In honor of Problem Gambling Awareness Month, OPGS offered multiple trainings and activities throughout March to continue to address and prevent gambling-related harms:

• OPGS launched multiple media campaigns to highlight the Massachusetts Problem Gambling Helpline, Older Adults, and Men of Color. The campaigns aim to increase education and awareness of the risks of gambling, especially for older adults or those with a history of substance misuse. The campaigns were highlighted on billboards, digital bulletins, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and other social platforms. Be on the lookout for other campaigns in the future!

• OPGS Ambassadors conducted outreach, initiated conversations with individuals and other organizations, and continued to provide information and resources to those in need.

• The Massachusetts Center of Excellence for Problem Gambling Prevention (MCOE) offered a variety of webinars including “I’m Part of A Team Now! Sports Betting— Consumption Communities and the Prevention ‘Plays’ Needed to Reach This Team of Gamblers” with Dr. Deborah Haskins. Visit their website for future trainings!

• Youth in Springfield participated in a mental health awareness campaign to normalize and encourage healthy conversations about mental health.

• The Massachusetts Technical Assistance Center for Problem Gambling Treatment (M-TAC) hosted their Spring Statewide meeting to discuss important updates about gambling in Massachusetts, shared best practices, and facilitated a discussion around the successes and challenges in providing gambling-related services.

• M-TAC offered a Recruitment and Retention Best Practices webinar to discuss how to develop a recruitment and retention plan to meet staffing demand for outpatient problem gambling treatment. Check out their website for additional trainings and webinars.