The article does not actually say how (or did I miss that)? It is just saying "some researchers have tried to create a mathematical model for predicting who are the biggest losers", and taking several paragraphs to say that.
Casinos already have <i>extensive</i> systems for doing this through their loyalty card programs, where in return for getting comps (non-monetary incentives to frequent their casino, such as dinner on the house or a free hotel room) you give them observational powers over your gambling that resemble those possessed by the NSA in a Hollywood spy flick.<p>They're some of the most ruthless users of CRM (customer relations management) technology in the world.<p>See generally: <a href="http://archives.cnn.com/2001/TECH/industry/07/03/casinos.crm.idg/" rel="nofollow">http://archives.cnn.com/2001/TECH/industry/07/03/casinos.crm...</a><p>(Bonus points for being written back when a 200GB database was impressive. :) )<p>I assure you that they don't need academics to tell them who the biggest losers are -- theories are fine and dandy, SQL queries make the world go round.
I wonder whether the researchers have thought through the ethical implications of this.<p>I've worked in the gaming industry, and I'd consider this predatory.