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Prevention Efforts in the Office of Problem Gambling Services

Learn about the Office’s comprehensive approach to reducing and preventing program gambling across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Since 2016, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Office of Problem Gambling Services has taken a comprehensive and strategic and community approach to the development of problem gambling prevention services in the Commonwealth. Problem gambling is governed by a complex set of interrelating factors, causes, and determinants ranging from biology and family history to social norms and existing statutes. Problem gambling prevention must be comprehensive and grounded in the principles of health and racial equity. The Office of Problem Gambling Services comprehensive prevention strategies are captured across four domains: Data and Community Engagement, Programs and Services, Public Awareness, and Prevention Tools and Resources.

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Data and Community Engagement

The Office of Problem Gambling Services utilizes data and community voice to address gambling-related harms throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

OPGS is guided by the Data to Action Framework which illustrates the process through which public health data and community experience can be leveraged to inform and support each other in a mutually reinforcing feedback loop. Respecting community members as authentic partners, building partnerships, maintaining transparency, and promoting accountability are at the core. Centering community within this framework serves as an ongoing reminder that community stakeholders have a critical role to play.

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Programs and Services

Community- based organizations lead efforts to provide services to individuals and families throughout Massachusetts to prevent and mitigate gambling-related harms, especially for communities disproportionately impacted by gambling.

Programs are implemented across the continuum of care and have a consistent focus on the social determinants of health and equity. OPGS programs and services span from awareness and prevention to the multiple pathways of recovery, including treatment.

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Public Awareness

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OPGS leads a comprehensive communication strategy centered on our platform: Let’s Get Real About Gambling. The campaigns aim to increase education and awareness of gambling across a variety of audiences, including those disproportionately impacted by gambling. The various campaigns are shared via billboards, digital bulletins, social media, and other platforms. To date, communication campaigns include College Aged Youth, Youth and Parents, Older Adults, and Men of Color that have resulted in over 360 million impressions.

Prevention Tools and Resources

OPGS offers a variety of prevention tools and resources for community partners and stakeholders.

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Screening and Self-Assessment

  • Your First Step to Change is an evidence-based self-assessment and brief intervention workbook for individuals thinking about changing their gambling behavior. It helps identify problems and determine helpful strategies to guide them through the process of change.
  • MassMen.org is an online free and anonymous screening tool for mental health disorders, including problem gambling. The screening tool provides individuals the opportunity to self-identify signs and symptoms, educate themselves on mental health topics, and connect with local resources in order to seek treatment.

Education and Awareness

  • Let’s Get Real About Gambling is a public awareness platform created by the Office of Problem Gambling Services. The platform provides information about the symptoms of problem gambling and provides resources for those at-risk.
  • The Let’s Get Real About Gambling Brochure defines problem gambling and explains the signs and symptoms. This brochure also provides information and resources on how to get help and support.
  • The Youth & Parents Toolkit is a prevention tool that helps parents understand the risks and signs of problem gambling in youth. This toolkit encourages parents to start conversations with their kids regarding problem gambling. 

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