diff --git a/src/lib/sockets.ts b/src/lib/sockets.ts
index f611cdbaed..17a4527c82 100644
--- a/src/lib/sockets.ts
+++ b/src/lib/sockets.ts
@@ -30,9 +30,13 @@ if (
     // if we're developing locally but connecting to the production system, use our local system for estimation
     ai_host = `http://localhost:13284`;
     console.log("AI Host set to: ", ai_host);
+} else if (process.env.OGS_BACKEND === "LOCAL") {
+    // if we're a developer using a local server, then use it for ai
+    ai_host = "http://localhost:13284";
 } else if (
     // The CI doesn't work with beta.  Note that jest in the CI has NODE_ENV==="test".
     // the .org exception is for anoek's development environment
+    // This logic causes web developers who are _not_ using a local server to use Beta for AI.
     (process.env.NODE_ENV === "development" && window.location.hostname.indexOf(".org") < 0) ||
     window.location.hostname.indexOf("beta") >= 0 ||
     window.location.hostname.indexOf("dev") >= 0
@@ -42,8 +46,8 @@ if (
     ai_host = "https://ai.online-go.com";
 } else if (window.location.hostname.indexOf("ogs") >= 0) {
     ai_host = `${window.location.protocol}//ai-${window.location.hostname}`;
-} else if (window.location.hostname === "localhost") {
-    // automated test code stubs in localhost, no need to connect to the AI or warn
+} else if (process.env.NODE_ENV === "test") {
+    // don't set ai host because we dont use it in tests (stubbed)
 } else {
     console.warn("AI Host not set, AI reviews will not work", window.location.hostname);
 }