In The News: William F. Harrah College of Hospitality
Established in 1994, UNLV IGI provides research-based solutions, cutting-edge insights and executive education to the global gaming and gambling industry. Initially, the key areas of focus of this collaboration will be the use of AI and machine learning to promote and support safer and more responsible gambling. Playtech has committed funding to an IGI project that explores how AI can be used to train chatbots to encourage safer gambling behaviours among sports bettors. Additionally, Playtech has supported an internship in the inaugural Gaming Manufacturing Internship Program at IGI’s Center for Gaming Innovation.
Established in 1994, UNLV IGI provides research-based solutions, cutting-edge insights and executive education to the global gaming and gambling industry. Initially, the key areas of focus of this collaboration will be the use of AI and machine learning to promote and support safer and more responsible gambling. Playtech has committed funding to an IGI project that explores how AI can be used to train chatbots to encourage safer gambling behaviours among sports bettors. Additionally, Playtech has supported an internship in the inaugural Gaming Manufacturing Internship Program at IGI’s Center for Gaming Innovation.
Four Seasons’ bed linens and JW Marriott’s shampoo aren’t just for guests staying in the hotels anymore. The items are available for sale on dedicated websites, so customers can cozy up in Four Seasons sheets at home, or wash their hair with JW Marriott Ylang Ylang Shampoo in their own shower.
Women in the Project W community are changing the face of gaming by putting women in the C-Suite, making play safer and more inclusive, building community, and telling stories with strong female protagonists. By doing so, they are putting women at the forefront of the multi-billion-dollar gaming industry.
An artificial intelligence-powered “aparthotel” under construction near Allegiant Stadium plans to “disrupt” the hotel industry. The off-Strip Otonomus Hotel, located at the intersection of West Russell Road and South Decatur Boulevard, is an all-suite, apartment and hotel hybrid from developers Growth Holdings. Located on 13 acres, the property will have 303 units and around 1,100 beds. Visitors will be able to book or rent one to six rooms at the property.
Las Vegas is unlike any other place in America. Each year it draws more than 40 million visitors to the dazzling casinos and hotels that “turn night into daytime”—and transform the city into a glittering jewel in the desert. With 164,000 hotel rooms, Las Vegas is the largest hospitality market in the U.S.—outpacing Orlando, Florida, the next biggest market, by approximately 15 percent, according to JLL.
When Nick Price was asked how much he'd like to tip at a Michigan sandwich shop's self-serve kiosk, he realized that things had gone too far.
In Las Vegas, ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft, and short-term rental apps like Airbnb have changed — really changed — the landscape for taxi companies and, perhaps, hotels. In July 2014, for instance, the Nevada Taxicab Authority said cab drivers gave more than 2 million rides to customers. In July of this year, that was down about 50% to around a million riders. A big question, though, is if things are changing back. And there’s some evidence indicating that it might be doing just that.
To check out of the Ritz-Carlton in New Orleans in August, Cameron Sperance planned to leave the key in the room and bolt. His mother preferred a more genteel exit strategy. “She’s definitely of the generation that goes to the desk and does a line-item review,” said Sperance, 35, a senior hotels reporter at the Points Guy. “I’ll forget to check out and make my way to the airport as quickly as possible.”
Many hotel chains are racing to replace the plastic room key with digital options, including Apple Wallet and Google Wallet apps. Plastic hotel key cards have had a rough few years. During the pandemic, touch was taboo, so touchless trends accelerated. And cybersecurity concerns have mounted around hotel key technology. Earlier this year, researchers found a vulnerability in plastic hotel keys that could render up to three million keys easy prey for hackers and take years to fix.
Golf courses in Nevada use a lot of water, 236 million gallons annually. And, unlike water used indoors, this water cannot be reclaimed and sent back to Lake Mead. That’s why lawmakers cut water allotments for courses by a third beginning this year. And, since 2021, new golf courses are not allowed to use Colorado River water.
Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) and Hospitality Upgrade today announced the recipient of the 2024 John Cahill student seat is Andrew Pham, a student at the College of Hospitality, University of Nevada in Las Vegas (UNLV). In its 22nd year, the upcoming CIO Summit will be held Sept. 4-6, 2024, at the Thompson Hotel by Hyatt in Nashville, Tennessee.
