LAS VEGAS, NV – University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) International Gaming Institute (IGI) announced the recipients of the 2024 ESPN Research Fellowships. This year’s selection showcases a diverse group of scholars whose project proposals will be pivotal in advancing knowledge on responsible gambling messaging in sports media.
Fellowships have been awarded to:
- Dr. Hannah Borenstein, Harper-Schmidt Postdoctoral Fellow and Collegiate Assistant Teaching Professor at The University of Chicago
- Mr. Chance Dow, a Master’s student at the University of Memphis’ Tennessee Institute of Gambling Education and Research
- Dr. Eric R. Louderback, Research and Evaluation Scientist in the Division on Addiction at Harvard Medical School
- Dr. Brian Petrotta, Assistant Professor of Sport Media and Communication at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- Dr. Travis Bell, Associate Professor of Digital and Sports Media at the University of South Florida
Each of the fellowship proposals address unique facets of responsible gambling messaging in sports media. As the intersection between sports and gambling continues to evolve, the work of these scholars is essential in promoting healthy gambling practices and awareness. The projects will provide insights into practical strategies that policymakers and the industry can adopt to help safeguard the well-being of sports enthusiasts and the public at large.
“IGI is tremendously excited about these projects,” said Dr. Brett Abarbanel, Executive Director of IGI. “A key goal of this initiative is to support innovative and impactful research to better understand the rapidly changing global sports and betting environment. This research represents a broad range of perspectives on how gambling is represented in sports media and holds important implications for all gambling stakeholders.”
“ESPN is proud to work with IGI to advance responsible gaming standards through this comprehensive research,” said Kevin Martinez, Vice President of ESPN Corporate Citizenship. “These diverse research projects will help to inform how the industry can continue to respond to and improve upon responsible gaming practices in the sports entertainment ecosystem.”