Brett Abarbanel has assumed leadership of the International Gaming Institute (IGI) at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), succeeding Bo Bernhard. Bernhard will now concentrate on his position as UNLV’s vice president of economic development, while maintaining a connection with the IGI as a special advisor.
Abarbanel possesses nearly two decades of experience in the field, with proficiency in gaming operations and technology, responsible gaming and community engagement, and gaming history. She is enthusiastic about expanding upon the IGI’s already notable achievements, remarking, “As the gaming environment continues to transform, I anticipate collaborating with our numerous partners in academia, government, non-profit organizations, and the industry to enhance industry education, develop workforce pathways, and broaden the knowledge foundation within the field.”
Abarbanel’s appointment coincides with a period of significant expansion for UNLV’s gaming program. In January 2022, the university’s William Boyd School of Law joined forces with Entain to introduce a series of courses on gaming law and regulation. These courses, led by prominent specialists in the field, provide an in-depth exploration of the legal and regulatory intricacies of the gaming sector.
Classes offered encompass “Legal Aspects of Casino Management” instructed by Professor William Buffalo, a top specialist in the areas of hospitality and gaming, and “Fundamentals of Native American Gaming Law,” led by diverse authorities from UNLV’s International Gaming Institute.
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