
Artificial intelligence and machine learning are technologies that have been around for quite a long time in terms of computer technology. In the recent past, machine learning has become more advanced and applied across several industries to improve processes such as customer experience, operational efficiency, customer service and more.
Numerous benefits have already been gained by applying machine learning to sectors such as agriculture and healthcare. Machine learning is now gradually being introduced to the global gaming industry, remodelling the way we play and creating remarkable new entertainment experiences.
Online casinos and machine learning
Strict laws regulating New Zealands gambling industry, including not allowing New Zealand residents to operate or own online casinos. However, a loophole in the law means that residents are allowed to gamble to their heart’s content in offshore online casinos. Between 1985 and 2008 spending on gambling increased tenfold in New Zealand and constant innovation across the industry kept players coming back.
The incorporation of machine learning is one of the most recent innovations, with multiple online casinos now testing the capability and demand for this technology. Players are able to find detailed information when looking for the best online casino in New Zealand to find those that are offering machine learning as a feature. The most common applications of machine learning in online casinos are analysis of playing styles and favorite games to customize each player’s experience and to provide guidance and suggestions for games they are likely to enjoy. Machine learning has also improved customer service in many online casinos, such as the introduction of chatbots that are ready to answer all players’ questions 24/7.

Game development and machine learning
Another area that is seeing huge improvements through the application of machine learning is game development, giving players a more intuitive experience. Algorithms that can respond dynamically to the individual actions of each player are being implemented by developers, delivering an imaginative and immersive experience where elements of the game respond to player interactions and change accordingly, rather than being handwritten.
Developers are now able to create unique experiences for each individual player due to huge increases in the amount of available data and improvements in processing speeds. Machine learning technology uses huge subsets of data to perform tasks autonomously, learn from past actions change outputs based on the environment, and provided inputs.
Mobile gaming and machine learning
Mobile gaming is very popular nowadays and more people turn to their mobile devices to play games, as the technology improves. Mobile gaming already accounts for about half of all global gaming industry revenue, and many people are drawn to the convenience of being able to play anytime, anywhere.
Storage and power limitations have previously limited the capabilities of mobile games, but advances in technology now mean that smartphones and other mobile devices can be equipped with specialized processing power in the form of AI chips. As the hardware improves, mobile gaming is starting to compete with PC and console gaming in terms of quality and convenience.

Play against the machine
Machine learning has opened new avenues for online gaming, enabling the introduction of previously offline games like chess or go, allowing players to compete against non-human opponents. Machines can use deep learning to replicate the movements of a human player, even in games with high computational complexity. Today, even the most basic applications for playing chess can learn how to defeat human opponents and provide challenging experiences that mimic real life.
Player retention due to machine learning
Land based casinos are designed using information collected from player behaviors to encourage as many people as possible to stay for as long as possible. This information advises things like the layout of games on the floor and allows casinos to anticipate how customers will progress through the casino. Machine learning is now helping online casinos to recreate this type of customer analysis by collecting large amounts of data, which can then be used to optimize the site for maximum player retention. Many online casinos operating in New Zealand have applied this technology to improve the customer experience.
As new technologies develop and existing technologies improve and become more affordable, there is unlimited potential for a revolution in the gaming industry. Online casinos, video games and more are all enhanced through machine learning to provide the best possible quality experience, tailored to the needs of each individual gamer.