Artificial intelligence (AI) is playing an increasingly integral role in the data-dependent esports vertical. From assisting in odds-setting to flagging suspect behaviour, the technology’s uses are endless.
AI impact on esports betting
Artificial intelligence is no longer science fiction – it is being used everywhere you look, from e-commerce to architecture. Gambling involves a lot of luck but also preparation. Bookmakers now benefit from real-time statistics about esports players, teams and events that inform betting odds and provide context to bettors.
AI can process enormous amounts of data very quickly and make predictions accordingly. PandaScore’s AI platform, for example, collects 300 data points in League of Legends in half a second. The system continually learns based on history and incoming data to provide the most current breakdowns and predictions about who will win, lose, accomplish certain tasks, etc.
By its digital nature, esports is more data-driven than traditional sports, which has created a need for advanced AI in the industry. IBM recently introduced Power Rankings with Watson, an AI-powered method of evaluating player and team performances in the Overwatch League. GRID continually analyses game play and shows viewers important information such as weapon load-outs, spells and where the last kill occurred.
Beyond odds and predictions, AI can identify risky betting behaviours and illegal operations. Esports Technologies recently joined the Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) as an anti-corruption supporter. Esports Technologies will lend its AI technology to find and eradicate match-fixing and corrupt betting patterns in esports.
Esports Technologies AI generator
Esports Technologies recently filed a provisional patent application for a technology that uses AI to generate odds models for use in a betting algorithm for esports tournaments. The system would allow bettors to wager on teams throughout a tournament and while games are being played. Sample use cases might include which team will place in the top three, which team will place outside the top five or what round the team will reach.
Odds would be generated instantly through the use of machine learning and advanced quantitative methods. This method could be used for any number of esports match and tournament types, as well as for different stages of the event. The technology would be useful for making proposition bets and be utilised in a variety of betting markets.
In June, Esports Technologies also filed a patent for a proprietary live streaming technology platform that integrates sports and esports wagering across popular streaming platforms such as Twitch, YouTube and even Hulu.
The company launched its own app called Esports Games in May. The free-to-play interactive tournament prediction and trivia game allows users to predict the outcome of live esports match events such as “which team gets the first kill in the match”.
What’s next for AI and esports betting?
Make no mistake, the $1bn (£737m) esports industry is well aware of its gambling potential. Likewise, the igaming and betting industries have seen the draw of competitive video games to young bettors. That being said, artificial intelligence will play an even more prominent role in both industries to provide the best services and prevent fraud.
Australia’s gambling operator, Tabcorp, for example, will reportedly boost its sports wagering operations with AI. The platform will apparently offer high-scale possibilities for predicting outcomes of NFL games and providing sports bettors with more elements to wager on.
