David Schwartz
David G. Schwartz, the director of the Center for Gaming Research at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, studies the history of gambling, the current state of the casino gaming industry, and related issues. Schwartz is a prolific writer, having written several books including Grandissimo: The First Emperor of Las Vegas and Roll the Bones: The History of Gambling. He also writes regular features and the “Green Felt Journal” column for Vegas Seven magazine. Born and raised in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Schwartz earned his bachelor’s degree (a double major in anthropology and history) as well as his master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania before receiving his doctorate in U.S. history from UCLA. His academic interest in gambling stems from his hands-on experience in the casino industry as a security officer and surveillance officer. Schwartz has been dubbed “gaming’s leading historian” by Global Gaming Business magazine and named one of the field's most notable emerging leaders by that publication. Schwartz lives in Las Vegas, Nevada.