In November 2011, an Act Establishing Expanded Gaming in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts was signed into law (Chapter 194 of the Acts of 2011). This legislation permits casinos and slot parlors in Massachusetts under the regulatory auspices of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC). Section 71 of the Expanded Gaming Act requires the MGC to establish an annual research agenda to assist in understanding the effects of casino gambling in Massachusetts and in minimizing the negative impacts. Research activities launched thus far include a comprehensive study of the social and economic impacts of casino gambling in Massachusetts (SEIGMA), a cohort study of the incidence and etiology of problem gambling (MAGIC), a strategic plan for the expansion of problem gambling services in Massachusetts, a community-level analysis of policing activities in communities surrounding the casinos, and an evaluation of responsible gambling activities (i.e., exclusion program, play management system, responsible gambling information centers). The presentation will include a selection of results from the large baseline population survey completed in 2014, prior to the opening of any casinos or slot parlors as well as highlights from our baseline economic and fiscal impact analysis. By highlighting a successful multi-sector collaboration, the presentation will underscore the importance of collaboration between academic researchers, economic and policy analysts, regulators, and community stakeholders in both assessing and addressing gambling impacts
