DraftKings allegedly used AI to target bonus bets
The gist
A New York Times investigation says DraftKings used AI to target bonus bets at likely losers.
The company disputes the characterization, and the case spotlights how gambling promotions are aimed.
How it unfolded
- 2023DraftKings built a machine-learning model that scored casino players on how much they would lose after a free bet or bonus offer.
- 2023 -09Former data analyst Jayden Butts tested the system on roughly 5,000 casino users before expanding the trials.
- 2024Data scientist Nestor Hernandez began developing a separate model to identify customers sliding toward a gambling crisis; DraftKings shelved the project.