OPGS Launches New Research and Surveillance Initiative

OPGS is excited to announce its first major data-focused initiative: the Research and Education Collaborative (REC), an annual $1.2 million investment in statewide surveillance and research on problem gambling. This groundbreaking effort, awarded to Kindbridge Research Institute, will lead ongoing research, conduct data analysis, share findings, and inform policy to strengthen the state's response to problem gambling.

Why now? As gambling opportunities have expanded statewide, problem gambling continues to raise concerns while disproportionally impacting communities of color, individuals with mental health or substance abuse disorders, and other vulnerable populations. Problem gambling is a public health issue that requires research informed by public health values, strategies, and principles of equity. The goal of this initiative is to fully understand the impacts of gambling in the Commonwealth and to inform policy strategies to mitigate harms.

What will REC do? REC will put into practice OPGS' Data to Action Framework, which connects public health data with community experience to inform prevention and mitigation strategies. The project will lead the development of a Statewide Surveillance System Plan to track gambling-related harms and host community forums. REC serves as the scientific think tank that will provide reliable, equitable data and research for the Commonwealth and will strengthen prevention and mitigation strategies for problem gambling.

What's the impact? This work will establish a new public health-focused body of research on problem gambling that will inform program and treatment practices, guide policy, and create educational opportunities for students interested in gambling research.

Be on the lookout for updates as REC begins shaping the future of problem gambling surveillance, research, and data in MA!