Researchers at the Universidad Nacional de San Luis (UNSL) have developed a virtual assistant aimed at preventing online gambling and problem gambling behaviors among adolescents as part of a research initiative focused on digital health and addiction prevention.
The chatbot-based tool was designed to provide guidance and information related to online betting, gambling risks and other forms of problematic consumption. According to the university, the assistant is intended as a preventive and educational resource rather than a replacement for professional treatment.
The virtual assistant was trained to recognize and respond to queries related to gambling behaviors, as well as substance use issues such as alcohol and drug consumption. It operates through a conversational interface, allowing users to interact anonymously and receive general information, guidance and referrals when appropriate.
María Paz Hauser, a psychologist and researcher at UNSL, highlighted both the potential and the limitations of the technology in statements published by the university. She noted that while virtual assistants can demonstrate active listening and provide standardized responses, they may underestimate certain health risk indicators and are not equipped to manage complex clinical situations.
Hauser said: "Unlike a chatbot, a trained human therapist evaluates a broad range of prevention and intervention strategies based on the specific person in front of them, rather than offering generic responses."
In cases involving severe risk, including suicidal ideation, the virtual assistant is limited to recommending contact with healthcare professionals or specialized services, underscoring its role as a complementary tool within broader prevention frameworks.
The initiative comes amid growing concern over adolescent exposure to online gambling in Argentina. Data from public institutions and international organizations indicate increasing awareness and use of digital betting platforms among teenagers, often linked to early access to virtual wallets and mobile payment tools.
Researchers involved in the project said the virtual assistant forms part of wider efforts to explore how digital tools can support early prevention, information access and referral pathways for young people, while reinforcing the continued importance of human-led mental health services.
In an effort to address underage participation in online gambling, Buenos Aires has mandated biometric identity checks for online betting platforms
