UNLV International Gaming Institute promotes from within for director role
Brett Abarbanel is named as executive director after nearly a decade with the institute
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) International Gaming Institute has promoted Brett Abarbanel to become its executive director with immediate effect.
Abarbanel replaces Bo Bernhard, who has now taken the position of UNLV VP of economic development.
However, Bernhard will still maintain his association with the institute as a special advisor to Abarbanel.
Abarbanel joined the institute in 2016 as the director of research with an affiliate position at the University of Sydney Science, Brain and Mind Centre.
Before joining the institute, Abarbanel was the head of social and recreational gambling research at the UCLA gambling studies programme.
She is also currently serving as the co-executive editor of the UNLV Gaming Research & Review Journal.
Her research covers video games, esports and gambling, operations and technology, responsible gambling and community relations.
David Hatchett, interim VP for research, said: “The division of research is looking forward to working with Brett Abarbanel as Bo Bernhard transitions to the Vice President of Economic Development.
“We have discussed her vision for the International Gaming Institute, and I am confident in her leadership of this very important programme. I am also looking forward to having her join our executive leadership and the perspective she brings to the team.”
On her new role, Abarbanel remarked: “It is an honour to step into the role of executive director at International Gaming Institute, a world-renowned research, education and innovation hub for the study of gambling with a brilliant staff.
“I am eager to collaborate with our many stakeholders in academia, government, non-profit and industry and continue to grow the institute’s reach and impact on the gambling world.”