The UNLV International Gaming Institute (IGI) is taking steps to understand the impact of machine learning and AI on America’s online gambling industry.
The IGI has launched AiR Hub, an AI-focused initiative for researching the impacts and risks of AI while also fostering collaboration between key stakeholders in the gambling industry. AiR Hub has launched under the direction of IGI Director of Research Kasra Ghaharian and gambling industry veteran and AiR Hub adjunct fellow Simo Dragicevic.
“UNLV’s International Gaming Institute has a long history of pioneering research in the gaming sector, and we are excited to launch AiR Hub as the next step in that journey,” said Ghaharian. “Our vision is to create tangible progress through collaborative, actionable research with engagement across a range of stakeholders, including regulators, academics, non-profit organizations and industry.”
AiR Hub has debuted as gambling experts prepare to analyze the State of AI in Gaming, an industry-first report on current and future AI use in the industry. The report will also provide details on the maturity of AI and machine learning at various gambling brands.
The IGI has spearheaded the launch of AiR Hub behind a group of founding members that includes some of the largest entities in gaming. AiR has launched with the support of Action Gaming, Evoke Plc, Kindbridge Behavioral Health, Playtech Plc and ROGA.
“We are grateful for not only the financial support offered by our founding members, but also the expert knowledge they bring in regard to technology, data, and wider gambling business and player support practices,” said Dragicevic. “We operate in a highly complex and integrated industry that is evolving quickly, and this knowledge and experience will be essential to fully understanding the risks and capitalizing on the potential of AI.”
AiR Hub is allowing other organizations to join its founding member round. The IGI’s research hub is keeping its founding member round open for the next six months.
UNLV continuing to provide gambling education
The IGI has debuted AiR Hub after hosting its inaugural ESPN Research Fellowship.
ESPN teamed up with the IGI to provide a group of scholars with the opportunity to research the impact of responsible gaming messages used by sports and gambling media.
The six-month fellowship included professionals and students from the Harvard Medical School, the University of Memphis, the University of Nebraska and the University of Chicago.
