UNLV gaming institute examines AI’s rapid rise, weighing benefits and risks
UNLV gaming institute examines AI’s rapid rise, weighing benefits and risks
Publish Date: 2026-05-11 23:27:00
Source Domain: news3lv.com
LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — Artificial intelligence has been around for decades, but its use has surged since the onset of ChatGPT. That growth is now reshaping the gaming industry, raising both big opportunities and new concerns about trust and player protection.
Experts at UNLV’s International Gaming Institute are closely watching the rapid expansion of AI in gaming, prompting the release of its inaugural annual report, “State of AI in Gaming – 2026.” The report finds the potential for AI in gaming is significant, but it also suggests the industry may have to overcome “trust issues” as the technology becomes more widespread.
Some casino visitors remain skeptical about AI in general. Linda McConnell, visiting from Venice, Florida, said she dislikes it because “there’s so much phony stuff out there.”
Others said their support depends on how AI is used. Ian MacLean, visiting from Cocoa Beach, Florida, said, “If it can make you a lot more money, I’m all for it. But, if it can take all your money, then I don’t like it.”
Bill Shubin, visiting from California, said he embraces the technology. “I think it’s great. I use it for so many things,” Shubin said. Later, he added, “I don’t see it as a threat. I think of it only as a good tool to help mankind.”
The UNLV report outlines what it describes as ambitious plans for AI, while emphasizing it is still early in adoption. Among the key findings: the gaming industry and regulators are not yet aligned, even as the pace of innovation accelerates.
Kasra Ghaharian, one of the report’s authors, said existing rules are designed to safeguard fairness. “The current gaming regulations are there to protect the integrity of the game, right?” he said.
Ghaharian said AI could help regulators protect players and could also improve the customer experience by making products such as slot machines more engaging and more fun — changes that could come with risks. “Those same kind of engagement algorithms and new…
