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DraftKings Uses A.I. To Target the Gamblers Likeliest to Lose

nytimes.com59 points12 comments
Screenshot of DraftKings Uses A.I. To Target the Gamblers Likeliest to Lose

Commenters debated whether "uses A.I." is an accurate description or sensational wording. Some, like dehrmann, argued the techniques described are basic statistical models rather than modern transformer-style AI, and tracerbulletx joked that the NYT targets outrage with the same phrasing. Others offered insider perspective: ivorbuk described long-standing machine-learning and real-time data operations in gambling companies aimed at pushing bonuses and identifying "high value" users, while lokar and wavemode recounted practices such as offering VIP programs to heavy losers, restricting winners to tiny bets, and a secondary market for non-winning accounts. tqi suggested the outlet's priority is clicks rather than precise blame.

Many commenters focused on ethics and social harm. kraussvonespy compared gaming apps to on-demand opioid dispensing, and fullshark called for a temperance movement against smartphones as vice machines. archerx condemned the companies and their enablers as morally culpable, predicting deliberate exploitation, while others noted pragmatic incentives - companies optimize profits and may tilt systems accordingly. Opinion divides between those emphasizing inaccurate tech framing and those highlighting systemic greed and addiction, with critique directed both at operators' tactics and media portrayal.

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