How Casinos Use Big Data to Track Player Behavior

Modern casinos are no longer just hospitality businesses; they are some of the most sophisticated data collection agencies on earth.

Casinos collect terabytes of personal information to build incredibly detailed psychological profiles of their most valuable customers.

How Player’s Cards Harvest Your Data

Casinos aggressively push you to sign up for a loyalty card by offering ‘free’ buffets and small amounts of slot play.

The moment you insert your card into a slot machine, the casino tracks your exact betting speed, average wager, and session length.

• They track your ‘Pain Point’, the exact dollar amount lost that usually causes you to quit gambling for the day
• If you haven’t visited in a few months, the predictive algorithm will automatically email you an irresistible bonus offer to lure you back
• Data scientists are the highest-paid employees in modern casino corporations, far out-earning the pit bosses and floor managers

Using Big Data to Maximize Revenue per Square Foot

Floor managers use heat-mapping software to track exactly where players walk and which machines receive the most foot traffic.

Casinos constantly run A/B tests, moving machines by just a few feet to see if the new location increases the total coin-in.

Being aware of this invisible tracking system is the best way to ensure you retain control over your own gambling habits.