Thread

DraftKings is using AI to behaviorally target chronic gamblers

570 points · 432 comments · paimapi

tedivm · 1790700196 · focus · HN ↗
ProPublica had one of their reports work with gambling addition experts to see how DraftKings would respond to someone presenting signs of a gambling problem. It's a hell of a read, and makes it clear that this company is full of people with absolutely no ethics whatsoever.
<a href="https://www.propublica.org/article/draftkings-sports-gambling-problem-vip-fanduel" rel="nofollow">https://www.propublica.org/article/draftkings-sports-gamblin...
1. jimbo808 · 1790701282 · focus · HN ↗
  > this company is full of people with absolutely no ethics whatsoever
  I believe this applies to any company which sells an inherently harmful, predatory, and addictive product or service
  1. SoftTalker · 1790702655 · focus · HN ↗
    Hope you're including all the state governments and their lotteries in this assessment.
    DonaldPShimoda · 1790702833 · focus · HN ↗
    At least those often fund things like state education so, over time, the pool of victims is maybe lessened by the success of the program? Maybe?
    (I am not defending state lotteries, but I do think there's some distinction to be made between "we actively exploit people to maximize our profits for our own sakes" and "we regulate the passive exploitation of people to supplement taxes in a regressive manner." Or something. I dunno, maybe somebody has more elaborate thoughts on this to share.)
    cwnyth · 1790703969 · focus · HN ↗
    In many places where gambling is banned, there is still gambling. And in places where it's legalized, it can (in theory) be effectively regulated (if there's political will, which is difficult to muster sometimes). And say what you will about lotteries, but it's far easier to blow your life savings at casinos and with sports betting than buying a bunch of lottery tickets.
    shipman05 · 1790705222 · focus · HN ↗
    Permit lotteries. Ban lottery advertising. A moral government shouldn't advertise products known to be harmful to the public.
    someonebaggy · 1790706295 · focus · HN ↗
    Can we just ban all advertising except for word of mouth (but including fake word of mouth)?
    segsgsgseg · 1790712271 · focus · HN ↗
    yes you can enjoy the free speech you want and other people can't tell us more great one
    someonebaggy · 1790756409 · focus · HN ↗
    I get to yell "fire" in a crowded theater?

Open on Hacker News to reply ↗

Unofficial Hacker News client; not affiliated with Y Combinator.