UNLV International Gaming Institute has an active research agenda in our position as an academic neutral space to effect positive change in the rapidly globalizing world of gambling. Over the years, this research has been presented to academic, industry, non-profit, and government audiences throughout the U.S. and worldwide.

Noteworthy accomplishments resulting from IGI’s research-in-action include:

1. AI Research Hub (AiR Hub):  AiR Hub advances the emerging discipline of AI within the gambling sector and is the discipline’s core ecosystem for collaborative AI research. AiR Hub is developing the inaugural “State of AI in Gaming” report. Slated for release in April 2026, this first-of-its-kind flagship publication will provide a comprehensive roadmap for AI maturity, innovation, and readiness. Learn more about AiR Hub at: www.igiairhub.com

2. Pioneering Big Data Analysis via Open Banking: Published the first research papers utilizing large-scale UK Open Banking data, demonstrating for the first time how objective, high-volume financial transaction records can be used to understand player behavior.
   Related publications:
   Characterising online gamblers exceeding financial risk thresholds in the UK: A retrospective analysis using open banking data (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhe.2025.106080)
   Across the Bettor-Verse: an Open Banking Perspective on Gambling in the United Kingdom (https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-025-10419-6)

3. Defining AI Ethics and Regulatory Oversight: This is a collection of foundational research projects into AI ethics and risks. The collection includes a major study funded by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to examine AI adoption in the sector, behavioral risk indicators, and the necessary frameworks for responsible algorithmic governance.
   Related publications:
   Can Large Language Models Address Problem Gambling? Expert Insights from Gambling Treatment Professionals (https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-025-10430-x)
   Identifying Risks and Ethical Considerations of AI in Gambling: A Scoping Review (https://doi.org/10.1080/15256480.2025.2494575)
   AI ethics in a controversial industry: the case of gambling and its ethical paradox (https://doi.org/10.1007/s43681-024-00520-8)

Visit our current research projects page to explore our ongoing work across AI, big data analysis, consumer protection, and other areas as they apply to the evolving global gambling sector.

Every three years, IGI also hosts the world's largest and most prestigious conference for gambling researchers and academics. Please see our Gambling & Risk Taking Conference page for more information.

To further provide quality research to a wide-ranging audience, IGI is home to UNLV Gaming Research & Review Journal, an academic publication that delivers double-blind, peer-reviewed research via its open access platform.

Finally, all of our research efforts make their way into the classroom, as our executive education is driven by the latest findings in the world of research.