UNLV & SYDNEY UNI JOIN FORCES ON GAMBLING RESEARCH

The University of Las Vegas (UNLV) and Sydney University plan to collaborate on interactive gambling research, including the study of addiction.

The announcement was made by Nevada Governor Brian Sanoval whilst in Sydney last week as part of trade mission to Australia

A memorandum of understanding between the two universities was signed by Dr. Bo Bernhard, executive director of UNLV’s International Gaming Institute, and Alex Blaszczynski of the University of Sydney’s Gambling Treatment Clinic and Research Unit.

“As our state takes leadership of the emerging interactive gaming industry, it is important that this new segment be as accountable and regulated as the traditional gaming industry is in Nevada,” Sandoval said in a statement.

“In order to maintain the integrity of this sport, those who are participating, both from a user and provider standpoint, must be held to the same high standard that we enforce on our casino floors.”

Sandoval said partnership between the two universities “will help to ensure that those who seek to do harm to the interactive gaming industry are better prevented and that those who might be experiencing an addiction to this entertainment are better identified and assisted.”

Whilst in Sydney, Governor Sandoval also met with NSW Premier Mike Baird, US Consul General Hugo Llorens, IGT CEO Walter Bugno and the General Counsel for Ainsworth Gaming.

Feature Image:  Gov. Brian Sandoval, centre, attending a signing between Alex Blaszczynski of the University of Sydney and Dr. Bo Bernhard, executive director of the International Gaming Institute at UNLV, to formalize a research collaboration between the schools. (Mari N. St. Martin)