Playtech and UNLV Partner on AI for Responsible Gambling

In a significant move toward fostering responsible gambling practices, Playtech has announced a multiyear collaboration with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). This partnership, focused on leveraging cutting-edge technology, aims to develop a more sustainable gambling environment by advancing research and innovation in the sector. Playtech, a leading global supplier of gambling software, will work with UNLV’s International Gaming Institute (IGI) to explore ways technology can mitigate gambling-related harm while promoting safer player experiences.

A Focus on Responsible Gambling Through Technology

At the heart of this collaboration is the exploration of how artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning can be used to foster a safer gambling environment. Playtech, known for its advanced gambling technologies, is dedicating resources to UNLV’s ongoing research projects aimed at reducing gambling-related risks. These projects, which include AI-driven initiatives, aim to enhance player protection and minimize harmful gambling behaviors.

Playtech's Vice President of US business operations, Jonathan Doubilet, emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating, “Playtech is dedicated to fostering a safer gambling environment and actively supports research aimed at reducing gambling-related harm and enhancing player protection measures.”

One of the collaboration's key projects focuses on how AI can be used to train chatbots to encourage safer gambling behavior among sports bettors. These AI-driven chatbots could serve as a critical tool in identifying problematic gambling habits and intervening before they escalate into more severe issues. By developing advanced algorithms, Playtech and UNLV aim to create systems capable of identifying at-risk behaviors and offering real-time, personalized interventions.

Founded in 1999, Playtech has grown into a dominant force in both the retail and online gambling industries. The company, which operates in over 20 countries and employs more than 7,900 people, has long been a pioneer in integrating business intelligence with gambling software. Its product offerings span across major gambling verticals, including casino, live casino, sports betting, virtual sports, bingo, and poker. Playtech’s integrated platform, Playtech ONE, is particularly notable for its data-driven marketing capabilities and its focus on responsible gambling.

The company’s approach to responsible gambling aligns well with UNLV’s expertise. Playtech ONE offers tools such as single-wallet functionality, CRM, and responsible gambling solutions across a unified platform. This partnership with UNLV adds another layer of innovation, positioning Playtech at the forefront of research into the technological tools that could shape the future of safer gambling.

Research Initiatives

Beyond funding specific AI-focused projects, Playtech’s commitment to UNLV extends to supporting educational and professional opportunities. One such example is Playtech’s sponsorship of an internship in UNLV IGI’s Center for Gaming Innovation, part of the inaugural Gaming Manufacturing Internship Program. This initiative supports students and researchers working on cutting-edge gaming technology, with a particular focus on creating products that enhance player safety and responsibility.

UNLV’s International Gaming Institute has long been a hub for global gambling research, offering modern insights, research-based solutions, and educational programs to the gaming and gambling industries. The institute’s work, grounded in data and emerging technologies, helps provide practical solutions for the industry to mitigate gambling-related harm. Kasra Ghaharian, PhD, director of research at IGI, highlighted the importance of Playtech’s involvement, noting that the company’s expertise in AI and machine learning will help advance responsible gambling practices worldwide.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Playtech in advancing our responsible gambling research. Their expertise in artificial intelligence and machine learning is crucial in promoting safer gambling behaviors amongst players all around the world,” Ghaharian said. He went on to stress the growing importance of responsible gambling initiatives as gambling expands in both the U.S. and internationally.

A Growing Global Focus on Responsible Gambling

The timing of this partnership is significant. As the gambling industry grows, particularly in the U.S. where new markets continue to open for sports betting and iGaming, responsible gambling practices are becoming a central focus for regulators, operators, and technology providers alike. The collaboration between Playtech and UNLV signals a broader industry shift toward investing in technology that can enhance player protection measures while balancing growth and innovation.

The research driven by this partnership has global implications, as both parties aim to contribute to a more sustainable gambling environment by using AI and data analytics to predict, understand, and prevent gambling-related harm. By addressing the complex and evolving challenges of responsible gambling, Playtech and UNLV are positioning themselves as leaders in shaping a future where technology plays a central role in ensuring player safety.

Conclusion

Playtech’s multiyear collaboration with UNLV represents a pivotal moment in the gambling industry’s evolution toward responsible practices. By leveraging AI and machine learning, this partnership seeks to create innovative solutions to promote safer gambling behaviors and minimize harm. As responsible gambling becomes increasingly important both in the U.S. and globally, this collaboration will likely serve as a model for how the industry can integrate advanced technologies to protect players and ensure long-term sustainability.

With Playtech’s technological prowess and UNLV’s research expertise, this partnership holds the potential to reshape the way the gambling industry approaches player safety, offering a glimpse into a future where AI-powered interventions are standard tools in promoting responsible gambling.