Clus-UCB: A Near-Optimal Algorithm for Clustered Bandits

Abstract: We study a stochastic multi-armed bandit setting where arms are partitioned into known clusters, such that the mean rewards of arms within a cluster differ by at most a known threshold. While the clustering structure is known a priori, the arm means are unknown. This framework models scenarios where outcomes depend on multiple factors -- some with significant and others with minor influence -- such as online advertising, clinical trials, and wireless communication. We derive asymptotic lower bounds on the regret that improve upon the classical bound of Lai & Robbins (1985). We then propose Clus-UCB, an efficient algorithm that closely matches this lower bound asymptotically. Clus-UCB is designed to exploit the clustering structure and introduces a new index to evaluate an arm, which depends on other arms within the cluster. In this way, arms share information among each other. We present simulation results of our algorithm and compare its performance against KL-UCB and other well-known algorithms for bandits with dependent arms. Finally, we address some limitations of this work and conclude by mentioning possible future research.