UNLV's IGI to debut online responsible gaming training with iGaming Academy

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) is launching a new training program called ElevateRG, in collaboration with The Conexus Group’s iGaming Academy. The program is set to bring UNLV’s flagship responsible gaming (RG) curriculum online for the first time, according to a press release Tuesday.

ElevateRG was created by UNLV’s International Gaming Institute (IGI) and iGaming Academy. IGI is a world-renowned institute that has provided research-based solutions, insights and executive education to the gaming industry for more than 25 years; while iGaming Academy describes itself as “a worldwide leader in training for casinos, sportsbooks and lottery."

The online training program is set to take responsible gaming training “to the next level” by bringing it to gaming industry staff and learners across the US and worldwide. The first course is now available and is fully interactive, providing “a uniquely engaging learning experience” that can be accessed from any location.

“What sets our RG training apart is how operationally-focused it is,” explains UNLV’s Jennifer Shatley, an RG leader with 25 years’ career experience, most notably at Caesars Entertainment, who oversaw the development of the program. “Gaming staff deserve better than just a brief overview of the risks. Our training demonstrates the practical actions that gaming staff can take within their roles to proactively promote responsible gaming to minimize gambling-related harm.”

Jennifer Shatley

ElevateRG is designated to prepare staff and equip learners with both the broad knowledge and the practical experience required to tackle real-life situations that may arise over the course of their day-to-day working practices, according to a press statement. 

In addition to RG, UNLV and iGaming Academy plan to launch a full range of vocational and industry-specific training courses “to help address the current unprecedented demand” for staff resources across the US industry, covering land-based, online sportsbooks and other gaming categories.

“For land-based casinos, IGI has long represented the ‘gold standard’ in RG training – and now it’s easier than ever to supply for staff,” said Jaime Debono, iGaming Academy’s Managing Director. “As the online industry continues to expand, operators will benefit from having access to best-in-class training in an online format that’s easy to include within their onboarding and refresher programs.”

Customers of the iGaming Academy will be able to access the new ElevateRG training, either individually or hosted within a client-branded learning portal provided by the academy. The courses can also be imported into a wide range of third-party learning platforms or incorporated as an extension to existing training programs.

Our new online #responsiblegaming training program ElevateRG is now available through our collaboration with @iGamingAcademy more info here: https://t.co/I4wL7t2ccf pic.twitter.com/UJ0xfDFBKz

— UNLV IGI (@UNLVigi) March 22, 2022

The ElevateRG program is further described as “scalable to all levels of experience,” and will be available in a new online format, including numerous courses designed to cover responsible gaming across all levels, from a comprehensive introduction for front-line staff to managers and leadership versions. 

Refresher training variants will also be available, and senior staff will soon be able to achieve IGI’s Ambassador Certification as part of a blended program that combines both online and classroom-based learning, according to iGaming Academy.

The training program comes as regulatory scrutiny on online gaming operators is expected to increase, as the market continues to grow. This, in turn, makes it increasingly important for companies to demonstrate a commitment to responsible gaming: ElevateRG seeks to provide a solution.

“With the specificity, convenience, and scalability of this training well ahead of anything available in the market, this truly is a ‘game-changer’ for responsible gaming training in the US,” said Debono.