The UNLV International Gaming Institute (IGI) has officially launched its AI Research Hub (AiR Hub), a dedicated centre for exploring the applications, risks, and regulatory considerations of artificial intelligence across the igaming and broader gambling sectors.
Led by IGI Director of Research Kasra Ghaharian and Adjunct Fellow Simo Dragicevic, the initiative aims to foster a collaborative environment for advancing responsible and transparent AI practices within the industry. AiR Hub’s mission includes the development of research, tools, and frameworks to support operators, suppliers, and regulators in understanding and managing the adoption of AI technologies.
Among the Hub’s initial projects is the “State of AI in Gaming” report, expected to serve as a sector-wide benchmark on AI deployment and maturity. The report will assess current use cases and provide an annual index of AI integration across gambling companies. AiR Hub also plans to deliver tools for governance and oversight, alongside benchmarking capabilities for critical AI systems used in igaming operations.
Founding advisory panel members include representatives from Action Gaming, Axes.ai, Evoke Plc, Gaming Analytics, Kindbridge Behavioral Health, Playtech Plc, the Responsible Online Gaming Association (ROGA), and Walker Digital Table Systems. Their involvement underscores the industry’s growing focus on safe, scalable, and ethically aligned AI deployment.
The launch of AiR Hub reflects a broader trend in the igaming sector toward formalising the role of AI, not only to enhance business outcomes but also to reinforce player protection, operational integrity, and regulatory compliance.
“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. “Our vision is to create tangible progress through collaborative, actionable research with engagement across a range of stakeholders, including regulators, academics, non-profit organizations, and industry.”
“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. “We operate in a highly complex and integrated industry that is evolving quickly, and this knowledge and experience will be essential to fully understanding the risks and capitalizing on the potential of AI within the industry.”
