Let’s Get Real About Problem Gambling
Awareness Campaign
With gambling and gambling culture normalized across the Commonwealth, problem gambling has become a real threat to the public health of many of our residents. We don’t just want to help individuals dealing with problem gambling; we want to mitigate harms associated with problem gambling in Massachusetts. That requires a public health perspective that puts the social determinants of health front and center.
We believe that the best way to promote this kind of effective, comprehensive, integrated response is to unify all efforts under a singular platform. Our goal is to provide the tools for our partners to speak with one voice as we lead important conversations and consistently articulate the public health perspective across all communications.
Keep reading to learn more about the Let’s Get Real About Problem Gambling platform.
Campaign Parameters
Objective: To shift the public’s mindset about problem gambling from a matter of personal responsibility to a
public health issue.
The Challenge: Our society refers to gambling by many names, except gambling. The way we talk (or don’t talk)
about gambling and its prevalence in our society makes it difficult to deal with problem gambling
in an honest and effective way.
Primary Audience: The general public, providers, vendors and partners.
Campaign Objectives
Raise awareness of problem gambling
Re-frame problem gambling as a public health issue
Reduce stigma and encourage dialogue
Educate on gambling in all forms
Shift the conversation about gambling to include risk and loss
Key Messages
It’s time to get real: Talking honestly about gambling is the only way we can protect our communities from problem gambling. We believe that’s the truly responsible way to live with gambling in Massachusetts. And the time to do it is now.
It’s our responsibility: We often talk about problem gambling as a matter of personal responsibility. The numbers say otherwise. To prevent problem gambling and reduce the number of cases, we have to address the social and environmental factors that impact our community. Living with gambling means taking responsibility to protect everyone.
Prevention works: The good news is that problem gambling is preventable. If we're honest about the risks, address social and environmental factors, and focus on proven, equitable, and community-based interventions, we can protect ourselves from problem gambling.
Knowledge is power: No matter who you are, you can be harmed by problem gambling. That’s why it’s so important to know the signs of a gambling problem. And why we to understand the social and environmental factors that impact our communities.
Everyone deserves a chance: Problem gambling affects some communities more than others. That’s why our prevention approach needs to be built on a foundation of equity.
Want to learn more? Check out our website at mass.gov/orgs/office-of-problem-gambling-services
© 2022 MA Office of Problem Gambling Services
