The ultimate spot for Casinos & Sportsbooks

A University of Florida researcher named Nasim Binesh, Ph.D., M.B.A., and an assistant professor at the College of Health & Human Performance, has published a study on the ethics and risks of the use of Artificial Intelligence in gambling. She said, for example, that AI systems could potentially be used to target problem gamblers who are vulnerable to addiction. The study calls for AI guidelines that would help rather than harm the gambling industry as a whole. With the 2025 World Series of Poker kicking off in Las Vegas this past May 27, excitement is mounting among players and fans. But alongside the anticipation, a deeper and more urgent conversation is taking place - one that examines the increasing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in gambling and the ethical concerns it raises. According to forecasts, the global gambling industry is expected to top $876 billion by the year 2026. This growth is fueled in part by technological innovation, including AI, which is now widely used in online gambling, sports betting, and even traditional casinos. Yet while AI offers powerful tools for enhancing user experiences and optimizing operations, it also poses serious ethical risks - particularly when it comes to protecting vulnerable gamblers. UF researcher raises the alarm Nasim Binesh, Ph.D., M.B.A., an assistant professor in the University of Florida’s College of Health & Human Performance, is at the forefront of this issue. In a recent study published in the International Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Administration, Binesh and co-author Kasra Ghaharian, Ph.D., of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, examine how AI is being used in the gambling sector - and why greater oversight is urgently needed. “AI systems, which are designed to optimize profit, could identify and target players susceptible to addiction, pushing them deeper into harmful behaviors,” Binesh warned. This concern is heightened by the fact that few regulations currently exist that specifically govern AI use in gambling. Though frameworks like the US Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights and the European Union’s AI Act offer general AI guidelines, they are not tailored to the unique dynamics of the gambling industry. Industry begins to respond Some steps are being taken. In March, the International Gaming Standards Association’s Ethical AI Standards Committee announced plans to develop a framework for best practices to help regulators better understand AI’s role in gambling. This initiative signals growing recognition within the industry that unchecked AI use could backfire - both ethically and commercially. “The potential for AI to exacerbate gambling harms and exploit vulnerable individuals is a stark reality that demands immediate and informed action,” emphasized Binesh. In their study, Binesh and Ghaharian outline a roadmap for ethically responsible AI in gambling. Key recommendations include: Independent audits of AI systems to assess compliance with ethical standards Training for AI developers focused on at-risk populations Ensuring AI-generated decisions are transparent and understandable to users Full disclosure of how user data is collected and used. The researchers also note that AI has the potential to serve as a protective force. It can be used to detect early signs of gambling addiction, flag potential fraud, and even recognize cheating. However, the dual-use nature of AI makes regulation essential. “AI’s potential to enhance consumer protection by identifying at-risk behaviors and intervening appropriately is well acknowledged,” said Binesh. “Yet, without regulation, these technologies could be underused or misapplied, missing critical interventions and failing to mitigate harms.” Balancing innovation and responsibility Looking ahead, Binesh plans to continue her research into how AI can detect early markers of gambling harm, including behavioral cues from social media and other data sources. She cautions, however, that a lack of regulatory clarity could ultimately inhibit progress. “Ironically, the lack of AI regulation could stifle the very innovation it seeks to foster,” she said. “Ethical controversies and backlash against these unregulated practices might lead to more restrictive policies and hinder AI advancement.” As AI continues to reshape the world of gambling, Binesh’s work highlights a critical need: balancing technological innovation with robust ethical oversight. For the industry to thrive sustainably, protecting players must be as much a priority as profit.

OG, the iconic esports organization renowned for its Dota 2 legacy, has announced a significant overhaul of its European roster. This strategic move is spearheaded by Johan "N0tail" Sundstein, the organization's co-founder and two-time The International champion, who returns to the fold as the head coach. N0tail's appointment marks a pivotal moment in OG's quest to reclaim its former glory in the competitive Dota 2 scene. The past two years have been challenging for OG's Dota 2 division. After a series of roster changes and underwhelming performances, the team failed to qualify for TI in both 2023 and 2024. Recognizing the need for a fresh direction, OG's management decided to rebuild the team from the ground up. This rebuilding process culminated in the formation of a new roster, blending seasoned veterans with promising talents. A Whole New World The new revamp for OG was unprecedented, but it went faster than most people expected it to happen as well. Now it seems that they are keen to see a repeat of their dominant stretch in Dota 2 back then. On loan from Natus Vincere, Indji “Shad” Lub brings experience from the Tier 2 scene and is expected to bolster OG's offensive strategies. Another key addition would be Daniel “Stormstormer” Schoetzau, a German midlaner with a history in international tournaments, Stormstormer has been trialing with OG since April and is now officially part of the team. The support spots are filled by Tamir “daze” Tokpanov and Ivan “Kidaro” Bondarev. Daze is a young Kazakhstani player who previously played for the Natus Vincere academy, while Kidaro is an Ukrainian support player with experience in various Eastern European teams. So far, this diverse lineup reflects N0tail's vision of blending experience with youthful energy, aiming to create a cohesive and dynamic team. Nothing is easy in Dota 2, and everything has to be earned. N0tail, for one, knows how to win it all, and he is definitely going to need to teach all his tricks if the team will even have a chance at winning. “N0tail is going to be taking charge of the team. He's going to be coaching the team, managing the team, and building it in the way he wants it to be built,” team CEO Daniel Sanders said of N0tail’s experience and coaching. “And that means picking up young talent, and really going back to his philosophy of running a team in his image.” On to the Next Challenge N0tail himself expressed his commitment to fostering a team that not only excels in gameplay but also understands the intricacies of Dota 2. He aims to cultivate a squad where communication and strategic thinking are paramount, allowing players to engage in meaningful discussions about the game. With the new roster in place, OG is setting its sights on upcoming qualifiers for major tournaments, including The International 2025 and the Esports World Cup 2025. The team's performance in these events will be a testament to the effectiveness of N0tail's coaching philosophy and the synergy of the newly assembled roster. As OG embarks on this new journey, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the blend of veteran leadership and emerging talent will impact the team's trajectory in the competitive Dota 2 landscape. The coming months will undoubtedly be crucial in determining whether this new chapter marks the resurgence of OG's dominance in the esports arena.