# DraftKings uses AI to target chronic gamblers with losing bets

Digest AI · Society & Work · published 2026-09-24T20:11:52Z

Canonical: https://digestai.news/story/draftkings-uses-ai-to-target-chronic-gamblers-with-losing-bets

## Summary

DraftKings is applying AI to identify customers who repeatedly place losing bets and then sends them tailored promotions to encourage further gambling. The company trains a machine learning model on its users’ betting records to predict which individuals are most likely to lose money. These targeted ads aim to re-engage problem gamblers, who are more vulnerable to financial harm, by offering incentives to return to the platform—even though DraftKings profits from their losses.

The practice relies on first-party data, meaning DraftKings only uses information collected directly from its users, not third-party sources. Critics argue that AI amplifies the harms of behavioral advertising by enabling faster, more precise targeting. The article highlights how this system exploits user vulnerability for profit, while also noting that ad data often fuels broader surveillance industries, including law enforcement. No specific figures on model accuracy or ad effectiveness are provided.

## Key points

- DraftKings trains AI on betting records to find users who repeatedly lose money
- Model targets these users with promotions to encourage further gambling for profit
- Company uses only first-party data, not third-party sources, for its AI model

## Why it matters

AI-driven behavioral targeting risks worsening gambling addiction by exploiting user data for profit, raising ethical concerns about predatory advertising practices.

## Sources

1. [DraftKings Is Using AI to Behaviorally Target Chronic Gamblers](https://eff.org/deeplinks/2026/09/draftkings-using-ai-supercharge-harms-online-behavioral-advertising) (eff.org, 2026-09-24)

## Cite

Digest AI, "DraftKings uses AI to target chronic gamblers with losing bets", 24 September 2026, https://digestai.news/story/draftkings-uses-ai-to-target-chronic-gamblers-with-losing-bets

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