Sports betting and gaming institution debuts in California, with San Diego State University acting as host.
San Diego State University Launches Institute on Sports Wagering and Gaming (ISWAG)
San Diego State University (SDSU) has established the Institute on Sports Wagering and Gaming (ISWAG), a research and education hub focused on the sports betting industry. The institute, located within SDSU's L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, is the brainchild of Dr. Brandon Mastromartino, who serves as its Founding Director.
ISWAG's primary research areas include sports gambling, fan behavior, policy, and consumer protection. The institute aims to influence regulatory policy and support conversations around legalization and consumer protection in the context of the evolving sports betting industry. It serves as both a research hub and an educational center, offering academic courses and certificates related to the intersection of sports and gaming industries.
The institute will not focus on advertisements but rather on research, industry engagement, and education. Its goal is to provide timely, evidence-based insights that inform industry best practices, responsible gaming strategies, and public policy conversations. ISWAG will also create new educational pathways for students and professionals, offering certificate programs, student research opportunities, and executive education to build capacity across the sports betting sector.
In addition to its research and educational initiatives, ISWAG will serve as a collaborative space for faculty and departments across SDSU to explore the cultural and health implications of sports wagering. This interdisciplinary approach will allow for comprehensive research on sports betting behavior, regulation, policy, responsible marketing, and player protection.
According to Dr. Mastromartino, "ISWAG is intended to serve as a leader in applied research, policy analysis, and academic-industry collaboration at the intersection of the sports and gaming industries." He further added that the institute's activities will support SDSU's position as an academic leader in the sports betting industry.
By establishing ISWAG, SDSU joins a growing number of universities and institutions focusing on the sports betting industry. This move underscores the university's commitment to staying at the forefront of the evolving sports industry and providing its students and the wider community with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate this burgeoning field.
References: [1] San Diego State University. (2021). Institute on Sports Wagering and Gaming (ISWAG) Launches at SDSU. Retrieved from https://news.sdsu.edu/press-releases/iswag-launches-at-sdsu [4] American Gaming Association. (2020). Responsible Gaming. Retrieved from https://www.americangaming.org/issues/responsible-gaming/
