The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV)’s International Gaming Institute (IGI) is preparing to release its inaugural State of AI in Gaming report in the first quarter of 2026. Positioned as the industry’s first comprehensive benchmark, the study will examine adoption, governance, and regulation. It will offer operators, suppliers, and regulators a data-driven guide to both risks and opportunities.
In an interview with SiGMA News, Dr. Kasra Ghaharian, director of research at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, International Gaming Institute, confirmed that his team is still gathering insights, with preliminary findings expected next month. These will be shared at events in New York City and at the Gambling and Risk Taking Conference at the Bellagio, Las Vegas (26–28 May 2026). The final report is targeted for release in April 2026.
Why AI matters in gaming
AI is already transforming businesses across industries, and gaming is no exception, noted Dr. Ghaharian. The IGI has launched its AI research hub (AiR Hub) in 2025 to provide independent, data-driven analysis of how artificial intelligence is reshaping the sector.
The initiative draws inspiration from established benchmarks such as Stanford University’s AI Index and MIT’s State of AI in Business reports. By tailoring this approach to gaming, IGI aims to provide operators, online platforms, and technology suppliers with a clear picture of their AI maturity compared to industry averages.
A key benefit for participants: each organisation will receive a private benchmarking report, enabling them to measure their AI adoption against competitors and refine their strategic positioning.
Governance, risks, and regulation
The report will dedicate significant attention to governance and responsible AI. Dr. Ghaharian emphasised that regulators and operators alike must grapple with questions like how aware are their organisations when it comes to their licensees’ AI use, or whether gaming regulators adopt AI-specific rules, given the industry’s unique consumer protection challenges.
The addictive potential of gaming products, when intersecting with AI, creates new risk surfaces. IGI’s research will explore these vulnerabilities from compliance, consumer protection, and business perspectives.
Emerging challenges: Generative and agentic AI
Dr. Ghaharian cautioned that governance must evolve alongside technology. Traditional AI applications—predictive analytics and machine learning—are now joined by generative AI and emerging “agentic” systems capable of autonomous decision-making.
For example, a customer-facing chatbot designed to provide account information could inadvertently begin offering betting advice if not properly safeguarded. He noted that organisations will need audit trails and governance mechanisms to demonstrate responsible use even before regulators catch up.
The regulatory landscape
The report will also contextualise global regulatory developments. The EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act, adopted in 2024, represents the world’s first comprehensive framework for AI oversight. While not gambling-specific, its risk-based approach could influence how gaming jurisdictions craft future rules.
Dr. Ghaharian highlighted the regulatory divide in two areas. The United States, for one, illustrates having more flexibility, innovation-driven oversight. Meanwhile, the European Union has stricter, risk-focused regulation, which some critics argue may stifle innovation.
Still, for gaming, the balance remains delicate. AI can enhance consumer protection and streamline compliance, but regulators must weigh these benefits against potential harms.
Looking ahead: AI in game development
AI-generated games are no longer hypothetical. At ICE Barcelona 2025, a demo showcased a slot machine created entirely from a natural language prompt as witnessed by Dr. Ghaharian. While proof-of-concept products exist, scaling them into production-ready features remains a challenge.
IGI’s upcoming report will also track academic research, patent filings, and intellectual property trends, offering stakeholders a forward-looking view of innovation in gaming AI.
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