ICE Research Institute Studies Presented at UNLV

The ICE Research Institute (IRI) has continued advancing its mission of supporting industry dialogue, improving standards and contributing to long-term sustainability through the presentation of two research projects at the 19th International Conference on Gambling & Risk in Las Vegas, held at the Bellagio Resort and Casino from 26–28 May.

Hosted by the UNLV International Gaming Institute, the conference brought together regulators, academics and industry representatives to discuss the evolving relationship between gambling, technology, policy and consumer behaviour.

Among the studies supported by the ICE Research Institute were “Social Representations and Stigma Surrounding Gambling in Contemporary Spain” led by Dr David Pere Martínez Oró, Director of Episteme Social and “Advancing AI Ethics and Governance in the Gambling Sector” a collaborative project involving the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and Universidad Rey Juan Carlos in Madrid.

Ewa Bakun, Director of Industry Relations at World Gaming, formerly Clarion Gaming, explained that the research initiative was launched following ICE’s move to Barcelona. In partnership with Fira Barcelona, the organisation established an annual funding programme designed to support academic and scientific studies focused on sustainability and prevention within the gambling industry.

Bakun noted that the programme aims to provide evidence-based research to support decision-making across the sector, while also expanding academic focus beyond traditional gambling harm treatment.

She added that the International Conference on Gambling & Risk remains one of the leading platforms for presenting new industry research and recognised the selection of two IRI-funded projects as an important milestone for the organisation.

According to Bakun, the presentations reflect the broader vision behind the ICE Research Institute, which seeks to use the ICE platform to support a more sustainable future for the global gambling industry while creating a lasting impact beyond the event itself.