Let’s say a hockey player is rushing toward the goal. Before he actually takes the shot, a program can predict what he’s going to do with more than 80% accuracy. There’s no science fiction here—Cornell University AI is analyzing players and their team’s moves and gestures to predict what will happen next in a matter of milliseconds. Across a range of sports, algorithms now make watching more exciting by merging physics, guessing, and impressive athletics into a single experience. The level of analysis now available is beyond what anyone could have imagined. Let’s explore how it’s changing gaming for the better.
Unseen Coaches
Under the jerseys, sensors collect lots of data on an athlete and feed it to machine learning systems. They detect tiredness in athletes faster than humans can, so they can change training to prevent injuries. Mercedes and other F1 teams check tire and fuel data during the race to decide when to pit for the best results. According to one engineer, “You don’t only react to the race—you also predict what will happen.” At the same time, systems turn raw movement data into drills that fit a sprinter’s needs, helping them save 0.2 seconds with tiny changes that algorithms can spot.
Fans in the World of Algorithms
Spectators can now interact with the game in new ways, thanks to AI. Augmented reality allows apps to add information during broadcasts, for example, by displaying a player’s shooting stats from their current position as they shoot the ball. The same technology used in fan experiences has also changed sports gambling, as AI allows platforms to update odds after every action on the field. Some fans have even turned to digital games that mirror this unpredictability—crash games capture the same adrenaline rush of watching odds climb in real-time before everything changes in an instant, much like a game-winning shot or a fumble at the goal line.
Gambling’s Advantage from Data
The unregulated world of sports betting now has algorithms. Odds in live “in-play” gambling are adjusted quickly by AI before the ball hits the ground or is served in a game. Now, prop bets are based on what a player will do. Everything from today’s humidity to yesterday’s sleep information is processed by algorithms. Sites like Stake.com offer streaming games together with changing odds, so a soccer fan betting on the next goal scorer sees the chances shift as the striker approaches the penalty area. Although this technology can lead to both smarter gambling, there’s also a higher risk of addiction thanks to its constant personalized approach.
What Happens When Technology Meets People
It’s the combination that makes it unique. Hockey teams now rely on AI to annotate game footage overnight, which previously took weeks. Coaches can then determine how they will use that knowledge. Also, algorithms might indicate a serve to the opponent’s backhand, but it’s the players who feel the stress of the last point. The data available is only going to get bigger and better.
The future? Better and easier ways for services to work together. Imagine stadiums that can use your phone to tell you about betting opportunities, and augmented reality that can highlight the path Messi’s kick might follow. The technology won’t change the excitement of watching live or feeling a stroke go wrong; instead, it will make every moment of the game feel more intense. There’s only one way to find out and I for one am at the edge of my seat to see how things progress in 2025.
DISCLAIMER: No part of the following article was written by The Signal editorial staff.
