UNLV’s Cannabis Policy Institute (CPI) and International Gaming Institute (IGI) will host the latest installment of CPI’s Cannabis Speakers Series with a panel discussion titled “Cannabis & Gaming,” set for 1:30 p.m. PST on Monday (May 19) in the William S. Boyd School of Law’s moot courtroom and online.

The event will kick off with a brief research presentation highlighting recent findings on cannabis use and gaming behaviors by CPI research director Marla Royne Stafford, followed by an overview of CPI’s ongoing work in this area by director Riana Durrett.

Durrett will then moderate a panel discussion examining current policy limitations and future opportunities at the intersection of cannabis and gaming. Panelists include former Nevada Gaming Control Board member and UNLV Law adjunct professor, Terry Johnson; cannabis establishment operator and government affairs consultant, David Goldwater; and gaming executive, Seth Schorr.

IGI executive director Brett Abarbanel will serve as the event emcee, lending her expertise in gaming research and policy to guide the conversation.

Seating is limited. Media members interested in attending in person should RSVP to [email protected], or register here to watch the livestream.

PlayVS, the leading amateur esports platform, announced the launch of a new pilot program Game On: an NHL/NHLPA Scholastic Gaming Initiative, designed to inspire the next generation of hockey fans through competitive esports and skill-building activities in three key NHL Club markets–home to the New Jersey Devils, Los Angeles Kings, and Detroit Red Wings as well as in a national, virtual EA SPORTS NHL 25 tournament.

The initiative, funded by the NHL/NHLPA Industry Growth Fund (IGF), is designed to promote access, inclusion, and connection through gaming, while giving young players the chance to engage with their local NHL teams in exciting, interactive ways.

As part of the pilot, players between 13-21 years old will not only be able to participate in the competition, but will also engage in positive, structured gameplay that promotes leadership, teamwork, and critical thinking skills that are crucial both on and off the virtual rink. The program’s focus on healthy competition, social connection, and digital literacy is aimed at helping players build essential life skills while fostering a sense of community through gaming.

High schools will also take part in club-specific activations throughout the Spring season, including in-person events and student engagement experiences with the NHL franchises. The first activation took place on March 20 with the New Jersey Devils as part of the team’s Devils Gaming Group Theme Night, where 40 students and coaches were hosted at the Devils Gaming Group Lounge at Prudential Center to play EA SPORTS NHL 25 including special guest appearances by New Jersey Devils Executives, Devils Alumni and Mascot NJ Devil.

To cap off the season, PlayVS will host a virtual national EA SPORTS NHL 25 tournament from June 13-15, offering players in the US the chance to compete for top honors and connect with peers across the country. Registration for the tournament will open through PlayVS’ Stadium platform in mid-May.

“Gaming has the power to bring today’s young players together in ways that are both meaningful and lasting. Through this partnership with the NHL/NHLPA’s Industry Growth Fund, we’re not only creating new opportunities for players to engage with their favorite sport, but also helping them develop critical life skills–like leadership, communication, and resilience–through healthy competition. We’re excited to continue expanding access to competitive gaming and making esports and gaming a core part of the school experience,” said Jon Chapman, CEO of PlayVS.

SlotCycle, a leading platform for the resale and repurposing of gaming equipment, announced that it has joined the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM)—the premier international trade association representing manufacturers and suppliers of electronic gaming devices, lotteries, systems, table games, key components, and support products and services for the global gaming industry.

By joining AGEM, SlotCycle becomes part of a network of over 160 member companies across 22 countries, all committed to driving innovation, regulatory progress, and responsible growth within the gaming sector.

Jeff Jordan, CEO of SlotCycle, said: “Joining AGEM represents an important step in SlotCycle’s mission to modernize how the gaming industry manages its equipment lifecycle. Our goal is to bring greater transparency, trust, and operational efficiency to the resale and repurposing of gaming assets. Through our digital marketplace and full-service logistics center, we empower buyers and sellers to navigate the secondary market with confidence. AGEM’s leadership in fostering collaboration, innovation, and responsible practices makes it a natural partner for our vision of a more sustainable and accessible gaming ecosystem. We’re excited to contribute to its efforts and to help shape the future of gaming.”

Daron Dorsey, President & CEO of AGEM, said: “We are pleased to welcome SlotCycle into AGEM’s diverse membership. Their unique approach to the secondary market for gaming equipment brings a fresh perspective to our collective efforts. SlotCycle’s commitment to sustainability and innovation complements AGEM’s mission to support the global gaming supplier sector. We anticipate their active participation in our initiatives and value the expertise they bring to our community.”

SlotCycle’s membership reinforces its commitment to promoting sustainable practices and collaborative development across the gaming industry. Through this partnership, the company will support AGEM’s global efforts to advance the interests of gaming equipment suppliers via political action, regulatory engagement, trade show partnerships, educational initiatives, information sharing, and good corporate citizenship.