In a move that will improve a gambler’s ability to identify problem habits, the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) is now partnering with Danish firm Mindway AI to introduce a new interactive self-test.
NCPG President Keith S. Whyte said the partnership will offer visitors to NCPG’s resource site, ResponsiblePlay.org, an empowering experience that will “help them make well-informed choices about their gambling behavior.”
The NCPG noted in a press release:
“The NCPG and Mindway AI partnership represents a significant step forward in advancing responsible gambling practices within the US online gambling landscape. By leveraging human expertise, artificial intelligence and data-driven insights, both organizations are dedicated to protecting vulnerable players and fostering a safer gambling ecosystem.”
Mindway AI self-test leverages science to identify dangerous habits
When a gambler goes to the NCPG website to find responsible gambling resources, they’ll encounter a self-test screening tool called the NODS-SA. The test asks 10 questions related to gambling habits.
Those questions include:
- Have you ever felt restless or irritable when trying to stop, cut down, or control your gambling?
- Have you tried and not succeeded in stopping, cutting down, or controlling your gambling three or more times in your life?
- Has there ever been a period when, if you lost money gambling one day, you would often return another day to get even?
The results of the test help the user understand if they have a gambling problem or are at risk of having a problem.
Mindway AI’s self-test, Gamalyze, is a reinvention of the self-test. Instead of asking the user questions about their gambling habits, Gamalyze is a card game.
“Gamalyze is more user-friendly, engaging and actionable than the typical self-test questionnaires,” the company’s website notes. “Gamalyze offers players a more honest result as it assesses their actions during play rather than asking them to reflect on their own behavior.”
How Mindway AI’s Gamalyze self-test works
Gamalyze users start with 80 cards in four pre-arranged decks. Each time the player draws, they win or lose a certain amount of money.
As the user moves through the cards, Gamalyze analyzes how the user plays the game, and then provides insights based on neuroimaging principles. Specifically, it identifies how a player responds to wins and losses.
When the test is over, Gamalyze provides the user with a “decision profile” that includes percentage-based scores in four categories:
- Sensitivity to rewards
- Sensitivity to win frequency
- Sensitivity to losses
- Persistence
“This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to innovation in responsible gambling and our shared vision of creating a brighter future,” Mindway AI CEO Rasmus Kjaergaard said. “Together, we will pave the way for industry transformation and redefine what’s possible. This partnership marks the beginning of a new era, and we’re ready to lead the way.”