San Diego State University has recently launched the Institute on Sports Wagering and Gaming, located within the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. The institute was formed to conduct relevant research as well as analysis of the sports betting industry and provide insights to help with best practices, policies, strategies for responsible gaming, and more.

San Diego State University or SDSU has announced the launch of its new Institute on Sports Wagering and Gaming on Tuesday, establishing itself as a national academic leader in the study of one of the fastest-growing sectors in sports and entertainment. Located within the L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at the University, the institute will focus on producing evidence-based research, fostering industry collaboration, and developing educational programs tailored to the evolving needs of the sports betting world.

"The Institute on Sports Wagering and Gaming positions SDSU as an academic leader in one of the most important and fast-growing sectors in sports and entertainment," said assistant professor and founding director of ISWAG, Dr. Brandon Mastromartino. "Our goal is to provide timely, evidence-based insights that inform industry best practices, responsible gaming strategies, and public policy conversations - all while creating new educational pathways for students and professionals."

A timely response to a rapidly expanding industry

The launch comes amid a surge in sports betting activity across the United States, following the US Supreme Court's 2018 decision to overturn the federal ban on commercial sports wagering. Since then, legalized sports betting has flourished, with billions of dollars in wagers placed annually through both in-person sportsbooks and increasingly popular mobile apps. Professional sports leagues have also embraced the trend, forming partnerships with operators to integrate betting into the fan experience.

In response to this growth, SDSU aims to position ISWAG as a forward-looking research and education center that can address both the opportunities and challenges of this booming industry.

Three key pillars: research, industry engagement, and education

The Institute on Sports Wagering and Gaming will focus its efforts on three main pillars:

Research: ISWAG will conduct interdisciplinary studies on key topics such as sports betting behavior, marketing ethics, player protection, regulation, and policy development. This work is designed to not only expand the academic understanding of the industry but also to help guide legislative and corporate decision-making.

Industry engagement: The institute seeks to build collaborative relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including betting operators, professional sports leagues, tribal gaming entities, and regulators. Through these partnerships, ISWAG will offer applied solutions and strategic insights that are grounded in rigorous academic analysis.

Education: ISWAG will offer certificate programs, executive education courses, and student research opportunities that support workforce development across the sector. By equipping students and professionals with practical skills and knowledge, the institute hopes to contribute meaningfully to the future of responsible and effective sports wagering operations.

A cross-campus collaboration with a broader social impact

ISWAG will also function as a hub for collaboration across SDSU's various academic departments, encouraging faculty to explore the cultural, economic, and health implications of sports wagering. This interdisciplinary approach reflects the university's commitment to examining sports betting not just as a business - but as a complex social phenomenon that affects consumers, communities, and public health.

With the sports betting industry continuing to expand in the US and abroad, ISWAG has a unique role and position to become a leading voice in shaping a responsible and well-regulated future for gaming.

For more information on the Institute on Sports Wagering and Gaming, or to get involved, interested parties can visit SDSU's official website or reach out directly to Dr. Brandon Mastromartino at bmastromartino@sdsu.edu. As sports betting becomes an increasingly central part of the sports and entertainment landscape, SDSU's new institute aims to ensure that the industry grows with insight, integrity, and innovation.