UNLV International Gaming Institute Announces Formation of Inaugural Executive Director’s Advisory Board

LAS VEGAS – [July 28, 2025] – UNLV’s International Gaming Institute (IGI) today announced the formation of an inaugural Executive Director’s Advisory Board, a strategic initiative designed to further its mission to provide world-class research, education, and innovation to the global gaming and gambling industry.

The Executive Director’s Advisory Board will provide strategic counsel, foster connections, and contribute insights and resources to help IGI maintain its status as the intellectual capital for gambling research and education worldwide. For more than 30 years, IGI has provided expertise and education in areas including gambling innovation, research, operations, regulation and policy.

“It is my great pleasure to welcome this esteemed group to IGI’s inaugural Advisory Board,” said Brett Abarbanel, Ph.D., Executive Director of IGI. “This board will help elevate IGI’s profile of academic excellence through its commitment to our mission. 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.”

Inaugural IGI Executive Director’s Advisory Board members include:

Peter Arceo Chief Gaming Officer, Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation

Richard Baldwin Managing Partner, GGHM

Jan Jones Blackhurst Independent Director, Caesars Entertainment

Executive Director, UNLV Black Fire Leadership Initiative

Carlos Carrion VP International Sales and Business Development, SlotCycle

Justin Carter SVP, Regional Operations, PENN Entertainment

Daron Dorsey President & CEO, AGEM

Jessica Feil VP Regulatory Affairs & Compliance, OpenBet

Chris Grove Partner, Acies Investments

Anika Howard President & CEO, Wondr Nation

Lori Kalani Chief Responsible Gaming Officer, DraftKings

David Lopez CEO, AGS

Brian Mattingley Former Chairman, Playtech

Laura McAllister Cox CCO, Rush Street Interactive

Simon Thomas Executive Chairman, Hippodrome Casino

 

View the original press release on the UNLV Newsroom: https://www.unlv.edu/announcement/international-gaming-institute/unlv-international-gaming-institute-announces-formation

For more information about the UNLV International Gaming Institute, please visit https://www.unlv.edu/igi

 

About the University of Nevada, Las Vegas International Gaming Institute

For more than 30 years, the UNLV International Gaming Institute (IGI) has provided research-based solutions, cutting-edge insights, and executive education to the global gambling industry. With expertise in areas including gambling and gaming innovation, business operations, regulation and policy, esports and digital games, and problem and responsible gambling, IGI has been called upon to provide its research to more than 50 jurisdictions across the globe. In addition to these offerings, IGI proudly emphasizes diversity and community outreach through initiatives like the Young Executive Scholars Hospitality & Tourism Program (YES), which gives high schoolers a behind-the-scenes look at the career and educational opportunities that the hospitality industry provides.

 

About UNLV

UNLV is a doctoral degree-granting institution of nearly 33,000 students and more than 4,000 faculty and staff that has earned the nation’s highest recognition for both research and community engagement from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. UNLV offers a broad range of respected academic programs and is committed to recruiting and retaining top students and faculty, educating the region's diverse population and workforce, driving economic activity, and delivering high-quality healthcare to Southern Nevadans. Learn more at unlv.edu.

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