When Jesper Blach Graversen discusses his work at Mindway AI, his passion for blending cutting-edge technology with a meaningful purpose is impossible to miss. As Tech Team Lead, Jesper is spearheading the development of AI-powered solutions to tackle one of the iGaming industry’s most pressing challenges: responsible gambling.

Jesper’s extensive experience in data science and mathematical modelling has prepared him for this pivotal role. With nearly a decade of expertise, including his work as a Senior Data Scientist at digital challenger bank Lunar, he brings a unique perspective to Mindway AI. However, for Jesper, transitioning into responsible gambling isn’t just about leveraging his technical skills. It is about making a genuine difference.

“The overlap between AML and RG detection is quite substantial,” Jesper explains. “So, when we do machine learning or data science within Mindway, lots of the same sort of methodologies are reusable to what we did with AML in FinTech. I realised I wasn’t just solving technical problems, but I was contributing to something that could protect people.”

In an upcoming SiGMA podcast, Jesper reflects further on this transition and shares how his past experiences shaped his approach to leadership and innovation.

A foundation in mathematics and data

Jesper’s background in data pipelines and mathematical modelling has equipped him with the skills to adapt seamlessly to Mindway AI’s mission. However, his approach goes beyond technicalities. He emphasises how important it is to master every layer of the data transformation process to ensure accurate and actionable insights.

“An important note is that what we do at Mindway AI is essentially data analytics, data insights, data transformations and data modelling,” Jesper explains. “A large part of my experience has been data engineering. And that’s core to us. We need to understand every layer of transformations and every layer of insights. The output of the data is only as good as the input. So, understanding how big that process is, and what’s required for us, is hugely important.”

This meticulous approach ensures Mindway AI’s solutions are not only scalable, but also adaptable. Jesper elaborates on the value of scalability in their architecture, a challenge they tackle daily.

“Whenever we do architectural decisions, we need to consider is this scalable? We are growing from a small Danish company to a medium-sized company operating internationally. For every operator, we have the core functionality. And we have add-ons. Over time, the add-ons grow and then we have developers who continuously try to put these add-ons into our general functionality.”

Neuroscience and AI decoding addiction

At the heart of Mindway AI’s solutions is the unique fusion of AI and neuroscience—two fields not traditionally associated with each other. Jesper acknowledges this combination is pivotal in understanding and addressing gambling addiction.

“When we present GameScanner, it’s fundamental for the understanding to also explain the reward centre of the brain,” Jesper says. “The neurological processes involved in the development and manifestation of gambling addiction are complex and deeply rooted in the brain’s reward and decision-making systems. Key areas of the brain, such as the reward centre and the prefrontal cortex, play pivotal roles. The reward centre, including structures like the nucleus accumbens, is responsible for releasing dopamine in response to stimuli, creating feelings of pleasure and reinforcing behaviours like gambling. Over time, as gambling becomes compulsive, this system becomes hypersensitive, driving the urge to seek repeated rewards.”

Jesper adds, “The prefrontal cortex, which governs critical functions like self-control, decision-making, and the ability to evaluate consequences, develops over time and can be impaired by addiction. In gambling addiction, this part of the brain may struggle to regulate impulses or resist the lure of short-term gratification, making it harder to break free from the cycle. This neurological imbalance between the heightened reward system, and a weakened prefrontal cortex underlies the difficulty individuals face in adjusting their behaviour, even when aware of the harm caused by their gambling.”

This understanding underpins Mindway AI’s flagship tools, GameScanner and Gamalyze, which empower operators to identify risky behaviours early and intervene effectively. Jesper elaborates on this further in the podcast, diving into the neuroscience driving these innovations.

One of Jesper’s proud achievements this year is the upcoming release of their intervention framework. This is a system that redefines the notion of risk by introducing the concept of “nuggets” — small behavioural markers that, when accumulated, provide a detailed picture of a player’s potential for harm.

“The idea is that we start creating these behavioural events, which are nuggets of risk,” Jesper explains. “These events individually can be problematic or non problematic, but in any case, the accumulation of events should be a good indicator for concern. If you combine that with the risk score, where we are a bit more certain, then we get something that is very explainable and very understandable, along with a very complex model.”

Another innovation on the horizon is Mindway AI’s AML model, scheduled for release in 2025. Jesper highlights the stark differences between addiction and AML behaviours and the challenges of creating a model that can adapt to the ever-evolving landscape of money laundering.

“With AML, it’s a continuously developing interaction between the fraudsters and the detection system. The fraudsters will try to outsmart the detection, changing their approach or tactics,” Jesper says. “It’s a behaviour that changes over time, which differs from an addiction, because addiction develops, and it has clear development patterns that you can actually explain. With AML, it’s more about data and statistics. It is a work in progress.”

From compliance to player-centred strategies

While compliance remains a key focus for operators, Jesper believes the future of responsible gambling lies in player-centred solutions.

“We have ongoing conversations with the operators about what player safety actually looks like,” Jesper explains. “Often, it’s about meeting compliance, meeting these strict or very defined regulatory requirements. It is not just about lowering the amount of money you get out of the player. It’s about prolonging the lifetime value of the player, prolonging safe gambling, prolonging good gambling for the players.”

Mindway AI’s tools bridge the gap between compliance and player wellbeing, fostering collaboration between regulators and operators. Jesper explains how they tailor solutions to specific markets, such as the Netherlands, which can be adapted for broader use.

“When we have someone operating within the Netherlands, for example, where we now have adapted to new regulations, of course, we work with them to meet those regulations, to understand them, to agree. But now we have an out-of-the-box product where it’s easy for us to comply with the regulatory requirements.”

For Jesper, the work at Mindway AI is deeply personal. “We’re building state-of-the-art tech, and that’s exciting. But knowing that what we’re doing is actually helping people. It is incredibly fulfilling. Protecting even one person from harm makes it all worthwhile.”

Jesper’s reflections extend beyond responsible gambling to broader societal challenges. He draws parallels between gambling addiction and other mental health issues, emphasising the value of a multifaceted approach.

“There are few worthwhile things you can do in life than to help somebody on a better path,” Jesper reflects.

Jesper Blach Graversen’s story is one of innovation, passion, and purpose. At AI, he’s not only leading a team—he’s helping shape the future of responsible gambling.

This conversation is just the beginning. In our upcoming SiGMA podcast, Jesper shares even more about the challenges and triumphs of building AI solutions for safer gambling. Tune in to hear his thoughts on the neuroscience behind gambling behaviour, the evolution of AI in iGaming, and the groundbreaking work happening at Mindway AI.

The podcast is coming soon, and you won’t want to miss it.

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