European Casino Association and UNLV/UNR Executive Development Program Announces Cross-Atlantic Partnership with Launch of Gender Diversity Scholarship with ECA, Clarion Gaming and AGEM

Currently in its 28th year, EDP is a partnership program between UNLV International Gaming Institute (IGI) and the University of Nevada, Reno College of Business and Extended Studies. The program is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for prospective gaming executives to explore new industry ideas, leadership strategies, and an opportunity to network with other gaming professionals from around the globe.  

By creating and awarding this scholarship to a female talent aspiring to the highest executive levels, these partners in gaming are demonstrating their support of industry diversity. The recent scholarship announcement coincides with the publication of an academic paper from UNLV IGI researchers Toni Repetti and Shekinah Hoffman. The full paper, which examines gender disparity in both commercial and Native American casinos in the United States, shows a significant gap in women’s leadership roles in casinos - particularly in departments like maintenance, IT, security, operations, and food and beverage.  

UNLV IGI’s executive director Bo Bernhard says, “It’s research like this, funded by IGI research fellowships, that demonstrates our commitment to an inclusive leadership future. It also points to the significance of EDP in helping hundreds of female leaders achieve their career goals. The EDP team is proud to work with Clarion, the ECA, and AGEM on this important global conversation about the importance of diversity of thought in an increasingly diverse and globalizing gaming world.”  

Kate Chambers, Managing Director of Clarion Gaming, commented, “This is a really exciting development and one that is just so important for the industry. Through our events, we have featured educational initiatives on diversity and inclusion that support, inspire and influence the development of women in the gaming and lottery industries - so I am proud of the fact that we can support the first ever Gender Diversity Scholarship with our friends at EDP, ECA and AGEM.”  

Marcus Prater, executive director of AGEM adds, “AGEM enthusiastically endorses the annual EDP event in Nevada and has been a generous supporter for many years. We are very pleased to partner with the ECA so that its broad membership is further exposed to EDP and its many benefits and that one deserving individual can attend via AGEM’s scholarship support.”  

Further illustrating their commitment to diversity of thought and leadership, EDP and the ECA have announced an additional partnership that emphasizes EDP as a think tank and resource center for the global gaming industry. To highlight this partnership, a new topic focus on this year’s EDP agenda is the land-based casino industry in Europe. Other internationally relevant themes include, women in leadership, safety and security, responsible gambling, and corporate social responsibility. Collaborating with a diverse mix of multidisciplinary professionals, attendees will learn about global best practices and how to regionally implement them for the growth and longevity of the industry - exemplifying the importance of both executive education and thinking globally by acting locally.  

Per Jaldung, Chairman of the ECA and 2010 EDP graduate, will be a speaker in the 2018 EDP lineup. Jaldung says, “Two years after being appointed as CEO of Casino Cosmopol, I felt I needed to broaden my knowledge, extend my network, and be inspired by the best in the business to be able to take the next step in my new position. EDP was the right program! The ECA is delighted to cooperate with such prestigious and experienced partners and provide this outstanding professional education and scholarship opportunity to an up-and-coming female talent from the European casino industry.”  

To be eligible for the Clarion-ECA-AGEM EDP gender diversity scholarship, women who are employed by a direct or indirect member of the ECA should show ambition for holding a leadership position in gaming and a desire to further their professional education; the scholarship will cover the recipient's travel, accommodation, and the program registration fee - a more than USD 10,000 value. Visit the ECA Gender Diversity Initiative webpage to learn more about the scholarship and how to apply, or visit the EDP website to learn more about the program.