'Pioneering' grant announced one day before ESPN BET sportsbook launch

The university announced that ESPN is donating $200,000 to launch the collaboration for the program, with the goal of studying the rapidly evolving sports wagering landscape and its intersection with the media.

The roar of cheering fans echoed across the Kia Forum on Saturday as singers took the stage beneath glimmering lights and flashes of flame to perform a dramatic opening act.

Several women’s leagues and athletes have driven the conversation and attention to their sport in recent months. With more attention on major events — the Women’s March Madness title game this spring set a viewership record of more than 9 million people — industry watchers and advocates hope to attract larger stages and increased betting attention.

The legalization of sports betting is generating billions in revenue — and ruining lots of lives. Here's everything you need to know:

Dr. Brett Abarbanel is Executive Director the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, International Gaming Institute. Dr. Abarbanel's research explores the intersection of of gambling with esports, video games and traditional sports.

Martin Lycka is joined by Executive Director of UNLV International Gaming Institute, Brett Abarbanel, in the latest episode of the Safe Bet Show. Brett discusses gambling in the esports space compared to gambling on non-digital sports, and much more in today's episode of Martin Lycka’s Safe Bet Show.

After a four-year break,  UNLV’s 18th International Conference on Gambling and Risk Taking returns May 23-25 at Park MGM in Las Vegas. The conference features three days of presentations, panels, and keynotes as well as more informal discussions around gambling. The event, which usually runs every three years will be meeting for the first time since the pandemic.