West Virginia University Opens New Gaming Research and Development Center

West Virginia University has taken a major step in responsible gambling research with the launch of its new Support Centre for Gaming Research and Development. Backed by funding from Chen and Benjamin Truman, the facility is designed to focus on advancing responsible play and supporting innovation across the U.S. gambling market.

Good to know

• The center was funded by industry veterans Chen and Benjamin Truman.
• Focus areas include responsible gambling incentives and gaming policy research.
• Courses and training will be integrated into the University’s programs.

The center will study gambling behaviors, create programs to prevent harm, and expand responsible gambling initiatives. It will also embed research and analytics into the University’s curriculum through dedicated courses, training, and student outreach.

Professor Brad Humphreys, Director of the new center, highlighted the wider impact:

“The Center’s research, education, and outreach will have an important impact on the lives of state residents, college students throughout the state, gaming industry firms operating in the state, and state gaming regulators. This generous gift will allow the Center to fulfill the role envisioned by the state legislature when they passed The Responsible Gaming and Research and Industry Development Act.”

The initiative has drawn praise from industry leaders. Benjamin Truman, Co-Founder of Absolutebet, said:

“We’re thrilled to see West Virginia University take a leadership role in shaping the future of iGaming and sports betting policy. As industry veterans, Chen and I are proud to support a mission that will not only advance responsible gaming but also help set the global standard for innovation and consumer protection in this space.”