Playtech has agreed to a multi-year collaboration with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) which aims to utilise technology to create a more sustainable gambling environment.
The igaming supplier will work together with UNLV’s International Gaming Institute (IGI), which was established in 1994 and provides the global gaming and gambling industry with research-based solutions, insights and executive education.
UNLV’s IGI and Playtech will combine their expertise on several topics of mutual interest, with the key focus areas being how AI and machine learning can be used to promote and support safer and more responsible gambling.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with Playtech in advancing our responsible gambling research,” commented Kasra Ghaharian, PhD, Director of Research at UNLV IGI.
“Their expertise in artificial intelligence and machine learning is crucial in promoting safer gambling behaviours amongst players all around the world. Playtech’s dedication to reducing gambling related harm, aligns with our own goals of employing the most advanced methodologies to understand, predict, and prevent potential gambling harm.
“As responsible gambling becomes increasingly important in the US and around the world, our collaboration with Playtech is more vital than ever.”
Playtech has committed funding to an IGI project that explores how AI can be used to train chatbots to encourage safer gambling behaviours among sports bettors.
At IGI’s Center for Gaming Innovation, an internship in the inaugural Gaming Manufacturing Internship Program has also been supported by the igaming supplier.
Brett Abarbanel, PhD, Executive Director at UNLV IGI and Associate Professor at UNLV William F Harrah College of Hospitality, stated: “It is a joy to work with Playtech across IGI’s many education, innovation, and research programs. Playtech is a global leader in gambling and gaming, and together we will advance a stronger, more sustainable industry.”
Jonathan Doubilet, VP of US Business Operations at Playtech, added: “We are delighted to collaborate with the prestigious UNLV International Gaming Institute. Their expertise in the gambling and technology sector helps continue to generate powerful insights that benefit all stakeholders in advancing player protection.
“Supporting their cutting-edge research, to lead the way in developing innovative solutions to enhance player protection and promote safer gambling behaviours, is a priority for us.”
Earlier this week, Playtech published its H1 2024 financials, reporting that it is “on course to deliver” its FY 2024 adjusted EBITDA slightly ahead of expectations, as its B2B operations drove growth for the business during the first half of the year.
The Netherlands’ gaming authority, Kansspelautoriteit, has awarded licences to online casinos Lucky 7 and Starcasino, allowing the two brands to operate in the country’s online gambling market.
Lucky 7 will be powered by Finnplay, becoming the fifth brand to go live with the platform’s technology in the Dutch igaming market.
“We are thrilled to have achieved this important milestone, and we now look forward to a very successful brand launch soon,” commented Frank Loffeld, COO of Lucky 7.
“Finnplay’s team was instrumental in helping us navigate the complex application process, and we’re pleased to have their continued support as we launch Lucky 7 to the market.”
Jaakko Soininen, Managing Director of Finnplay, added: “Our team is proud to have helped Lucky 7 get over the line in their Dutch licence application, keeping our perfect record of Dutch compliance intact.
“We are eager to help them officially launch the brand now and turn it into a very successful business in the Netherlands.”
Entering the Netherlands, Starcasino also operates websites in Belgium and Spain.
“Today we received good news: Green Island has officially received the license from the Gaming Authority for our Starcasino brand,” noted Kylian Olierook, Country Director Netherlands at Starcasino, via CasinoNieuws.
“We have already gained quite some experience with licenses in Spain and Belgium, so we are ready to become successful in the Netherlands as well. With our own in-house platform we can offer players in the Netherlands something unique and above all responsible.
“When are we going live? Of course, we want to do that as soon as possible, but we also want to set everything up properly. So, stay tuned.”
