- Trinity College-Harftord
MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS
Murren holds a BA in Art History and Urban Studies from Trinity College – Hartford, where he graduated in 1983.
During the pandemic, the state of Nevada appointed Murren to head up the Covid-19 Response, Relief and Recovery Task Force. Murren served as the organisation’s Chairman and assisted in tracking cases and raising awareness regarding prevention measures.
Along with working on the task force, Murren co-founded Acies Investments, a Venture Capital for the iGaming, sports betting, esports and sports technology industries. He co-founded the company in December 2020.
Perhaps Murren's biggest achievement is tied to the Nevada Cancer Institute, which he co-founded in January 2002. This was a non-profit cancer treatment centre which helped more than 5,000 patients and also helped to improve clinical trials.
EMPLOYMENT
Murren has held executive roles in several different companies during his career, including the Nevada Cancer Institute, the Keck School of Medicine, the Covid-19 Response, Relief and Recovery Task Force and Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group.
His first introduction to the gambling industry was in 2008, when he became Chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International. He would maintain this role until March 2020, before transitioning to his place in the Government to tackle the pandemic.
During his time at MGM, Murren also held a term as Chairman of the American Gaming Association. Here, he would oversee and manage the organisation as it began introducing online casinos and prepared to overturn the sports betting ban in 2018.
Murren summarised his time with MGM by saying: “Leading MGM Resorts has been the most rewarding and fulfilling experience in my professional career. It has been an honour to work with such a talented group of men and women who provide millions of guests with memorable life experiences every day all over the world.
“We have a solid leadership team in place and I am confident that they will work with my successor to continue the company's trajectory of growth and expansion.”
In December 2020, Murren co-founded Acies Investments, a venture capital company that focuses on sports betting, iGaming, esports and sports technology industries.
In September 2023, he would be announced as the Chairman of the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) in the United Arab Emirates. This new regulatory body would oversee changes in the country as the first commercial gambling licences were awarded.
Alongside his efforts in the United Arab Emirates, Murren was later appointed as Chairman of Resorts Wold Las Vegas in December 2024.
Murren currently serves as a member of Howard University and Trinity College’s Board of Trustees.
PRODUCTS LAUNCHED
Murren has been instrumental in bringing several professional sports teams to the Las Vegas area and helped lead the construction project for T-Mobile Arena. He also aided in organising a purchase and relocation deal for the Las Vegas Aces.
Murren is a founding partner of the Vegas Golden Knights and worked to help grow the NBA summer league. During his time with MGM, Murren made MGM the Las Vegas Raiders’ official gaming partner.
"I'm a very competitive person, as my son would tell you. I've always felt if I didn't have the experience or knowledge others have, I could outwork anybody. I'd outwork them on the practice field, in games and in my career." Jim Murren
Interviews and public speeches
Gambling Insider sat down for an exclusive interview with Murren, which is available here. The executive discusses what he thinks is good for Las Vegas and how he views each of the behemoths on the Strip.
