The UNLV International Gaming Institute (IGI) has launched its AI Research Hub (AiR Hub), a significant step toward advancing research and understanding on the impacts, risks, and opportunities of artificial intelligence (AI) within the gambling industry.

Co-founded by Kasra Ghaharian, IGI Director of Research, and Simo Dragicevic, an industry and research veteran who now serves as an Adjunct Fellow at the Hub, the initiative will develop an ecosystem for collaborative AI research and accelerate the adoption of trusted and responsible AI.

Key initiatives underway focus on critical areas, including the forthcoming State of AI in Gaming report. This annual deep dive will be a first of its kind for the sector, surveying current and future use cases and indexing companies on their AI maturity. Other initiatives include thought leadership and practical tools for operators and regulators to promote responsible AI oversight and governance, and developing benchmarking solutions for critical AI systems within the sector.

“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. 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,” Ghaharian said.

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AiR Hub is supported by a prestigious group of founding industry members. Representatives from Action Gaming, Axes.ai, Evoke Plc, Gaming Analytics, Kindbridge Behavioral Health, Playtech Plc, ROGA (Responsible Online Gaming Association), and Walker Digital Table Systems will serve on AiR Hub’s industry 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. 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,” Dragicevic said.

The founding member round will remain open to organizations for an additional six months.

SCCG Management, a leading global advisory and consulting firm in the gambling industry, has entered into a strategic partnership with Slot Machines Unlimited, a premier provider of refurbished slot machines and gaming equipment.

Founded in 1999, Slot Machines Unlimited has over 25 years of experience in providing high-quality, refurbished slot machines, casino equipment, and accessories to gaming establishments across the US and internationally. This partnership will support Slot Machines Unlimited’s growing international presence in Central and South America, Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean, offering an enhanced level of service, expertise, and product distribution.

Stephen Crystal, Founder and CEO of SCCG Management, said: “We are excited to partner with Slot Machines Unlimited, a company with a stellar track record for delivering value and reliability to gaming operators. Their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction aligns perfectly with SCCG’s mission to drive growth and innovation across the global gaming ecosystem. Together, we will expand their international reach and provide world-class solutions to gaming operators looking for premium gaming products.”

The partnership between SCCG Management and Slot Machines Unlimited leverages both companies’ strengths: Slot Machines Unlimited’s expertise in refurbished gaming equipment and SCCG’s deep industry insight, global network, and strategic growth capabilities. The collaboration will enhance Slot Machines Unlimited’s international sales and service operations, ensuring gaming establishments worldwide have access to high-quality slot machines and support.

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Chris Day, President and Co-owner of Slot Machines Unlimited, said: “Partnering with gaming legend Stephen Crystal will open exciting new doors for our company. We do business a little bit differently than some in the used gaming industry, which is why I believe we are the best fit for SCCG. Our growth has been unmatched in the used gaming side for machine refurbishment and resale.”

OnlineUnitedStatesCasinos.com, an authority in online casino reviews and gambling content, announced the addition of professional sports bettor Bill Krackomberger as a top writer and contributor to its team. With over three decades of experience in the gambling industry, he will bring his unparalleled expertise and in-depth knowledge to the platform.

Renowned as one of the sharpest advantage sports bettors in the world, Krackman has been a guest on ESPN, CNN, CBS Sports, VSIN, Bleacher Report, and the Countdown to Kickoff on Fox Sports Radio. He is the founder of the renowned sports betting mobile app and website KrackWins, where he shares insider tips to enhance gamblers’ skills. Additionally, he runs a weekly podcast on the World Sports Network and was featured in a four-part docuseries about sports betting called Action.

Krackman said: “I am proud of the work I am doing with OnlineUnitedStatesCasinos.com. It’s not often that I am impressed with everyone on the team: the content creators, video editors, and the entire staff. They care about the quality of what I want to put out there and trust me with my ideas. They even came up with the idea for a responsible gaming video. Not enough companies do that.”

As a top writer and contributor for OnlineUnitedStatesCasinos.com, Krackman will focus on delivering high-quality content, including comprehensive casino reviews, expert analysis of bonuses, and advantageous gambling strategies.

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