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Artificial intelligence activity in gaming is being driven primarily by technology suppliers rather than operators, according to a new report from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. The study also shows the United States dominating AI-related gaming patent filings, while companies such as Angel Group, IGT, and Light & Wonder lead the field in granted patents and citations.
Suppliers Dominate Patent Activity
Japan’s Angel Group Co Ltd, a specialist in playing cards and smart gaming tables, was ranked at the top of a global top-10 list of technology suppliers granted AI-related patents in gaming. The company held 86 worldwide patents between 2010 and 2025, according to the inaugural State of AI in Gaming 2026 report, which drew on data from Lens.org.
The report also identified Walker Digital LLC as the most-cited holder of AI gambling intellectual property, with 345 citations. One of its patents, which dates back to 2002, concerns a method and apparatus for planning and customising a gaming experience. Walker Digital is known for smart tables used in live-dealer casino games.
Among granted patents, International Game Technology Plc ranked second with 50, while Light & Wonder Gaming Inc came third with 37. Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd was tied in ninth place with 8. The report said the leading patent holders were all technology suppliers to the industry, including companies that develop gaming systems, platforms, and content rather than operate casinos.
Innovation Coming From The Supply Side
The report was compiled by UNLV’s International Gaming Institute and its AI Research Hub, in collaboration with KPMG LLP. The authors said the patent data suggests AI innovation in gaming is coming mainly from the supply side of the industry.
That point was underscored by Stephen Moore, chief executive of Walker Digital Table Systems, who said the recent rise in AI patent activity shows gaming technology suppliers are increasingly embedding intelligence into gaming infrastructure, including smart tables. The researcher added that the most significant patents are related to personalization and loyalty of players. According to him, the future competitive arena would revolve around the provision of a more personalized experience for players through real-time technology.
United States Leads By Wide Margin
The report also examined AI patent activity by country and found the United States far ahead of the rest of the field. It accounted for 1,304 patents, or 61.4% of all identified activity. The report said this refers to the geographic distribution of AI patent filings in the gambling industry.
The World Intellectual Property Organization ranked second with activity linked to 207 patents, or 9.7% of the total. Australia came second with 149 patents (7.0%), followed by South Korea at 99 patents (4.7%). The patents from Europe occupied the fifth spot with 94 patents (4.4%), while China occupied sixth place with 65 patents (3.1%), followed by Japan (56 patents), the Philippines (53 patents), and Singapore (31 patents).
Operators And Regulators Lag Behind
While the report points to strong momentum among technology suppliers, it also notes a gap in the gaming operator and regulatory sectors. The authors said that the area shows high ambition, but also significant weaknesses in governance, oversight, and AI maturity.
That contrast suggests the industry’s AI development is advancing unevenly, with suppliers moving faster than the rest of the ecosystem. For now, the report places the strongest activity in the hands of companies building the systems rather than those using them, while operators and regulators still appear to be catching up.
Source: GGR Asia
