Author: Levi Brooks

For the first time in its three-decade history, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas’ International Gaming Institute has formed an official Executive Director’s Advisory Board—pulling in some of the gambling industry’s top minds to tighten the bond between academia and the business of betting.

The new board isn’t just a PR exercise. It’s a move that could shift how gambling research is shaped and delivered—especially at a time when the stakes in the global gaming landscape are getting higher, and faster. With decades of international influence under its belt, IGI seems to be doubling down on relevance, connection, and innovation.

Why IGI’s timing couldn’t be more interesting

Gaming, in almost every corner of the world, is in flux. Sports betting is booming in North America. Online gambling is exploding in Europe. Regulatory attitudes are softening in parts of Asia. It’s a scene packed with change—and opportunity.

At the heart of it sits IGI, a globally respected academic centre in Las Vegas, which has advised policymakers and trained executives in over 50 jurisdictions. So why now?

Well, because the industry’s changing too quickly for any one institution to stay influential by just looking inward.

“We’re not simply looking to study the industry from the outside anymore,” said one IGI insider familiar with the institute’s recent internal discussions. “This is about being in the room, part of the conversation, and sometimes, shaping it.”

And here’s where the board comes in.

Who’s in the room now?

The newly formed Executive Director’s Advisory Board is more than just symbolic. It’s a cross-section of senior voices drawn from across the gaming world—think CEOs, tech innovators, regulatory consultants, and thought leaders.

Brett Abarbanel, who took the reins as IGI’s Executive Director in 2023, called the board members “accomplished experts” and said their insight will help bridge the space between academia and commercial reality.

Here’s a breakdown of what this means in practice:

• Board members will advise on research themes and emerging issues.

• They’ll connect IGI to fresh partnerships in tech, policy, and investment.

• Their networks can bring new opportunities for IGI grads and students.

• They’ll help the institute keep its edge in a fast-evolving market.

In short: they’re not just advisors—they’re amplifiers.

A rare blend of academia and commercial realism

Academic institutions often struggle to stay relevant in fast-paced industries. That’s not a secret. Research papers can take months—years even. Meanwhile, tech and commercial shifts can render them outdated in weeks.

IGI’s move looks like an attempt to sidestep that trap.

It’s positioning itself as a hub not just for theory, but for real-world, practical insight. By setting up this board, the institute seems to be saying: we want to stay current, and we want your help to do it.

Abarbanel’s leadership reflects that mood. Known for her own work on esports, gambling behaviour, and data ethics, she’s spent years blending rigorous academic thinking with public impact work. The board now gives her a louder megaphone—and more ears in the room.

One sentence here, for rhythm.

Quick glance: What IGI has done so far

While the board is new, IGI isn’t. Founded in the early 1990s, it’s become a go-to resource for regulators, researchers, and gaming operators. Here’s what they’ve already accomplished:

That’s not just academic influence. That’s boots-on-the-ground, global relevance.

Is this the new gold standard for gambling education?

Maybe it is. Or maybe it’s at least the right step in that direction. What IGI is doing mirrors a growing trend in higher education—bringing in real-world players to co-steer academic ships.

It also reflects a shift in how gambling is being discussed globally.

Once seen mostly as a moral or financial risk, gambling is now being treated with more sophistication. The conversation has moved from prohibition to regulation. From tax windfalls to public health. From stigma to science.

By making space for commercial voices inside an academic institution, IGI might be modelling a new kind of collaboration—one that’s thoughtful but fast, grounded but global.

What could this mean for Nevada—and beyond?

Las Vegas isn’t just a gaming city—it’s a testing ground. What starts in Nevada often spreads to the wider U.S. gambling market, and then internationally.

So, this new board could have ripple effects.

For students, it could mean sharper courses, better internships, and faster access to the front lines of the business.

For regulators and operators, it offers a place to exchange ideas outside of conferences and trade shows—somewhere slower, quieter, but no less influential.

And for policymakers, it’s a reminder that research isn’t just about theory—it can be a tool for shaping smarter rules, safer practices, and more sustainable models.

That’s a lot of potential baked into one advisory board.

3 Oaks Gaming has pulled the curtain back on Maya Lock, its latest slot title—an offering that promises more than just pretty visuals. Set deep inside a mystical Mayan temple, the game leans heavily into its theme, wrapping up bold features in rich, jungle-style graphics.

But let’s be honest, in today’s overcrowded slots market, good looks alone won’t cut it. This one’s banking on its mechanics just as much as its atmosphere. And according to early details, Maya Lock has a few tricks up its stone-carved sleeves.

A Slot That Chains You In

At the heart of Maya Lock is its “Break & Win” feature—something the developers are clearly proud of.

The game board follows a familiar 5×3 layout with 40 paylines. But what makes it stand out? Bonus symbols are chained behind reels, waiting to be cracked open by the central Mayan King symbol. When he shows up smack in the middle, he smashes those chains—and awards the hidden prizes.

It’s a smart bit of visual drama.

In a landscape flooded with lookalike features, chaining up prizes and adding a dramatic “unlock” effect hits that dopamine sweet spot for players. Plus, there’s a twist: jackpots. That central reel strike can lead to rewards including a Grand Jackpot if you’re lucky—or persistent—enough.

Piggy Banks, Bonus Coins and Sticky Kings

Then there’s the Free Spins mechanic. It’s not just a click-and-hope routine.

Instead, Maya Lock offers players a “Piggy Bank Metre” on each reel. These metres fill up gradually as Bonus Coins land. And once full? You’re into Free Spin territory.

Here’s where it gets interesting:

• During Free Spins, the King symbol stays fixed in place—acting like a multiplier anchor.

• More Bonus Coins collected can add to the count, unlocking even more spins.

It creates a loop: the more you play, the more you fill the metres, the better your odds get. It’s subtle gamification, and done right, it keeps the screen from ever going cold.

And yes, visually it looks as good as it sounds. Vibrant greens, carved stone motifs, and animated flourishes keep the jungle theme cohesive without being overwhelming.

The Strategy Behind the Launch

Why now? Why this game? The iGaming space is as competitive as ever, and slot developers are finding themselves in a tug-of-war between originality and familiarity. 3 Oaks Gaming seems to be trying to balance both.

The release of Maya Lock follows a string of titles the company has been pushing out steadily. Many have leaned into ancient civilisations, mythical symbols and rich thematic overlays. But this one seems more gameplay-oriented.

There’s no shortage of reason behind that either. According to a 2024 report from H2 Gambling Capital, “features that tie player progression to visual progress” (like the Piggy Bank metres) have led to longer session durations and better re-engagement rates. 3 Oaks might just be putting that data to work.

They’re also subtly shifting from straightforward slots to more hybridised experiences. Some call it “slotification” of casual games. Whatever the term, it’s clearly in play here.

Quick Glance: Maya Lock vs. Market Norms

To understand how Maya Lock stacks up, here’s a quick comparison against similar titles released in the past 12 months:

No doubt, some of it feels familiar. But there are enough distinctions to keep players curious.

Reactions and What’s Next

Initial industry chatter seems cautiously optimistic. Slot streamers have already started previewing demo rounds, with many praising the chained-reel animation and jackpot feature. It’s flashy, but not too complicated—making it digestible for casual players and veteran grinders alike.

Notably, 3 Oaks didn’t drop this game quietly. It’s been hyped on their official channels for weeks, with teaser reels showing off the slot’s major mechanics. This kind of marketing—especially in the regulated European markets—has become increasingly common, as developers try to capture attention before the release.

If Maya Lock performs as well as expected, you can likely expect some reskins or sequels using similar mechanics but in different thematic wrappers—think Egypt, Greece or Norse mythology. That’s usually how it goes.

The UAE Lottery has quietly expanded its digital footprint, rolling out two shiny new E-Instant games—Gemstone Riches and Sports Mania—through its official website. Designed to offer quick thrills and serious cash rewards, both titles are now live and accepting entries across the Emirates.

With digital gaming on the rise, this move signals a fresh shift in how lotteries are positioning themselves—not just offline kiosks and draw dates, but smartphone-ready, web-based play with instant gratification.

What’s Sparkling About Gemstone Riches?

Gemstone Riches is nothing short of glitzy. The game’s name alone gives it away—diamonds, emeralds, sapphires—basically, it’s bedazzled from the get-go. Players match their numbers to win prizes, with up to 196 prize tiers in the mix. Yes, you read that right: 196.

Short rounds. Fast results. That’s the idea here. And it’s not just one shot per ticket. Each purchase gives players multiple chances to score.

But here’s where it gets interesting:

• Five gemstone icons trigger a special bonus round.

• In that round, players get to pick four gems—each potentially hiding extra winnings.

Ticket pricing is flexible, ranging from AED 2 to AED 50. And the grand prize? A tidy AED 500,000.

Sports Mania Plays to the Crowd

If you’re less into sparkle and more into sport, Sports Mania is built with you in mind. The theme’s all about competition—think footballs, trophies, roaring crowds. Visually, it mimics a stadium buzz. And functionally, it’s just as sharp.

The gameplay is intuitive, designed for speed. No complex rules. You buy. You play. You might win.

Sports Mania builds on a growing trend: gamified sports-themed lottery content. Something more interactive than your typical scratch card. Less scratchy, more swipey.

And you know what? That works. Because it keeps the pace snappy and players engaged longer.

Digital Scratch Cards: Are They Catching On?

Let’s zoom out for a second. These new titles didn’t just pop up randomly. The UAE Lottery has been nudging towards digital for a while, and this marks a bit of a milestone.

Across the Gulf and beyond, digital scratch-offs are picking up steam. They’re faster to deliver, cheaper to produce, and frankly, a lot more fun to play on your phone than the old-school cardboard kind.

Here’s a look at recent growth trends in digital lottery formats:

EQL Games, the company behind these two new titles, is betting on that momentum. And by the looks of it, the UAE Lottery is too.

Price Points and Prize Temptations

What sets these games apart isn’t just the graphics or the digital ease. It’s the layered reward system that allows for low-risk plays and high-reward dreams.

Let’s talk numbers.

• Minimum entry is just AED 2. That’s pocket change.

• Top prize for Gemstone Riches is AED 500,000.

• Sports Mania hasn’t disclosed its top payout yet, but insiders expect a similar range.

Low entry barriers are no accident. They’re built to appeal to casual players—not hardcore gamblers. And that fits the UAE’s regulatory style, which leans more cautious around wagering systems.

E-Instant games are different from traditional draws, and that’s part of their appeal. There’s no waiting. Just tap and reveal.

Could This Signal a Bigger Shift for UAE Lotteries?

The timing is worth noting. With regional lotteries facing more competition—not just from each other, but from international online platforms—this pivot feels both strategic and necessary.

UAE’s younger, digital-savvy crowd isn’t queuing for paper tickets. They’re scrolling, tapping, and playing during lunch breaks or on metro rides. And products like these? They’re tailored to that lifestyle.

And then there’s the question of expansion. If these games perform well, more titles could follow. Themes might go broader—TV shows, pop culture, maybe even local heritage.

There’s no official word yet, but one industry analyst hinted this could just be “the first phase of a wider digital campaign.”

That’s not confirmation—but it’s not nothing either.

And that’s where we’ll leave it, for now.

Gaming and Leisure Properties Inc. (GLPI) just posted its strongest quarter ever, and it’s not just Wall Street taking notice. The Pennsylvania-based real estate investment trust, focused solely on gaming properties, reported a 3.8% jump in revenue to a record $394.9 million for Q2 2025.

That’s not just a number — it’s a statement. With rising costs and unpredictable consumer spending elsewhere in the leisure sector, GLPI’s financial muscle is now standing out like a neon sign on a Vegas strip.

EBITDA and AFFO Set New Benchmarks

GLPI’s growth wasn’t just about top-line sparkle. It went deep into the margins.

Adjusted EBITDA climbed 6.2% to $361.5 million — a reflection of sharper operations and solid rent escalators across its portfolio. Perhaps more importantly for investors, Adjusted Funds From Operations (AFFO) rose 4.4% to $276.1 million, its highest ever.

That metric is key.

REIT watchers will know AFFO is the bedrock indicator of a company’s capacity to pay dividends. And with $276.1 million clocked in Q2, GLPI didn’t just meet expectations — it casually strolled past them.

Peter Carlino, GLPI’s long-serving chairman and CEO, put it simply:
“The second quarter marked another quarter of record revenue, AFFO, and Adjusted EBITDA.”

Cash Still Flowing to Shareholders

Stability is king in REIT land, and GLPI made sure to keep the crown polished. It held its quarterly dividend steady at $0.78 per share, paid out on June 27.

This isn’t just financial housekeeping. Holding a high-yield dividend — and maintaining it — shows GLPI’s income engine isn’t just humming, it’s purring.

Also worth noting: the full-year AFFO forecast was revised. The lower end of 2025 guidance nudged up to $1.112 billion, a small but telling signal of confidence.

New AFFO guidance range (2025):

• $1.112 billion – $1.118 billion

• $3.85 – $3.87 per diluted share

Even a subtle forecast bump in this environment? That says a lot.

Major Cash Commitments in Play

The company isn’t just pocketing rent checks — it’s out there building. Literally.

GLPI poured $25.8 million into its $110 million funding deal with the Ione Band of Miwok Indians to develop the Acorn Ridge Casino in California. It’s one of several ongoing capital projects.

Here’s what else is underway:

• $130 million relocation of Hollywood Casino Joliet (opening Aug. 11), cap rate 7.75%

• Up to $150 million in upgrades at Ameristar Casino Council Bluffs, cap rate 7.10%

• Bally’s Belle of Baton Rouge is shifting landside — the hotel component is now open

• Bally’s Chicago is rising, promising 3,300 slot machines, 170 tables, and 500 hotel rooms

That’s a chunky pipeline. But it’s not reckless. All of these investments are underpinned by guaranteed rents, strong operators, and stable cap rates.

Lease Reorganisation Adds Flexibility

As of July 1, there was a quiet but significant shuffle in the deck.

DraftKings at Casino Queen and The Queen Baton Rouge have been folded into Bally’s Master Lease II. That move reallocates $28.9 million in annual rent — now guaranteed by Bally’s corporate group.

One sentence, big impact: Bally’s February merger with Standard General made this move possible.

This kind of lease shuffle isn’t just accounting. It’s strategy. With the real estate now under a larger and stronger parent, GLPI effectively tightened its risk exposure while securing longer-term cash flow.

Boyd Gaming Extends Commitment

And while all eyes were on Bally’s, Boyd Gaming was making its own commitment.

The company exercised the first renewal option on its master leases, locking them in through April 2031. In the high-stakes world of REIT gaming, that’s a meaningful vote of confidence.

There wasn’t a big announcement or flashing headlines. But that’s the point. For long-term investors, boring can be beautiful.

Where GLPI Goes Next

GLPI has found its lane — and it’s not slowing down.

Its model of collecting rental income from gaming operators, rather than running the casinos themselves, has turned it into a reliable cash-generating machine. The current tenant roster includes some of the biggest names in U.S. gaming — Penn Entertainment, Bally’s, Boyd Gaming, and Caesars.

Here’s a look at GLPI’s Q2 vs Q2 last year:

Just numbers? Not quite. These are the signs of a REIT that’s consistently hitting its stride — and doing it while avoiding the headlines that trip up flashier operators.

Some companies chase buzz. GLPI prefers contracts, cap rates, and cash.