Sports Betting Research Center Established at San Diego State University
San Diego State University (SDSU) has recently formed a new institute, the Institute on Sports Wagering and Gaming (ISWAG), which will serve as a collaborative space for faculty and departments across the university to explore the cultural, health, and societal implications of sports wagering.
Located within the L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, ISWAG's focus areas include sports betting behavior, policy initiatives, marketing, and player protection. The institute is uniquely positioned to offer research-informed guidance at a time of unprecedented growth and public attention in the sports wagering industry.
While a number of colleges have published sports betting-related research, few offer dedicated programs or degrees in this field. ISWAG's comprehensive approach sets it apart, providing a much-needed resource for understanding and navigating the complexities of sports wagering.
Other universities and institutions have also established dedicated research initiatives or programs on sports wagering and gaming. Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), for instance, offers an interdisciplinary undergraduate course on Sports Betting Awareness, aiming to educate students on gambling risks, psychology, odds, cognitive biases, and decision-making in sports betting.
The Universities of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) and Reno have dedicated gaming institutes with some exposure to sports wagering. UNLV's International Gaming Institute (IGI), for example, boasts over 30 years of expertise in gambling innovation, research, operations, regulation, and policy.
The sports betting industry is expanding across the U.S. and globally, with California being no exception. However, the decision of when California will legalize sports wagering lies with the state's tribal casino operators and the voters. California Attorney General Rob Bonta (D) has declared daily fantasy sports (DFS) to be illegal in the state, but Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) does not agree with Bonta's view on the legality of sports wagering in the state.
It has been about seven years since the Supreme Court ruling on the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), which paved the way for states to legalize sports wagering. The earliest a ballot initiative could be raised to bring the issue to the voters in California is 2026, and it's widely believed that California tribes aren't in a rush to usher in sports betting.
San Diego State University has five locations in addition to its main campus, offering a wide range of educational opportunities. The institute will offer certificate programs, student research opportunities, and executive education offerings to build capacity across the sector.
As the sports wagering industry continues to grow, institutions like SDSU's ISWAG will play a crucial role in understanding and addressing the challenges and opportunities that come with it. By offering research-driven insights and educational opportunities, these institutions are helping to shape the future of sports wagering and gaming.
[1] L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality and Tourism Management: https://payne.sdsu.edu/ [2] Carnegie Mellon University: https://www.cmu.edu/ [3] International Gaming Institute, University of Nevada, Las Vegas: https://www.unlv.edu/igi [4] University of Michigan: https://www.umich.edu/ [5] Seton Hall University: https://www.shu.edu/
- San Diego State University's Institute on Sports Wagering and Gaming (ISWAG) is not only focused on sports betting but also covers areas like policy initiatives, marketing, and player protection, setting it apart in the field of education and self-development.
- Besides SDSU, universities like Carnegie Mellon University offer interdisciplinary undergraduate courses on Sports Betting Awareness, aiming to educate students on the complexities of sports wagering, including gambling risks, psychology, and decision-making.
- The online-education landscape in sports wagering is expanding, with institutions like the International Gaming Institute at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas offering expertise in gambling innovation, research, and policy that extends to sports wagering.
