UNLV IGI Taps Gaming Industry Heavyweights for New Advisory Board
UNLV’s International Gaming Institute (IGI) has assembled a powerful new advisory board, bringing together top executives from across the global gambling industry. The board will provide strategic guidance to help the institute maintain its position as a leading authority in gaming research and education.
Bridging Academia and Industry
The new Executive Director’s Advisory Board is designed to provide strategic counsel and foster connections between the academic world and the fast-paced reality of the global gaming industry.
For over 30 years, IGI has been a key source of expertise on everything from regulation and policy to innovation and operations. This new board will help ensure its work remains relevant and impactful.
“This board will help elevate IGI’s profile of academic excellence through its commitment to our mission,” said Dr. Brett Abarbanel, Executive Director of IGI.
“We are honored to welcome these accomplished experts and look forward to benefiting from their dynamic perspectives and support in creating meaningful connections between IGI and its stakeholders.”
A Roster of Industry Leaders
The inaugural board features a diverse roster of 15 leaders, reflecting the multifaceted nature of the modern gaming industry. The membership includes key figures from major commercial operators, tribal gaming enterprises, suppliers, and the responsible gaming sector.
The board includes executives from some of the biggest names in the U.S. market, such as Jan Jones Blackhurst of Caesars Entertainment, Justin Carter of PENN Entertainment, and Laura McAllister Cox of Rush Street Interactive. The tribal gaming perspective will be represented by Peter Arceo of the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation and Anika Howard of Wondr Nation.
The supplier and technology side is well-represented with leaders like Jessica Feil of OpenBet and David Lopez of AGS. Crucially, the board also includes Lori Kalani, the Chief Responsible Gaming Officer at DraftKings, signaling a strong focus on one of the industry’s most pressing issues. The board’s reach is further extended by investment expert Chris Grove of Acies Investments and international operator Simon Thomas of the Hippodrome Casino in London.
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