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UNLV’s PGA Golf Management University Program partners with Las Vegas-based AI technology company Evenplay to study the effects of rewards on skill level
There’s a timeless adage from NBA great Allen Iverson: “Practice?!” But now, almost ironically, AI (that is, Artificial Intelligence) will be helping us replicate big-time pressure in that very scenario.
Evenplay, an AI technology company based out of Las Vegas, has created a patented golf simulator application that creates challenges for all skill levels, with the intention of improving play performance through the use of cash rewards.
“What we have is a machine-learning algorithm that takes all of your shot data and says, ‘What are you going to do next from 175 yards?,’ and creates targets personalized for your skill level with money on the line,” said Sameer Gupta, co-founder of Evenplay. “If you practice with pressure, you’re probably going to get better faster.”
UNLV has partnered with Evenplay, taking on the task of studying the impact of rewards on skill level, and how well this experience translates the gains from practice into practical use on the real course.
“It sounded like a good opportunity to build a relationship and a bridge with this company,” said Chris Cain, director of the PGA Golf Management University Program within UNLV’s Harrah College of Hospitality. “And to see if we can continue to advance off-course golf, improve diversity in the consumer base, and think a little bit differently and daring, which is what UNLV’s all about.”
Upping the Ante on Research
The ability to create a feedback loop – one where you practice in the same conditions as when something’s on the line – is the goal: replicating the jitters that come from staring down a big putt, and then training yourself to handle the pressure before you step onto the course.
Evenplay does this by paying out money depending on the shot, using rewards as a way to create real stress in a controlled setting.
“What we have is a turn-key stress generator,” said Gupta. “Our model projects a thousand shots from every distance, with a target drawn where about half of your shots should be capable of landing. We’ve taken a skill-based activity and are able to predict what you will do next.”
The study at UNLV uses a more controlled version of the wagers. Randomly selected participants will receive various payouts such as lesson or UNLV Gift certificates based on their group assignments and the level of contributions to the study.
“This is a skill-based gaming application that allows someone to make a bet and have fun doing it,” said Cain. “What we’re doing at UNLV is seeing if the variable payouts influence program retention – do they play longer or more often? Does this also influence skill improvement? Wouldn’t it be cool to have some sort of technology in place that actually uses gaming as a way to positively influence skill improvement?”
The study is made possible through UNLV’s Sports Innovation Institute (SII), and the College of Hospitality’s Center for Golf Management, in collaboration with the university’s International Gaming Institute. The SII acts as a hub for all of the faculty who do research in sports, enabling them to work together to find solutions to problems and advance the commercialization of products fitting that criteria.
“With Evenplay’s expertise, as well as the Sports Innovation and the International Gaming institutes, that trifecta makes for a pretty special partnership here in Las Vegas,” Cain said. “There are thousands of data points in every swing that UNLV is looking forward to analyzing to see if this really changes the way we practice.”
Growing the Game
It’s no secret that the game of golf is expensive and often exclusive. The National Golf Foundation estimates the cost of a full round at a public course in the U.S. was $43 in 2023. That’s just getting on the course. When you add hundreds and thousands of dollars into equipment costs, training, and lessons, the financial barrier to entry becomes quite imposing.
“There are about 120 million people interested in the game and only 45 million participating,” said Cain. “Technology’s going to help close that gap, and being able to take lessons without being on the golf course will be part of the future, making it more inclusive, accessible, and affordable.”
Improving the accessibility of the game is one of the desired outcomes for the research, potentially showing a greater translation of the skills developed in a simulator using Evenplay to the course itself.
“It’s winter right now – nobody’s taking swings on green golf courses in Chicago,” said Gupta. “All of those players are using simulators indoors. We’re growing the amount of people who can engage with golf by changing how often people can meaningfully play the sport at all times of the year.”
Changing the game doesn’t end with golf. The patent for Evenplay features a baseball player swinging a bat, and the plan is to roll into bowling next. Its partnership and ongoing study with UNLV is only expediting the interest in this potential shakeup to the practice session.
“The ability of UNLV to effectively structure a relationship with the PGA is very impressive and unique in the market,” said Gupta. “And bringing that knowledge to a private company like ours is essential to our growth.”
The results of Evenplay’s efficacy in providing measurable improvement to player skill will be shared as the study concludes later this year.
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BetOnline Expands Sportsbook Betting Site Services and Product Offerings for California Users
BetOnline bonuses has announced an expansion of its betting services tailored for sportsbooks users in California, reflecting ongoing trends in digital wagering and increased demand for accessible online sports platforms. The company’s latest updates include enhanced mobile features, expanded betting markets, and streamlined payout processes designed to support both recreational and experienced bettors across the state.
The updated platform allows users in California to access a wide range of wagering options across major sports leagues, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL, as well as emerging sectors such as esports and international competitions.
Recent Platform Enhancements
– Expanded Payment Methods: BetOnline now supports a variety of withdrawal options, including cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Ethereum), wire transfers, and e-checks. Crypto transactions are typically processed within 24–48 hours.
– Improved Live Betting Interface: Users can now place real-time wagers during games with an upgraded mobile experience and access to live odds across multiple sports.
– Bonus and Promotional Features: As part of its rollout, BetOnline continues to offer various promotions to eligible users, including deposit-based bonuses and reload incentives. California residents can review current welcome offers when setting up their accounts.
– Customer Support Upgrades: With 24/7 support via live chat, phone, and email, users can access assistance at any time regarding account services and transaction-related inquiries.
California sports fans can explore BetOnline’s current welcome offers and join thousands of users already engaging with their favorite teams through the platform’s enhanced betting experience.
Market Context
California remains one of the largest markets for sports entertainment and fan engagement. The state’s diverse sports landscape—from professional franchises to college athletics—makes it a key focus area for companies operating in the online betting and digital gaming space.
A spokesperson for BetOnline stated:
“As we continue to improve our services nationwide, California represents a significant user base. Our latest updates are focused on delivering a secure and user-friendly experience, consistent with emerging digital betting standards.”
With California’s rich sports culture spanning professional leagues to college athletics, BetOnline’s enhanced platform offers residents new ways to connect with the games they love. Interested users can discover current promotions and explore the expanded betting options available through the updated service.
For California Sports Fans
The platform’s expansion brings new opportunities for sports enthusiasts to engage with their favorite teams. Eligible users can explore current promotional offers and experience the enhanced betting features now available statewide.
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Yaamava’, Palms and AGS Celebrate First-Ever Dual Property World Premiere of Mariachi Fortunes Trio™ in Southern California and Las Vegas
AGS, a global gaming supplier, partnered with Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel in Southern California and Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas to debut its newest slot family, Mariachi Fortunes Trio™, in a first-of-its-kind, bi-state world premiere.
On July 22, each property hosted a launch celebration inspired by one of the game’s two energetic themes. Yaamava’ Resort & Casino showcased Fiesta de los Vivos™ (the festival of the living) in a vibrant daytime event, while Palms Casino Resort brought Fiesta de las Calacas™ (the festival of the skeletons) to life with a nighttime celebration. Both themes are now live at both properties, inviting guests to explore the dual worlds of the living and the departed through thrilling gameplay.
The premiere transformed both casino floors into lively Mexico-style plazas with themed slot banks, folklorico dancers, live mariachi bands, decorated street carts, and larger-than-life visuals that brought the game’s festive setting to life. Club Serrano members at both Yaamava’ Resort & Casino and Palms Casino Resort received themed giveaways and were among the first to experience Mariachi Fortunes Trio.
“This premiere is a true celebration of innovation and partnership,” said Mark DeDeaux, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Slots, AGS. “Mariachi Fortunes Trio builds on the success of Piñata Pays, one of AGS’ best-performing games of all time and takes it even further with a more immersive theme, richer features, and broader bonus combinations. The dual themes of the game made Yaamava’ and Palms the perfect partners to launch this experience. With both properties under San Manuel’s leadership and a shared focus on delivering bold, unforgettable player experiences, this two-state debut brings the full story of the game to life in a way only they could.”
“From California to Las Vegas, Club Serrano members are the very first to dive into the electrifying world of Mariachi Fortunes Trio™, the thrilling new slot franchise from our incredible partners at AGS,” said Peter Arceo, Chief Gaming Officer for the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation. “This groundbreaking dual-state world premiere is more than just a launch—it’s a fiesta of immersive gameplay, vibrant visuals, and nonstop excitement. Mariachi Fortunes Trio™ cranks up the energy on our gaming floors at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino and Palms Casino Resort, delivering unforgettable moments and heart-pounding fun our guests will love.”
Mariachi Fortunes Trio will be available exclusively at Yaamava’ and Palms for a limited time before expanding to casino floors across North America.
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