Bellagio Las Vegas to host 19th International Conference on Gambling and Risk Taking in May 2026

The 19th International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking is set to take place from May 26 to 28, 2026, at the Bellagio in Las Vegas, Nevada, bringing together global thought leaders for the world’s longest-running forum dedicated to gambling studies and risk behavior.

Founded in 1974 by Dr. Bill Eadington, a pioneering academic in gambling research, the conference has grown into a cornerstone event for scholars, industry professionals, and policymakers seeking to explore the evolving landscape of gambling.

Organized by the International Gaming Institute (IGI), the event convenes only once every three years, offering a "unique" opportunity for in-depth interdisciplinary exchange.

The 2026 edition will again welcome a broad mix of attendees, including academics, regulators, industry leaders, treatment professionals, and even professional gamblers. Conference sessions will span a wide array of disciplines, from economics and public policy to psychology, mathematics, and treatment approaches.

“By bringing together the world’s brightest minds in gambling research, we hope to spark dialogue that encourages innovation and challenges conventional thinking,” organizers said. “This conference serves as an important bridge between research and practice, fostering new perspectives across sectors.”

The 2023 conference attracted 500 participants representing 25 countries, with presentations covering emerging trends in gambling behavior, technological change, regulatory developments, and responsible gambling initiatives. Organizers expect even broader engagement in 2026 as the global gambling landscape continues to evolve.

The Call for Papers is scheduled for release in fall 2025, with attendee registration opening in early 2026. IGI is encouraging submissions from students, early-career scholars, and seasoned researchers alike, emphasizing the event’s commitment to showcasing the most current and groundbreaking work in the field.

Further details will be made available through IGI’s official channels in the coming months.