Research Goals
1
Understand
Understand the social and economic effects of expanded gaming within the Commonwealth and use findings to inform evidence-based policy, regulation and programs.
2
Obtain
Obtain scientific information relative to the psychology, sociology, epidemiology and etiology of gambling.
3
Inform
Inform strategies, practices and policies for responsible gaming and problem gambling prevention and treatment.
4
Evaluate
Evaluate responsible gaming initiatives developed by the MGC to assure effectiveness.
5
Translate and Mobilize
Translate and mobilize research findings to assure they reach the target audience and are used to inform policies, programs and services.
Research Categories
Research Related to Sports Wagering
This section amasses all MGC and MGC-related research relating to sports wagering. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has been tasked with overseeing the promulgation of the state’s sports wagering industry after sports betting was legalized in the Commonwealth on August 10, 2022.Academic Publications
This section compiles the links with information about peer-reviewed publications of MGC-related research projects.Community-Engaged Research
This research is intended to advance knowledge regarding casino impacts on population subgroups not reached by the SEIGMA general population baseline. The focus of this work is on communities considered to be at a greater risk of experiencing gambling-related harms.Economic Impact
The Social and Economic Impacts of Gambling in Massachusetts (SEIGMA) study, conducted by a team from UMass Amherst, analyzes the fiscal, economic, social and health effects of expanded gaming across the Commonwealth. The study is intended to provide 1) neutral information of decision-making, 2) early warning signs of changes connected with the casino gambling, and 3) help in reducing gambling-related harm.Massachusetts Gambling Impact Cohort
The Massachusetts Gambling Impact Cohort (MAGIC), the first major longitudinal cohort study of gambling behavior in the United States, provides information on how gambling and problem gambling develop, progress and remit, and will identify demographic groups particularly at risk of experiencing gambling-related harm.Public Safety
This research examines Massachusetts casino impacts on public safety, including crime, calls-for-service and collision data. This element of the MGC research agenda has produced a baseline for each casino host and surrounding communities. Annual follow-up studies measure change in activity and highlight possible connections to the casino.Responsible Gaming Program Evaluations
The MGC is committed to offering effective, evidence-based responsible gaming programs and initiatives. Currently, these initiatives include statewide Voluntary Self Exclusion, PlayMyWay Play Management System and the GameSense program. On-going and independent evaluation informs the overall responsible gaming strategy and future direction of these programs.Social Impact
The Social and Economic Impacts of Gambling in Massachusetts (SEIGMA) study, conducted by a team from UMass Amherst, analyzes the fiscal, economic, social and health effects of expanded gaming across the Commonwealth. The study is intended to provide 1) neutral information of decision-making, 2) early warning signs of changes connected with the casino gambling, and 3) help in reducing gambling-related harm.Data Access Core Application
Referencing the Application for Public Health Research or Access to Data, enter tracking information about this project: