Playtech set to combine forces with West Virginia University
Playtech and West Virginia University (WVU) have announced a new partnership, designed to strengthen the WVU’s Center for Gaming Research and Development.
This collaboration will leverage Playtech’s flagship responsible gambling product BetBuddy, enabling WVU to deliver advanced analysis into the betting habits of players in West Virginia, as well as aim to improve the identification, understanding, and treatment of problem gambling and related harmful behaviour.
Playtech’s US General Manager Jonathon Doubilet said said the partnership was a logical step in keeping players safe when gambling online.
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“We are immensely proud to partner with the WVU Gaming Research Center and contribute our industry-leading responsible gaming tools and expertise to further support the research,” he said.
“Working with WVU to deliver cutting-edge research will ensure West Virginia’s players are better protected and we hope this collaboration will showcase how advanced technology can shape the next era of responsible gambling in the US.”
WVU’s existing exclusive partnership with the state’s regulatory body, the West Virginia Lottery Commission, enables the university’s research center to gain an insight into player data and betting patterns, while BetBuddy will provide WVU with the ability to analyse that information before making educated, data-driven conclusions.
Director of the Center for Gaming Research and Development Brad Humphreys said it was heartening to see the iGaming industry engage with academia.
“It’s great to see the industry meaningfully engage with academic leadership,” he said.
“The collaboration between the WVU Gaming Research Center and Playtech is a testament to what’s possible when research, data, and real-world expertise come together.
“This moment reflects the tremendous effort and vision of our team, whose dedication and rigor have helped make this partnership a reality—and set a new standard for responsible, evidence-based innovation across the industry.”
Playtech began operations in West Virginia in early 2025, a jurisdiction which boasts one of the most advanced gaming regulatory environments across the US, with comprehensive legal frameworks in place for multiple verticals at both online and land-based level.
The combination of BetBuddy’s analytical capability alongside WVU’s research expertise of one of the country’s most mature and diverse gaming markets will help ensure greater access to meaningful insights that will better serve West Virginia’s players in the long-term.
Playtech said the partnership highlights their commitment to creating a a safer online casino and sports betting environment for players, pointing out the success of their collaboration with the University of Las Vegas.
