Gaming Industry Cautiously Embraces AI, UNLV Report Finds

New study provides benchmarks as gambling sector navigates responsible AI integration.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 8:41pm

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A highly detailed, glowing 3D illustration of a futuristic casino gaming table, with neon cyan and magenta lights illuminating the intricate mechanical and digital components, conceptually representing the integration of advanced technology into the gambling industry.As the gaming industry rapidly adopts AI, this conceptual illustration depicts the complex, high-tech infrastructure powering the future of casino operations.Las Vegas Today

A new UNLV report examines the gaming industry's emerging use of artificial intelligence, finding that while cost savings are driving AI adoption, companies are struggling to achieve a return on investment and are more concerned about AI vulnerabilities than player impacts. The report highlights the need for stronger governance and oversight as AI becomes more deeply embedded in gambling operations.

Why it matters

As AI becomes more prevalent across industries, the highly regulated gaming sector is navigating the responsible integration of these technologies. This report provides critical insights into the current state of AI adoption, key challenges, and the disconnect between companies and regulators - issues that will shape the future of AI in gambling.

The details

The 113-page 'State of AI in Gaming 2026' report, released by the UNLV International Gaming Institute in collaboration with KPMG, surveyed gaming companies globally and found that cost reduction is the primary driver of AI adoption, but many struggle to achieve measurable ROI. Online gambling operations are ahead of their land-based counterparts in AI integration. The report also identified governance gaps and a disconnect between regulators and companies, noting that 'many companies are moving faster on AI adoption than on the controls needed to manage it.'

  • The report was released on April 9, 2026.

The players

UNLV International Gaming Institute (IGI)

The research institute that collaborated with KPMG to produce the 'State of AI in Gaming 2026' report.

KPMG LLP

A U.S. audit, tax and advisory firm that partnered with IGI on the gaming AI report.

Kasra Ghaharian

The director of research at IGI and editor-in-chief of the 'State of AI in Gaming 2026' report.

Rick Arpin

The executive editor of the report and KPMG's U.S. Gaming Lead.

Simo Dragicevic

The executive editor of the report and co-founder of AiR Hub.

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What they’re saying

“Society is at an inflection point with AI, and until now there has been no rigorous, independent baseline for understanding where the gambling industry stands.”

— Kasra Ghaharian, Director of Research, UNLV International Gaming Institute

“Many companies are moving faster on AI adoption than on the controls needed to manage it. Those that address this now will be better positioned to realize value and avoid unnecessary risk.”

— Rick Arpin, KPMG U.S. Gaming Lead

“The regulator-industry disconnect we uncovered is one of the most consequential findings in this report. Regulators believe they lack the capacity to properly oversee how AI is being used by licensees, and the data confirms they often have an incomplete picture. Meanwhile, Responsible AI practices across the industry are nascent at best. As AI becomes more deeply embedded in operations, this oversight gap will only become more urgent to address.”

— Simo Dragicevic, Co-founder, AiR Hub

What’s next

The report's authors say they will continue developing methods to better track and report on incidents of harm attributed to AI in the gambling industry.

The takeaway

As the gaming industry rapidly adopts AI to drive cost savings, this report highlights the critical need for stronger governance, regulatory oversight, and responsible integration practices to mitigate risks and ensure the technology is used ethically and transparently.