At a time when artificial intelligence dominates the global tech agenda, the gaming industry is starting to look beyond the hype and focus on what actually delivers business value. The “State of AI in Gaming 2026” report, developed in the United States by the UNLV International Gaming Institute through AiR Hub, in collaboration with KPMG, is based on surveys and interviews with operators, suppliers, regulators and startups across multiple markets. It offers one of the clearest snapshots to date of how AI is really being used — and, more importantly, where it is still falling short.

New research highlights prediction markets and AI-powered tools as central to the next wave of gambling industry innovation.

Weaknesses galore identified in sector’s adoption of AI, especially by legacy casinos

The global gambling industry is racing to integrate artificial intelligence into its operations, but a glaring lack of safety controls and regulatory oversight is leaving the high-stakes sector severely exposed.

Research has uncovered a “disconnect” between igaming companies’ AI governance and data privacy concerns and their commitment to creating the structures and dedicated roles to oversee the technology.

Japan’s Angel Group Co Ltd, a specialist in playing card manufacturing and ‘smart’ gaming tables, has been assessed as leading a global top-10 list of firms – all technology suppliers – granted artificial intelligence (AI)-related patents in gaming.

Artificial intelligence activity in gaming is being driven primarily by technology suppliers rather than operators, according to a new report from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. The study also shows the United States dominating AI-related gaming patent filings, while companies such as Angel Group, IGT, and Light & Wonder lead the field in granted patents and citations.

Betting apps that take wagers on everything from sports to what public officials might say next have become increasingly popular. But online "prediction markets" are getting pushback from Nevada and Arizona.

In what is targeted to be an annually updated report, the UNLV International Gaming Institute published its first research on the use of artificial intelligence and says while most companies have no governance practices, others are in the early stages of development.

Las Vegas has hosted major sports events for decades, from boxing championships to Formula One racing in the early 1980s. But 10 years ago, the city made a decision that reshaped its sports and entertainment identity: building T-Mobile Arena.

The report draws insights from 83 gambling companies and 113 regulators worldwide, a 15-year analysis of academic publications, and patent filing data and expert contributions.​

New study provides benchmarks as gambling sector navigates responsible AI integration.