Nevada’s gaming industry is the biggest employer in Nevada and the most important sector in the state’s economy. In fiscal year 2018, the hospitality industry accounted for nearly 38.9 percent of the state’s total tax revenues and supported 450,100 jobs. While economic development agencies continue their efforts to diversify the Nevada economy, gaming will continue to be its economic driver for the foreseeable future.

The year is 2022, and you’ve just pulled up a seat at one of thousands of glittering slot machines on the Las Vegas Strip. As the multi-colored patchwork of jackpots dances on-screen, something new pops up: your name, greeting you like an old friend.

The year is 2022, and you’ve just pulled up a seat at one of thousands of glittering slot machines on the Las Vegas Strip. As the multi-colored patchwork of jackpots dances on-screen, something new pops up: your name, greeting you like an old friend.

Jan Jones Blackhurst has spent most of her professional career pressing against the glass ceiling.

Former Caesars Entertainment executive Jan Jones Blackhurst will join UNLV’s International Gaming Institute as chief executive in residence where she will look to expand the organization’s executive development program, which provides a leadership academy for gaming industry professionals.

Jan Jones Blackhurst was recently named chief executive in residence at the UNLV International Gaming Institute.

Few women hold executive positions in the casino and gaming industry. However, there are STEAM programs that caters to young women, and they hope to put a big break in that glass ceiling.

The IGI of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, says each US state legislature must make policy decisions that are unique to its jurisdiction as regards sports betting. They warn that if tax structures and fees are too high, those wishing to place bets may turn to a neighboring jurisdiction or the illegal market. Both online gaming and sports betting are ripe for innovations, as disruptive technologies and new offerings have already begun to emerge, the IGI says.

Battle Born Girls Innovate is a new program UNLV created this year to help eighth-grade girls at Title I schools.

Longtime gaming attorney-turned law professor Anthony Cabot said companies at the recent Global Gaming Expo promoted software that used artificial intelligence for marketing and commercializing purposes in casinos.

People around the Coachella Valley depend on tourism to drive our local economy. Experts say approximately half of our jobs are in some way connected to tourism or hospitality. Protecting them is vitally important.

Several dozen middle schoolers played video games and toured the esports arena at the Luxor casino-resort this week as part of a new program working to get girls excited about careers in science, technology, engineering, arts and math.