Ever since ChatGPT exploded onto the scene, AI is increasingly becoming a part of our daily conversation. While some people are still understandably sceptical about the technology and how it will affect our lives moving forward, more industries are beginning to embrace AI and the advantages that it can bring. It is becoming more apparent that AI is less of a threat to our livelihoods and more of a means to increasing our productivity and efficiency. Whether that be in the workplace, or in our leisure time, AI is making processes more streamlined.
One industry where this is evident is the world of online casinos, and in particular, slot games.
Online slots are one of the most popular casino games for UK players. At any online casino, you will find hundreds and sometimes thousands of video slots from various software developers. In recent years, we are seeing a change in the way slots are played and how they are incorporated into online casinos, and this is primarily done with AI or machine learning.
AI is changing the way that slots work and how players interact with them. In the article below we will look at how AI is impacting online slot games.
How AI Impacts Slot Games
AI is transforming many industries, and iGaming is no exception. Modern online slots implement emerging technologies that are powered by AI to offer players an array of new features. Despite these advancements, the fundamental appeal remains unchanged, and the industry continues to grow and adapt each year.
We know that we are dealing with complex machine learning processes, but how exactly are they used in the world of online casinos and slots? It is important to note that this is still a developing area and few slot games incorporate AI/ML. Instead, it is more the surrounding processes and features that are enhanced so that customers can better enjoy their slot games.
Slot Personalisation
One way in which AI is being used in slots is to offer players personalisation. Normally in slot games there are set pay tables, payouts, and bonus games regardless of the player. However, AI allows software developers to customise their games by analysing player behaviour and preferences.
This means that personalised bonus games, free spin rounds and game features can be offered based on what a player is shown to like. This level of customisation has never been possible before in slots and it offers a range of exciting possibilities. Of course, this is reliant on user data and having historical slots data that the AI can learn from and adapt the gameplay to.
Tailored Promotions
Most online casinos offer promotions for both new and existing customers. Many of these promotions include free spins on slot games and bonus cash. AI is being used to offer personalised promotions depending on a customer’s spending habits and gaming preferences.
For example, a player has indicated that they enjoy playing a particular slot title, such as Gold Strike. Instead of providing bonus cash as a promotion, the online casino might use AI to show the player’s preferences and give them two hundred free spins on their favourite game. Personalisation is something most people expect today in the world of e-commerce and gaming, so this is a particularly useful way AI is used.
Improved Responsible Gambling
There is a concerted push by the UKGC (United Kingdom Gambling Commission) to educate businesses and customers in the iGaming industry. One of the main goals is to protect customers and educate them about responsible gambling, and machine learning is used in this area too.
AI is helping to provide gaming reminders to players playing slot games, as the passing of time can easily be ignored by them. For example, you may get a reminder if you have been playing for 30 minutes. AI also allows casinos to analyse customer’s behaviour, gaming patterns and habits to spot potential signs of problem gambling.
Improved Security
In general, AI is strengthening cybersecurity in businesses across the board. When it comes to online casinos, AI is employed in conjunction with other security features such as SSL certificates and data encryption to protect customers when playing slots. AI helps to monitor slot activity and other games and look for potentially fraudulent or suspicious patterns.
The Future of Online Slots
It is clear that this is just the beginning of AI utilisation in online slots and casinos, and we can expect the technology to improve. The starting point is giving customers an enhanced user experience via personalisation of things like bonuses and gameplay, while also improving responsible gambling protection and strengthening security features.
In time, we can expect entire games to be developed, with AI providing fully customisable features triggered by an individual’s preferences. The slot games we know and love today may be unrecognisable in five years’ time.
