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Should we fear Generative AI?
Nik McDonald, Senior Account Director at Fujitsu, says absolutely not but that it does come with some risks and drawbacks that organisations should be aware of.
What makes AI such a hot topic across the industry right now?
Operators and suppliers have come to understand that artificial intelligence can have a seismic impact on their businesses, whether that be streamlining internal processes or improving the solutions, tools, services and experiences they provide to their customers. But as the understanding of AI has deepened, so too has the awareness that the impact AI has can be both positive and negative. This has ultimately left some organisations nervous and unsure how to approach it, let alone integrate it into their workflows, services and products. And this is why it’s become a hot topic, with stakeholders across the sector keen to learn more about it.
Is there a certain type of AI that’s best suited to this industry? If so, what makes this type of AI such a good fit?
There are several types of AI including Narrow AI, General AI, Super AI, Reactive Machines, Limited Memory, Theory of Mind and Self Aware. The category most are interested in is Narrow AI and in particular, Generative AI – this is AI that can create new data including texts, images and videos by learning the structure and patterns of its training data to generate new ideas with similar characteristics. It can be trained to understand human language, programming language, art, chemistry, biology, law and countless other complex subjects and is often powered by Large AI models, often referred to as foundation models. This means Generative AI can perform a wide range of tasks including summarisation, classification and answering queries. This scope is what makes it ideally suited to businesses in this industry, regardless of whether they have a B2B or B2C focus.
Can you give a real-world example of Generative AI?
ChatGPT is the most famous example. It’s essentially a chatbot that runs on the foundation of large language models, trained on vast amounts of data to produce texts that humans understand. Users ask a question and ChatGPT breaks down the query into smaller components to analyse their meaning and determine what the user is really asking it to do. It then returns the words and sentences it thinks best answer the query based on the data it’s been trained on. It’s pretty cool, but it does have some drawbacks and risks to be aware of.
Could you explain some of these drawbacks and risks?
The accuracy of results is a big concern, as is inconsistent outputs, bias, lack of explainability and even threats to privacy, security and intellectual property. People often forget that ChatGPT is a public service and that as well as sharing information, it consumes it. This means users must approach with caution if using it in the workplace or to ask questions about proprietary and sensitive information and data. Users also need to cross-check the answers that are provided to their queries given the inaccuracies and biases it can have.
Does this mean Generative AI should be feared?
Not at all. Organisations should embrace the power of Generative AI and the clear benefits it can bring to their operations. We are already seeing companies use it, whether that be a slot studio harnessing its creativity to come up with new game concepts, designs, animations and even mechanics, to compliance platforms that use it to spot patterns in player behaviour. This sector has always been at the cutting edge, and I would include operators and suppliers to push the boundaries of AI but just to be mindful of some of the risks it presents.
How has Fujitsu approached Generative AI?
We have been busy developing a chatbot that’s similar to ChatGPT but that organisations can use with confidence. Instead of using publicly available data, it sits on top of the company’s data warehouse and allows teams and employees to ask questions and queries and have answers generated based on the proprietary data the foundation models have been fed on. Data can be siloed within the warehouse and with different levels of permission granted to different employees and teams. With our PrivateGPT, companies can really benefit from the power of Generative AI but with confidence that data is safe, secure and private, that responses are accurate and unbiased, and that the right level of permission is granted to individual employees.
Can you give an example of how organisations can use your PrivateGPT?
Our PrivateGPT has lots of use cases including being able to ask any question, chat with company data, find new answers and insights, foster deeper collaboration, jointly generate insight and evaluate results and develop decision support systems. Specifically, it might be a legal and compliance team wanting to ask a question about a previous market entry and a specific legal requirement, or it might even be to offer a consumer-facing tool where bettors can see how a team or player had performed across historic bet outcomes. This is what makes Generative AI so exciting and why it will continue to be a hot topic for some time to come.
Wow, time flies! Can’t believe it’s been ten years since stepping into the exhilarating world of online gambling – a field that initially seemed like a short-term stint quickly turned into a new-found passion.
Moving to Malta, and eventually finding a home in Tallinn, I’ve had the privilege to watch the highs and lows as well as the many progressions and transformations. Today, I am proud to form part of the Mr. Gamble team that is ambitiously expanding into new markets, and pushing the boundaries.
From Customer Support to CMO
My journey in iGaming kicked off in Customer Support at Betsson – a leap from my telecom sales management role back in Finland. While this move puzzled my family and friends alike, it was a necessary step. Over the months and years, I worked my way up through various roles including Affiliate Coordinator, Affiliate Manager and Head of Affiliates, learning the various intricate parts of the industry, while at the same time adapting to new technological changes.
One thing is for sure, the iGaming industry is a fast-paced one, and each role has helped me to thrive and adapt to the various changes. Flexibility is key when working in this industry.
Venturing into Entrepreneurship: My Own Affiliate Business
Following many years of corporate experience, I took the leap to start up my own affiliate business with the aim of creating my own business from scratch. Handling everything from SEO and content strategy to fostering brand partnerships and growth strategies gave me an overall view of the affiliate industry’s many complexities. This entrepreneurial journey instilled insight and resilience, especially in terms of the value of the diverse skill sets found within a team.
By 2023, I joined Mr. Gamble as CMO, bringing my own entrepreneurial experience into this company’s growth strategy. Drawing on my background in SEO, content management and brand development and alongside a knowledgeable team, we have successfully strengthened Mr. Gamble’s presence in established markets, while also setting our sites on new markets.
New Markets and New Possibilities
Since the online gambling industry is continually evolving and expanding, it also brings with it a surge in growth when it comes to new and emerging markets. While we have made huge strides in launching Mr. Gambe USA, we are also eyeing promising regions in Asia, Latin America and Africa, where digital adoption and regulations are evolving creating new opportunities.
As we continue to solidify our presence in the US, these emerging markets represent the next frontier.
An Ever-Changing and Evolving Gambling Industry
Over the past decade, the online gambling industry has quickly evolved from a somewhat fragmented field to a high-powered professional space. Conferences and expos, once informal gatherings have become hubs for talent.
Events such as SiGMA, SBC, iGB, NEXT.io and Hiphter Events today celebrate the progression of iGaming, while highlighting the various advances in technology and market inclusivity.
The shift toward hybrid work in recent years has also paved the way for industry shakeups. While digital operations are convenient, the importance of face-to-face meetings and connections remains. In an industry highly reliant and built on personal relationships, meeting in person strengthens partnerships and opens doors to new opportunities.
A Bright Future for Mr. Gamble
As CMO of Mr. Gamble, I along with the team are committed to expanding our brand’s influence, not only in traditional markets, but also in new and emerging ones. iGaming is constantly evolving and our strategies must evolve too, adapting and driving on the windy road to success. This entails adapting to changes in technology, user behaviour and experience, and most importantly navigating regulatory landscapes.
Of course, Google’s frequent algorithm updates keep us our our toes, pushing us to refine our approach to stay competitive and ever more relent.
Reflecting on the last 10 years, I am energised and optimistic for the future. With a talented team and untapped markets in tow, Mr. Gamble is well-prepared for substantial growth and impact. Here is to the journey ahead and to everyone – mentors, peers, and friends who have been part of this rewarding path. The next decade holds great potential, and I look more than forward to what is yet to come.
Latest News
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL SELECTS SPORTRADAR TO TRANSFORM PLAYER TALENT SCOUTING FOR ALL 30 CLUBS
Sportradar today announced a multiyear agreement with Major League Baseball (MLB) to offer unparalleled sports performance analysis of amateur baseball prospects, through its Synergy Coaching and Scouting solution, to the league and its 30 Clubs. This new partnership will revolutionize player talent scouting through Sportradar’s advanced, proprietary technology and highlights Sportradar’s commitment to delivering innovative and game-changing solutions to the league.
Under the agreement, MLB and its 30 Clubs will gain access to an unprecedented depth of player analysis and insights with event coverage expanding significantly, from 3,300 to more than 20,000 games – an over 600% increase. This includes college, international, professional partner leagues and leading amateur leagues, such as the MLB Draft League, the Appalachian League and MLB Develops events, and, for the first time, top high school events.
The Synergy Coaching and Scouting solution is uniquely positioned to address the player evaluation needs of MLB as it leverages Sportradar’s expertise ingesting and transforming millions of data points from video into detailed metrics, actionable insights and dynamic visualizations. This, combined with Sportradar’s AI-powered sports performance technology, enables Synergy to provide unparalleled, in-depth analysis of every player, play and game situation, and equips MLB and Club scouts with the information and insights they need to streamline the evaluation process, guide draft decisions and support the development of future MLB players.
“Sportradar’s cutting-edge technology, alongside our reputation as a trusted partner to leading US sports leagues, is driving the transformation of sports performance analysis,” said Eduard Blonk, Chief Commercial Officer, Sportradar. “Through Synergy we are pleased that we are expanding our relationship with MLB, equipping them with the deep data and insights they need to identify the next generation of players. We are eager to continue bringing innovative solutions to MLB.”
“We are excited to expand our relationship with Sportradar and ensure equal access to the Synergy video and data services for all 30 MLB Clubs. This platform has become a key resource for Clubs in the domestic and international scouting process and we look forward to continuing our work with Sportradar in the coming years,” said John D’Angelo, MLB’s Sr. Vice President of Amateur and Medical Operations.
Financial reports
Commercial Gaming Revenue Growth Continues in Q3 2024, Driving Industry’s 15th Consecutive Quarter of Growth
U.S. commercial gaming revenue reached $17.71 billion in Q3 2024, the industry’s highest-grossing Q3 on record, according to the American Gaming Association’s (AGA) Commercial Gaming Revenue Tracker. This makes Q3 2024 the industry’s 15th consecutive quarter of annual revenue growth, with September marking the 43rd straight month of rising year-over-year commercial gaming revenue.
Through the first nine months of the year, nationwide commercial gaming revenue stands at $53.24 billion, pacing 8.0 percent ahead of 2023 and putting the industry on track for a fourth straight record revenue year.
In Q3 2024, 29 of the 35 commercial gaming jurisdictions operational last year saw increased year-over-year revenue. This growth resulted in an 8.9 percent year-over-year increase in state and local taxes tied directly to gaming revenue, with commercial gaming operators contributing $3.79 billion in taxes across the quarter.
Quarterly revenue from land-based gaming – encompassing casino slots, table games and retail sports betting – totaled $12.56 billion, 0.62 percent lower than Q3 2023. Meanwhile, combined revenue from online sports betting and iGaming totaled $5.14 billion in Q3 2024 as online gaming made up 29.0 percent of commercial gaming revenue, a significantly higher share than in Q3 2023.
Looking at each sector in Q3 2024:
- Traditional Gaming: Traditional brick-and-mortar casino gaming generated quarterly revenue of $12.38 billion, a contraction of 0.9 percent year-over-year.
- Legal Sports Betting: Americans legally wagered $30.3 billion on sports, generating $3.24 billion in quarterly revenue (+42.4% YoY). Recent market launches in Kentucky, Maine, North Carolina and Vermont contributed to this growth.
- iGaming: iGaming generated $2.08 billion in revenue, marking a 30.3 percent year-over-year increase.
“Q3 2024 continued gaming’s momentum from the first half of the year, with online casino and sports betting driving strong growth. At the same time, new brick-and-mortar casino openings bolstered traditional gaming, which still accounts for the bulk of industry revenue,” said AGA Vice President of Research David Forman. “More than a quarter of commercial revenue now regularly comes from online sources, raising the importance of continued sustainable growth with consumers in those states.”
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