At DraftKings, AI Targets the Gamblers Likeliest to Lose

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-19T09:10:46.710Z • Permanent link

DraftKings, a leading US-based online sportsbook and daily fantasy sports operator, has been under scrutiny for its handling of high-risk gamblers. Recent reports suggest that the company has been using data science to identify individuals most likely to lose money, and subsequently offering them targeted betting incentives to try to stem the tide of problem gambling. This approach has been criticized for prioritizing profits over the well-being of vulnerable users.

According to sources familiar with the matter, DraftKings' data science team has been analyzing a range of data points, including betting patterns, financial information, and user behavior, to identify individuals who are at risk of developing a gambling problem. The company has resisted using similar technology to protect these users, sparking concerns that it is more interested in generating revenue than ensuring the long-term health of its customers. This approach has been likened to "targeted exploitation," and has raised questions about the ethics of using data science to manipulate vulnerable individuals.

DraftKings' CEO, Jason Robins, has defended the company's approach, stating that it is simply trying to provide users with a more personalized experience. However, critics argue that the company's approach is fundamentally flawed, and that it is putting profits over people. In a statement, the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) expressed concern about DraftKings' handling of high-risk gamblers, stating that "we urge DraftKings to take a more responsible approach to addressing problem gambling.

DraftKings' use of data science to target high-risk gamblers has significant implications for the broader industry. Research communities and policymakers have long been concerned about the impact of problem gambling on individuals and society as a whole. The use of data science to manipulate vulnerable individuals raises questions about the ethics of using these technologies, and the potential for exploitation. Companies like DraftKings have a responsibility to ensure that their products are safe and responsible, and that they are not contributing to the problem of problem gambling.

The impact of DraftKings' approach is not limited to the company itself. The use of data science to target high-risk gamblers has significant implications for the broader research community, which is working to better understand the causes and consequences of problem gambling. Policymakers are also taking notice, with some calling for greater regulation of the industry to ensure that companies are taking a more responsible approach to addressing problem gambling. As the industry continues to evolve, it is clear that DraftKings' approach will have significant implications for the future of online sports betting.

The use of data science to target high-risk gamblers is not a new phenomenon. Other companies, including online sportsbooks and social media platforms, have been using similar approaches to try to reduce problem gambling. However, DraftKings' approach is unique in its scope and ambition. The company's use of data science to analyze betting patterns and financial information is a sophisticated approach that is unmatched in the industry.