Global experts, regulators, and industry leaders gathered in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, for the African Lottery Association (ALA) Seminar on Artificial Intelligence and Security for African Lotteries from 23-24 June, to explore how AI is transforming the African lotteries and gaming sector.
The event, which was supported by Ivory Coast National Lottery (LONACI), was opened by the ALA President, Dramane Coulibaly, and attracted around 80 participants from 11 African countries and three European.
In his welcome address, WLA Executive Director, Luca Esposito, underscored the long and fruitful history of cooperation ALA, a highly valued partner which supports common members throughout the African region, by sharing knowledge and best practices through such events.
Lottery AI use cases
During his presentation on AI applications for the lottery sector, Esposito provided examples of how WLA members deploy innovative technologies to enhance their operations, products and services.
Responsible gaming: AI helps determine player age (18+ or not); protect vulnerable players through real-time monitoring of their play and by suggesting safer, healthier ways to play.
Enhancing player experience: by analyzing player data, lotteries can tailor player preferences and communication for better overall experience.
Detecting fraud: AI software can improve security by providing advanced measures to detect and prevent fraudulent activities, for fair, transparent lottery games.
Sizing illegal markets: In an innovative joint project, the WLA and the University of Lausanne, Switzerland are using AI technologies to develop a standardized estimation method for estimating the scale and scope of illegal gambling markets. Find out more here
AI opportunities, threats and use cases
Topics discussed by local and international experts covered:
- AI definition and applications
- Opportunities and threats for the gaming and lottery industry
- Cybersecurity challenges for lotteries in the age of AI
- Overview of current threats (fraud, cyber attacks, money laundering)
A panel on AI in fraud detection, data analysis and operational intelligence and a round table session on AI and regulation - How to regulate its use, explored the current legislation and standards of African and international regulators.
Participants also heard from representatives of Adesso, FAMOCO, PMU France and EDITEC, who presented solutions around AI, cybersecurity and data analytics.
