Gambling in the USA
West Virginia University Announces New Gift to Support the Center for Gaming Research and Development
West Virginia University’s John Chambers College of Business and Economics is proud to announce the establishment of a new fund for the Center for Gaming Research and Development, generously seeded by gaming industry veterans Chen and Benjamin Truman.
Launched with the mission to promote research on responsible gaming practices and consumer protection in gambling markets, the Center leverages leading-edge expertise — including Chambers College like Professor Brad Humphreys, an internationally recognized researcher in the economics of gaming markets.
This new fund will enable the Center to:
- Expand its research initiatives into gaming markets, including analysis of transactions level data provided by gaming operators in West Virginia to identify and understand problematic gambling behavior and ensure fair pricing of wagers.
- Enhance integration of gaming-focused research and analytics into curricular offerings in the Chambers college, including cybersecurity, business data analytics, finance, management information systems, and economics.
- Develop courses, training, certificates, initiatives and other activities designed to foster innovation in gaming technology development, and prepare students for careers in racing, gaming, gaming operations, hospitality management, guest relations, entertainment, and other amenities typically offered in conjunction with gaming operations.
- Foster deeper collaboration with policymakers and industry stakeholders to translate research insights into impactful policy and practice.
The Center’s research, education, and outreach will have an important impact on the lives of state residents, college students throughout the state, gaming industry firms operating in the state, and state gaming regulators. This generous gift will allow the Center to fulfill the role envisioned by the state legislature when they passed The Responsible Gaming and Research and Industry Development Act. — Professor Brad Humphreys, Director, Center for Gaming Research and Development
This strategic investment by Chen and Benjamin Truman, a WVU alumni, underscores their commitment to evidence-based research and responsible industry practices. It will help propel the Center’s mission to safeguard consumer interests within evolving gaming markets.
We’re thrilled to see West Virginia University take a leadership role in shaping the future of iGaming and sports betting policy. As industry veterans, Chen and I are proud to support a mission that will not only advance responsible gaming but also help set the global standard for innovation and consumer protection in this space.” — Benjamin Truman, Co-Founder, Absolutebet.
About the Center for Gaming Research and Development
The Center was created by an Act of the West Virginia legislature, the Responsible Gaming and Research and Industry Development Act. The Center is dedicated to advancing academic research, analyzing gaming data including transactions level data, developing courses and initiatives to prepare WVU students for careers in the gaming industry, and shaping policy and industry standards through collaboration, education, and data-driven insight. It seeks to mitigate inherent risks in gaming—such as problem gambling and pricing opacity—by empowering informed decision-making among consumers, regulators, and industry players.
About the John Chambers College of Business and Economics
Located at West Virginia University, the Chambers College combines rigorous academic programs with an emphasis on cutting-edge research, equipping students to address real-world challenges across business disciplines.
The post West Virginia University Announces New Gift to Support the Center for Gaming Research and Development appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Gambling in the USA
Wind Creek Hospitality Celebrates “Winner Takes All” Champion After $1 Million Win, Chance at Up to $11.8 Million
Wind Creek Hospitality has announced the winner of its cross-property “Winner Takes All” casino promotion, which culminated in a championship event held at Wind Creek Chicago Southland. The event brought together finalists from across Wind Creek’s portfolio for a high-stakes grand prize championship competition and VIP Guest experience.
Finalists qualified through slot tournaments at their home properties and advanced through quarterfinal and semifinal rounds before earning their place in the final championship event in Chicago. The finale featured a series of timed slot tournaments held on June 13, progressively narrowing the field of competitors through elimination rounds until the final winner was determined.
At the conclusion of the tournament on June 13, Aaron Nelson from Wind Creek Atmore was crowned the winner of the “Winner Takes All” competition, claiming a $1,000,000 prize in the tournament’s final round, and earning the opportunity to compete for the promotion’s ultimate grand prize of up to $11,888,888. “Winner Takes All” finalists were also awarded more than $200,000 in cash and prizes in the finale tournament, including a $100,000 second-place prize followed up by a drawing with a $50,000 prize pool, including a $25,000 top prize and multiple $1000 prize winners.
In addition to the competition, finalists participated in curated Wind Creek Rewards experiences designed to highlight Chicago’s cultural and hospitality offerings. Experiences included a Chicago River architectural boat cruise and a guided Chinatown culinary tasting tour, alongside a welcome reception featuring food and beverage service. Travel and accommodations were provided by Wind Creek Hospitality as part of the finalist experience.
The “Winner Takes All” promotion marked one of Wind Creek Hospitality’s most expansive cross-property tournament experiences, combining competitive gaming with destination-based Guest programming and elevated hospitality.
The post Wind Creek Hospitality Celebrates “Winner Takes All” Champion After $1 Million Win, Chance at Up to $11.8 Million appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
Brazil
Superbet honors Cafu with Times Square campaign for 2026 collection
Limited-run “Super By Superbet” launch includes the “Camisa Cafu,” with 150 numbered and signed units referencing his 150 Brazil caps.
Superbet honored former Brazil captain Cafu on Monday (15) with a campaign displayed on a Times Square billboard in New York City. The company said the activation promoted its “Super By Superbet” exclusive collection created for the 2026 edition, which includes a special piece dedicated to the player.
According to the company, Cafu attended the display in person, drawing a crowd of fans seeking photos and chanting his name in one of the city’s busiest tourist areas.
“The shirt is wonderful. I feel very happy for all the incredible moments I’ve experienced here. I receive so much affection everywhere I go. Receiving recognition while still alive is one of the best things in the world.”.
“It’s an inexplicable energy to feel the love of the Brazilian people for me, right there in Times Square. Only we Brazilians know what that means.”
The centerpiece of the launch, which Superbet said totals 3,000 pieces, is the “Camisa Cafu.” The item is a limited run of 150 numbered and autographed units, which the company said references Cafu’s 150 matches for the Brazilian national team, and includes the inscription “Jardim Irene,” highlighting the player’s roots.
The post Superbet honors Cafu with Times Square campaign for 2026 collection appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
Choctaw Casino & Resort
Oklahoma Man Wins $1 Million in Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant’s first “3 Months. 3 Millionaires.” Drawing of 2026
Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant announced its first millionaire of the summer late Saturday evening as part of the 2026 edition of “3 Months. 3 Millionaires.” Douglas C. from Norman, Oklahoma, became the First of three lucky Choctaw Rewards Club members to become an instant millionaire this summer.
Douglas who was very surprised to hear his name, said he plans to give a portion of his winnings to a few charities.
“I don’t feel any different. Being a millionaire is a state of mind and how you deal with folks and what you do to make this world a better place,” he said.
Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant is also taking the excitement of “3 Months. 3 Millionaires.” to the winner’s hometown and will make a $10,000 donation to a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization of the winner’s choice.
In addition to crowning a new millionaire, Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant also held its first-ever bonus drawing for $250,000, where Eden H. from Richardson, Texas, was the winner. This new addition will take place on each million-dollar drawing day, one hour after the grand-prize drawing.
“We are thrilled to announce our first millionaire of the summer. By the end of this summer, Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant will have made 12 Choctaw Rewards Club members millionaires through this promotion. This truly is where millionaires are made. This is an incredible, life-changing opportunity for our rewards club members, and we’re thrilled to be able to provide it. We look forward to continuing to innovate ways to create exciting opportunities for guests to win here at Choctaw,” said Jeff Penz, senior director of gaming and hospitality for Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant.
The next $1 million drawing will be held on Saturday, July 11, and the winner must be present to claim their prize.
The post Oklahoma Man Wins $1 Million in Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant’s first “3 Months. 3 Millionaires.” Drawing of 2026 appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
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