The grant will help the school develop a “pioneering” program dedicated to the study of the intersection of sports betting and the media.

As Penn Entertainment gets ready to push the launch button on ESPN BET, the network is ensuring that it becomes a thought leader in responsible gaming by partnering with UNLV on RG research.

ESPN collaborates with UNLV's International Gaming Institute (IGI) for responsible sports betting research.

'Pioneering' grant announced one day before ESPN BET sportsbook launch

The university announced that ESPN is donating $200,000 to launch the collaboration for the program, with the goal of studying the rapidly evolving sports wagering landscape and its intersection with the media.

The roar of cheering fans echoed across the Kia Forum on Saturday as singers took the stage beneath glimmering lights and flashes of flame to perform a dramatic opening act.

A study conducted by the International Gaming Institute of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, recounts the experience of Covid in casinos in Canada, the USA, Sweden, Singapore, New Zealand and Australia.

Several women’s leagues and athletes have driven the conversation and attention to their sport in recent months. With more attention on major events — the Women’s March Madness title game this spring set a viewership record of more than 9 million people — industry watchers and advocates hope to attract larger stages and increased betting attention.