Deep technologies combine engineering innovation and scientific findings to solve complex problems, being particularly relevant to the gambling industry. With the global rise of gambling practices and the subsequent increase of gambling-related problems and disorders, deep technologies are emerging as a means to create a safer online gambling environment. However, there is still limited knowledge regarding their applicability and aftereffects. The present study aims to systematically review the existing literature on the use of deep technologies in gambling environments, such as online casinos and betting platforms, and to explore their potential benefits, risks, and overall effectiveness. This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, EBSCO, and IEEE databases were searched, and 68 studies were eligible for inclusion. In general, four primary applications of deep technologies in online settings were found: behavioural monitoring and feedback, predictive risk modelling, decision support and AI classifiers, and limit/self-exclusion tools. These served mainly to identify and classify problematic gambling, prompt individual action, control gambling behaviours, raise awareness of the risk level, promote responsible gambling practices, and inform research, intervention, and gamblers protection initiatives. Altogether, findings suggest that deep technologies offer opportunities to improve gamblers' safety and reduce potential risk, although challenges may arise from their implementation, such as privacy and ethical concerns, malicious data use, misclassification of risk level, and difficulty in large-scale application. Limitations and directions for future studies are discussed.

Deep technologies employ scientific knowledge and engineering innovations to tackle complex challenges and issues, offering unique advantages to the online gambling industry. While it is mainly a recreational activity, adverse consequences may arise from harmful gambling patterns, which are exacerbated in the online sphere. As the prevalence of problem gambling increases and it becomes an ever-growing global social issue, concerted efforts are necessary to reduce the risk factors associated with this activity. Prompted by this urgent need, both literature and stakeholders have emphasised the importance of technological innovations in detecting, preventing, and intervening in gambling-related problems. This study aimed to explore the potential applications of these technologies in mitigating gambling-related issues by conducting semi-structured interviews with professionals from various sectors, including social sciences and technological fields. Preliminary analysis highlights the opportunities and challenges of implementing these tools in the scope of gambling, with particular attention to contextual factors and the role of existing support systems. The findings underscore the need for cohesive and well-informed guidelines, developed collaboratively by the lawmakers and specialists, that address advertising regulations, design standards, and the integration of responsible gambling tools. Limitations of the study and future directions are also discussed.

Deep technologies offer promising opportunities to address complex problems by leveraging scientific knowledge and cutting-edge engineering. In the context of online gambling, their integration presents both opportunities and obstacles. Features like personalised experiences, targeted marketing, and 24/7 accessibility can enhance user engagement and enjoyment. While these create more immersive and tailored gambling experiences, they can also intensify harmful behaviours and contribute to the development of gambling-related problems. Gamblers, as the primary users of these technologies, hold critical insights into how these systems operate and influence behaviour. Therefore, this study aims to explore how technology can be applied to reduce gambling-related harms, and which factors could contribute to a safer online gambling environment, from the gamblers’ perspective. To achieve this, semi-structured interviews are being conducted with individuals who are or have actively engaged with these platforms, either with or without the diagnosis of gambling disorder. The study is currently in the data collection phase, so there are no concrete findings to present. Based on literature and experts’ opinions, we anticipate that features such as self-regulation tools (e.g., limit settings, self-exclusion) and personalized alerts will be viewed as crucial in enhancing transparency and helping to monitor, control gamblers behaviour, and ultimately decrease problematic gambling patterns. Moreover, the need for mental health support, stronger privacy measures, and higher cultural sensitivity (e.g., regulating advertisements on social media) will appear as critical factors in creating a safer and more responsible gambling environment. The limitations of the study and future directions will also be discussed.