Maine Regulators Say They're Watching AI Use In Sports Betting Apps
Maine's gambling regulator says it is tracking how sports betting operators use artificial intelligence, following a New York Times investigation that alleged DraftKings used machine-learning tools to identify and target its most frequent bettors with promotional offers.
A spokesperson for Maine's Gambling Control Unit, part of the state Department of Public Safety, told CBS13 I-Team the agency is “monitoring the use of AI locally and nationally, but at this point there are no Maine laws or rules specifically addressing its use.”
The unit has not opened a formal investigation or proposed new rulemaking.
What The New York Times Reported
The Times reported that DraftKings used machine-learning models to analyze customers' betting histories, aiming to identify bettors most likely to keep wagering if sent targeted promotional offers.
Former company employees told the paper they were concerned the approach could expose people struggling with gambling problems to further harm.
DraftKings rejected the characterization. In a statement to the Times, the company said it “does not use A.I. to target anyone based on losses and does not market to customers based on indicators of potential problem gaming.”
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Other States Are Moving Faster
Maine's wait-and-see approach contrasts with action already underway elsewhere.
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has opened its own review of DraftKings' use of AI in response to the Times report.
In Maryland, Governor Wes Moore has called for legislation that would bar betting apps from using algorithms to identify and specifically target bettors showing signs of problem gambling.
For now, Maine bettors remain covered only by existing advertising and responsible-gambling requirements, rather than any AI-specific standards, leaving the state's position dependent on how the federal and multi-state landscape develops.
What To Watch
With at least two states now actively scrutinizing AI-driven promotional targeting, pressure is likely to build on Maine's Gambling Control Unit to formalize its monitoring into concrete rules.
Bettors concerned about how an app uses their data can review a sportsbook's responsible-gambling disclosures and promotional terms, and can contact their state regulator directly with questions about algorithmic marketing practices.
Bettors comparing regulated US sportsbooks can check each operator's responsible-gambling tools and promotional policies before signing up.
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