UNLV's International Center for Gaming Regulation (ICGR) has named Joe Bertolone, longtime industry and government chief executive, as its new executive director.
Bertolone, whose experience spans more than 25 years in gaming regulation, operations, and manufacturing, took the helm on Feb. 24 following a global search.
“ICGR has developed such an outstanding reputation as the only academic institute dedicated to the study and evolution of gaming regulation," Bertolone said. "The need for an independent, unbiased voice establishes ICGR as the educational ‘go-to’ for regulatory and compliance matters. I hope to build upon the foundation that was built with hard work from the ICGR team and former leadership."
Bertolone’s diverse experience began as the chief of administration at the Nevada Gaming Control Board and then as the first chief of the technology division for the same agency. He then rose to the top of several private sector companies — most recently as President, North America for the global slot machine manufacturer Ainsworth Game Technology.
Prior to this, Bertolone served as CEO of DEQ Systems Inc. — a global, publicly traded provider of table game content and progressive systems. He also served in executive leadership roles for William Hill US, a leading sports wagering operator. At each stop throughout his career, Bertolone has dedicated himself to teaching, serving as an instructor for several classes at UNLV over the past two decades.
“Joe’s predecessor André Wilsenach, the founding executive director of the center, often said that when he was looking for thought leadership, he picked up the phone and called Joe Bertolone," said Bo Bernhard, executive director of IGI. "We are excited to announce that Joe has joined us full-time, bringing his unique blend of dynamic thinking and a resume that is unlike any other in gaming to UNLV."
ICGR, a partnership between UNLV's International Gaming Institute (IGI) and the Boyd School of Law, launched in 2016 to serve as a resource for global gaming regulators, providing world-class educational programs, research and consultancy. In four years, ICGR has developed a reputation as the only academic, unbiased and trusted educational and consultancy resource for regulators, gaming operators and manufacturers from around the world. ICGR has delivered its programs to more than 2,000 attendees from more than 30 countries and has advised national governments on six continents.
“In an industry as diverse and multifaceted as gaming, it is crucial that we employ leaders who are experts in their respective fields and can help bridge the government-university-industry gap," said Becky Harris, former chairwoman of the Nevada Gaming Control Board and current IGI Distinguished Fellow, Gaming and Leadership. "I am confident in Joe's ability to do just this."
"Joe brings a wealth of experience as a gaming regulator and as a CEO of gaming companies at the cutting edge of innovation and technology, in the U.S. and around the world," said Dan Hamilton, dean of the William S. Boyd School of Law. "UNLV and our students will benefit directly from this expertise."
