David G. Schwartz

Professor & Gaming Historian
UNLV Ombuds
Affiliate Professor, Department of History
Former Associate Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs
Expertise: History of gambling, History of games, History of Las Vegas, Conflict resolution

Biography

David G. Schwartz is a gaming historian. Currently serving as UNLV's ombuds, Schwartz was director of the Center for Gaming Research at UNLV, a hub for scholarly analysis of gambling and gaming issues for many years. His research interests include the histories of gambling, gaming, and games (including video games), Las Vegas and Nevada history, tourism, and conflict resolution.

Schwartz has written seven books, as well as edited or co-edited four others, in his area of specialty — gaming history. Some of his more popular books include At the Sands: The Casino That Shaped Classic Las Vegas, Brought the Rat Pack Together, and Went Out With a Bang,  Grandissimo: The First Emperor of Las Vegas, Roll the Bones: The History of Gambling, and Boardwalk Playground: The Making, Unmaking, & Remaking of Atlantic City. He has served on several state and local groups, including the Nevada Gaming Policy Committee and the advisory boards of the Museum of Gambling History and the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement (Mob Museum).

Additionally, Schwartz is a Certified Organizational Ombuds Practitioner (CO-OP), awarded by the International Ombuds Association, and a trained mediator who leads the UNLV Ombuds Office’s mediation practice and volunteers with the Clark County Neighborhood Justice Center. 

The professor has taught undergraduate and graduate courses for the colleges of Liberal Arts, Law, Honors, and Hospitality and been actively involved with Nevada Promise, McNair Scholars, and other student mentoring groups.

Education

  • Ph.D., American History, University of California, Los Angeles
  • M.A., American History, University of Pennsylvania
  • B.A., Anthropology and History, University of Pennsylvania

Related Links

David G. Schwartz In The News

Las Vegas Review Journal
When the castle gates of Excalibur swung open for the first time on June 19, 1990, the medieval-themed megaresort at the south end of the Las Vegas Strip was the largest hotel in the world. Thirty-five years later, the castle still stands, and the casino hotel’s allure continues to resonate with visitors.
TravelPulse
Since at least the early 1900s, Las Vegas has been known as Sin City, a place meant to be an adult playground where anything goes. Historically, that playground included a heavy dose of gambling and alcohol, along with all manner of nightlife.
KMZQ-AM | The Middle Ground
On this episode of The Middle Ground Radio Show, Tom Letizia welcomes Dr. David G. Schwartz — acclaimed author, gaming historian, and UNLV Ombuds — for a deep conversation on the rich history and evolving future of Las Vegas. From his global journey through the origins of gambling in Roll the Bones, to the golden era glamour of At the Sands, and the bold vision of Jay Sarno in Grandissimo, Dr. Schwartz shares powerful insights about what made Las Vegas what it is — and where it might be heading.
Casino.org
A surprising number of alternative facts about the world’s gambling capital continue to resonate across pop culture, with little relevance to reality. The Hoover Dam holds one of the biggest.

Articles Featuring David G. Schwartz

Brie Starks sitting on blanket while wearing UNLV baseball cap
People | May 19, 2025

The assistant ombuds approaches mediation with culturally competent and trauma-informed strategies.

Mirage Resort
Campus News | August 1, 2024

Roundup of the hottest news headlines featuring UNLV students and staff.

students in spring
Campus News | May 1, 2024

News highlights starring UNLV students and faculty who made local and national headlines.

Spring Flowers (Becca Schwartz)
Campus News | April 1, 2024

A roundup of the top news stories featuring UNLV students and faculty.