal decisions at the perfect time. It also does not make the mistakes that humans are capable of. Therefore, it will always beat experienced WSOP poker players at their own game. 

The fundamental similarity of each of those games, however, is that they all rely on skill. Artificial intelligence is called artificial intelligence for a reason. It is intelligence that software can learn and improve upon, so it makes sense that it could learn how to out skill somebody in games such as those mentioned. Players also compete against each other on a level playing field.

So How About Casino Games?

Casino games are not skill-based at all. Instead, they are games of chance. No matter the action a player takes, it is luck that determines the result. Plus, the casino always has a competitive edge, as without one, the gambling industry would not exist. They designed the games in such a way that while players can win, the casino will always win in the long run.  

As it stands right now, it would seem fairly unlikely that artificial intelligence could learn to beat a casino game that is luck-based and has an edge. Results of these games are determined by random number generators (RNGs) which is software that ensures that results are fair and random. 

However, the worrying thing about that, is that humans designed this software. If artificial intelligence can already beat humans at many things, could it one day figure out and beat the algorithms used in RNG software? While we would all like to say no, we would not like to bet against AI one day having the beating of online casino games.

What Can the Casino Industry Do?

Well, as of now, artificial intelligence is still in its infancy. We do not think there is a risk of anything being developed that could harm the casino industry just yet. A few years down the line though, and with the rate of advancement the technology is enjoying, and online casinos might have a problem.

The biggest threat is the development of AI bots that could be used to consistently win at casino games. So if that were to happen, the industry would have to think of ways to detect this behavior and prevent it. In fact, we could even implement AI in the battle against this kind of behavior. 

Whatever the solution may or may not be, it is certainly time for the industry to put some thought into it. 

The Prize Takeaway

There is reason to be concerned about the increase in which artificial intelligence is being used in every industry. Why it is currently used to enhance customer support, the healthcare industry, and marketing, people are concerned that computers and software will eventually take replace humans in jobs and professions. However, the casino industry has deeper concerns. Not only could it replace humans, but it could also actually learn how to beat the casino games that have been designed to win for the casino.  

Source: Plato Data Intelligence