The concept of responsible gambling has been embraced by the gaming industry to show its compassion and concern for those who can’t control that sometimes uncontrollable urge.
Not wishing to further alienate those who oppose the practice, which in many instances has become a state-sponsored, revenue-generating enterprise, gaming regulators have gone out of their way to publicly show that they take out-of-control gambling seriously.
The result, established more than two decades ago by the National Council on Problem Gambling, was to declare March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month.
State gaming commissions, including ours in the commonwealth, have jumped on that bandwagon.
This year’s theme, “Seeking Understanding,” aims to address problem gambling as a serious yet frequently misunderstood mental-health condition. By promoting greater awareness, Problem Gambling Awareness Month aims to remove treatment barriers and provide crucial support for individuals and families impacted by gambling-related harm.
The powers that be couldn’t have selected a more appropriate month for their problem-gamblers campaign. That’s because March has become synonymous with the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, better known as March Madness.
The concentration of so many games — and the seemingly endless ways to place a wager, especially on mobile betting platforms — contributes to a two-week betting frenzy that lends itself to irresponsible behavior.
Nationally, approximately 2.5 million adults annually meet the criteria for severe gambling problems, with another 5-8 million experiencing some gambling disorder symptoms.
In Massachusetts, a 2021 study found that approximately 80,000 people fit the definition of problem gamblers, while 490,000 more fall into the at-risk category.
“Problem Gambling Awareness Month is an opportunity to shine a light on the resources available to help those in need, and grow the public’s awareness of the realities of problem gambling,” said Massachusetts Gaming Commission Chair Jordan Maynard.
Mark Vander Linden, the MGC’s Responsible Gaming director, previously provided commissioners and the public with an overview of plans for PGAM 2025.
They include numerous activities and events that will take place throughout March, such as informal “Coffee Break” discussions hosted by GameSense, a comprehensive responsible-gaming strategy adopted by the MGC for problem gamblers.
GameSense teams at Encore Boston Harbor and MGM Springfield casinos help patrons learn how to identify problem gambling indicators.
Throughout the year, GameSense Advisors, in conjunction with online and phone-based assistance, are available at all Massachusetts casinos. They provide education on safe-play strategies, help with enrollment in the voluntary Self-Exclusion program, and connect people to community-based support resources when needed.
Licensed operators throughout the commonwealth continue to provide numerous player-protection tools to promote responsible gaming. These include time and deposit limits to help individuals manage their betting activities.
Like other addictions, the only way to end the cycle of gambling more than you can afford requires a tremendous degree of self-control and determination.
Oftentimes, it can’t be accomplished without the support of family, friends — and compassionate professionals dedicated to helping you reach your goal — gambling sobriety.
Sentinel & Enterprise
