DASGR 2nd Annual Town Hall

March 21, 2025 @ 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Morgan State University | Graves Business School

The DASGR 2nd Annual Town Hall Meeting will take place on March 21, 2025.

Hosted by: Dr. Ali Emdad, Executive Director, Research Centers – GSBM at Morgan State University, Georgia State Representative & President-Elect of NCLGS Al Williams, Former Maryland Delegate Darryl Barnes, Chairman of the Virginia Lottery Board Ferhan Hamid, and Former Maryland Cabinet Secretary Jimmy Rhee

Three panels of industry experts will discuss the following topics:

Panel 1: Filling the iGaming Education Gap

  • Moderators: Ali Emdad, Executive Director, Research Centers – GSBM at Morgan State University; and Josh Faber, Policy & Legislative Consultant
  • Panelists: Chad Beynon, Head of US Research & Gaming/Lodging Analyst Equities | Macquarie Capital (USA) Inc.; the Honorable Darryl Barnes, Former Maryland Delegate, and President of Barnes International, Ltd.; Ryan Eller, Executive Vice President & General Manager of Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland
  • Key Topics of Discussion: Economic & Revenue Implications; Responsible Gambling & Consumer Protections; Regulatory & Market Challenges; Framing the Debate
  • Summary: This panel offers a balanced exploration of iGaming’s pros and cons, equipping policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, and the public with the insights needed to make informed choices. By serving as a neutral platform, this session sheds light on the educational, economic, and regulatory dimensions of iGaming, helping Marylanders better understand the potential implications of this growing sector.

Panel 2: Data Sharing with University Researchers: Challenges and Opportunities

  • Moderator: Jonathan Aiwazian, Founder & CEO of idPair, and Executive in Residence at Morgan State University’s Center for Data Analytics and Sports Gaming Research
  • Panelists: Alex Kane, Founder and CEO of Sporttrade ; Kyle Nolla, Morgan State University Faculty Researcher for the Center for Data Analytics and Sports Gaming Research, and Assistant Professor of Psychology; Brad Humphreys, Professor of Economics Professor of Economics and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Research at West Virginia University; Chris Adams, Founder & CEO of SharpRank
  • Key Topics of Discussion: Accessing Industry Data; Data Needs in Academic Research; Engaging Campus Participants in Research; National-Level Data Access Solutions; Collaborative Initiatives
  • Summary: This session is a must-attend for academic researchers, industry representatives, regulators, and policymakers committed to fostering stronger data-sharing partnerships that drive meaningful research and innovation.

Panel 3: The Impact of Gambling on Mental Health – College Campuses & Beyond

  • Moderator: Keith Whyte, President & CEO of Keith Whyte Consulting
  • Panelists: Rick Leandry, External and Community Affairs Manager, Baltimore City Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement, and Morgan State Alum; Blair Inniss, Government Relations Coordinator for the Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling at the University of Maryland School of Medicine; Christopher Lewis, Ph.D., Embedded Counselor for Athletics at Morgan State University; Da’Vel Kent, M.A., LCPC, Embedded Counselor for the Office of Residence Life and Housing at Morgan State University
  • Key Topics of Discussion: Campus Resources & Prevention Strategies; Community-Level Responses; Regulatory & Industry Perspectives; Building a Coordinated Response
  • Summary: This insightful and timely panel will examine the psychological effects of gambling, the challenges in identifying and addressing problem gambling, and the role of various stakeholders— including universities, policymakers, and mental health professionals— in fostering responsible gaming practices.



DATE: March 21, 2025

TIME: 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM

LOCATION: Graves Business School at Morgan State University

4100 Hillen Road, Room 104

Baltimore, MD 21251

Event Flyer

Nationwide viewers will have the opportunity to live-stream the Town Hall on our EVENT LINK. For all others, we can’t wait to see you at the Morgan Business Center this Friday, March 21st!

Parking Information

  • Parking is available in the BSSC lot at the Business School. No permit required. Enter the lot from the Havenwood Entrance and follow around to the back of the building.
  • Parking Map

Take a look at our 1st Annual Town Hall held on March 15, 2024

Panel 1: Industry Perspectives & Implications of iGaming Expansion Nationally and in Maryland

Panelists:

  • Scott Gunn, SVP of Corporate Public Affairs at IGT
  • Jeff Ifrah, Founder of Ifrah Law and Founder of iDEA
  • Ryan Eller, EVP & General Manager of Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland
  • Robert Ruben, Partner & Team Lead of Gaming Industry Group at Duane Morris, LLP

Panel 2: Consumer Protection, Responsible Gambling, Data Research, and DASGR Impact

Panelists:

  • Dr. Pamela Queen, Maryland State Delegate and MSU Professor
  • Brianne Doura-Schawohl, Founder & CEO of Doura-Schawohl Consulting, LLC
  • Mary Drexler, Program Director for the Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling at the University of Maryland School of Medicine

DASGR would like to thank the organizers, hosts, and panelists for making this remarkable event possible.