UNLV’s AI Research Hub Aims to Shape Responsible AI in Gambling

A Bold Step into AI Research

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas International Gaming Institute unveiled its AI Research Hub, a game-changer set to spark new insights into artificial intelligence’s role in gambling.

Co-founded by IGI’s Research Director Kasra Ghaharian and industry veteran Simo Dragicevic, now an Adjunct Fellow, the AiR Hub aims to roll out collaborative research and juice up the adoption of trusted, responsible AI.

The AiR Hub is all about building an ecosystem where academics, regulators, nonprofits, and industry players team up to tackle AI’s impacts, risks, and opportunities in gambling.

Its flagship project, the State of AI in Gaming report, will be a first-of-its-kind annual deep dive, mapping AI use cases and ranking companies on their AI maturity.

Other efforts include crafting thought leadership, practical tools for operators and regulators, and benchmarking critical AI systems, like those for player protection.

“UNLV’s International Gaming Institute has a long history of pioneering research in the gaming sector, and we are excited to launch AiR Hub as the next step in that journey,” Ghaharian said.

Why AI in Gambling Matters

AI’s already shaking up gambling, from spotting problem betting patterns to personalizing player experiences, with 60% of major operators using it for compliance. But it’s a double-edged sword. Missteps could erode trust or skirt regulations.

The AiR Hub wants to steer the industry toward responsible AI, ensuring tools like fraud detection or marketing algorithms prioritize player safety

The AiR Hub’s got serious backing from a who’s-who of industry player. Founding members include Action Gaming, Axes.ai, Evoke Plc, Gaming Analytics, Kindbridge Behavioral Health, Playtech Plc, Responsible Online Gaming Association, and Walker Digital Table Systems, all serving on an advisory panel.

“We are grateful for not only the financial support offered by our founding members, but also the expert knowledge they bring in regard to technology, data, and wider gambling business and player support practices,” Dragicevic said, noting their role in decoding AI’s potential.