Massachusetts Statewide Gambling Behavior, Opinions, and Needs Assessment

By Sasha Russell, Communications Program Specialist, Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling

On Thursday, September 19, 2013, the Council and the Massachusetts Partnership on Responsible Gambling presented a legislative briefing, in the Member’s Lounge of the State House, to share the results of the Massachusetts Statewide Gambling Behavior, Opinions, and Needs Assessment, which was conducted through a representative online panel. 

The briefing was sponsored by House and Senate Chairs of the Joint Committee on Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Representative Elizabeth A. Malia (D-Jamaica Plain, Eleventh Suffolk) and Senator Joan B. Lovely (D-Salem, Second Essex). The survey gives an overview of gambling behaviors across the Commonwealth, as well as the opinions of Mass. residents on gambling and expanded gambling. The information will be used by the Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling to: identify needs, and help guide program development, education efforts, treatment, referral, family support, marketing, and advocacy. About 50 legislatures and staff members were in attendance, as well as several media outlets.

For Communications Specialist, Sasha C. Russell, and the Communications Interns, Thalia Yunen and Sean Crowley, this event was a first-time experience. Russell noted, “It was great to see so many legislatures and staff members come out to learn and show support for the Mass. Council, and our efforts. They play such an important role in the State, and with our organization. Without their support, and willingness to listen, we wouldn’t be able to accomplish as much as we do. Hopefully after listening to and looking over the assessment results, the support will be stronger, and we’ll be able to achieve so much more.”

Crowley agreed, and recognized that this is an important and exciting time in terms of expanding and building capacity for those experiencing problems with gambling, and their loved ones. “The results,” said Crowley, “Are important and relevant to the future of expanded gambling in Massachusetts.”

Research and Data Director, Phil Kopel, was the lead researcher for the report. The report’s abstract reads: 

With the legalization of casinos, large-scale legal gambling in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is about to radically change. The introduction of up to four casino-resorts in Massachusetts, a state which has the most lucrative lottery system in the country, will likely generate significant social and economic changes. In order to mitigate any negative effects in the future, it is necessary to understand the current level of gambling behavior within the Commonwealth… This study examines current gambling behavior and attitudes towards a variety of legal and illegal gambling activities across these gambler groups, will identify problem gambling issues, and serves as a needs assessment.

Findings include:

·         Males are significantly more likely to be Problem and Probable Pathological gamblers than females. 

·         Those in the 25 to 34 age group appear more likely to be higher-risk gamblers, 50 -64 years olds are more likely to be social gamblers and those 65+ are the least likely to be Probable Pathological.

·         White non-Hispanic and Black populations appear to have similar prevalence by gambler types.

·         Asians are significantly less likely to gamble in comparison to the general population.  However, among those who do, they are significantly more likely to be Probable Pathological gamblers in comparison to the state average.  (The Asian population is very diverse across nationalities, languages, geography and education).

·         The Latino population appears to have a significantly lower rate of gamblers, and those who do gamble appear more likely to be Social gamblers than the general population.  (This study obtained a relatively small sample of the Latino population (6.0% surveyed identified as Hispanic vs. 16.1% Census in Massachusetts).

·         Problem and Probable Pathological gamblers show no significant household income distribution differences than Social gamblers.

·         Probable Pathological Gamblers are somewhat more likely to have a high school education or less. Non-gamblers are more likely to have a graduate degree than the state average.

·         Approximately 4% of those classified as Social gamblers stated that they never gambled, indicating that they do not see playing the lottery as gambling.

·         As many as 69% of Probable Pathological gamblers and 47% of Problem gamblers have at least one other person in their life who has had a gambling problem. Comparatively, about 26% of Social gamblers have at least one other person in their life who has had a gambling problem.

·         Probable Pathological gamblers often have a variety of self-destructive behaviors.  Problem gamblers have far fewer self-destructive factors than Probable Pathological gamblers..  Yet as many as 75% of Problem gamblers stated that they have gambled more than intended, and 69% felt guilty about their gambling on occasion.

·         As many as 48% of Probable Pathological gamblers and 13% of Problem gamblers have borrowed money to pay gambling debts, compared with 0% of those classified as Social gamblers.

·         More than one-half of Probable Pathological gamblers identified having at least one other problem behavior.  31% have had a drug problem, 24% have had an alcohol problem, 17% have had a sex addiction problem, 6% have had a problem stealing, and 4% have shoplifted.  All of these problem behaviors are significantly higher than the other gambling classifications.

·         A majority of Probable Pathological gamblers are late paying bills, smoke cigarettes, feel depressed or hopeless, lack self-confidence or feel bad about themselves, and are generally dissatisfied with life.  In addition, many of them also have difficulties managing their responsibilities at home, drink alcohol to excess, regularly speed when driving, and abuse drugs.

·         Social gamblers have a higher prevalence of cigarette smoking than Non-gamblers.  However, they have a lower prevalence of depression and dissatisfaction with life and a higher rate of self-confidence than Non-gamblers. 

·         A higher percent of Probable Pathological gamblers indicated that they had a strong education with respect to owning a bank account compared with Social gamblers.  However, just 62% of Probable Pathological gamblers say they generally live within their means.  This is significantly lower than the 78% of Problem gamblers, 87% of Social gamblers and 84% of Non-gamblers who say they generally live within their means.

·         A higher percentage of Probable Pathological gamblers indicated receiving more education about the likelihood of losing money at a casino compared with Social and Problem gamblers. However, there appears to be a high correlation between Problem gamblers, and their loved ones, with problem gambling behavior and comorbidity issues as more prominent factors than just financial literacy.

The information in the report will be used by the Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling to grow capacity, specifically: identify needs, and help guide program development, education efforts, treatment, referral, family support, marketing, and advocacy.  

You can download the full report on our website.

Check out WWLP’s report on the event. 

Listen to WAMC’s radio report about the survey.

We Care About Recovery, Too!

by Thalia Yunen, Communications Intern, The Massachusetts Council on COmpulsive Gambling

On Saturday, September 14^th, members of the Mass. Council headed to Worcester for the “5^th Annual Worcester Cares About Recovery Walk.” The event, hosted by Worcester Department of Public Health and Everyday Miracles Peer Recovery Center, was a great success. The Mass. Council hosted a table, along with many other organizations that share the same goals of educating the community about prevention, treatment, and recovery services that are offered in Worcester and throughout Massachusetts. There was live entertainment, a BBQ luncheon, and children’s activities. The Mass. Council staff members participated and had a lot of fun!

The Walk was a communal experience. Walking with people who are taking steps toward recovery – and making efforts to stay there – allowed myself, other participants, and even passers-by to support those in recovery, as well as witness firsthand the empowerment that comes when people join together for a social cause. While there, I thought about what “walking” really means. Though this walk was relatively short, it was less about the stroll around the block, and more about symbolizing the path that people in recovery, and their loved ones, are on together. Recovery Month is not only for those in recovery; we all have a social responsibility to continue to engage in these kinds of events so that our community knows that we stand beside them, and that we should all take this walk together.

Gina Froilan, 20, attended the walk in honor of her father who is in recovery, and various family members who struggle with different addictions. Gina said, “Everyone seemed empowered. Like they came together through their will power. No one looked down on anyone there, or talked bad about others. There was a lot of support – even from the community during the walk. Many people drove by and either waved or beeped their horns to show support.”

Gina’s cousin, Daniel Froilan, 15, who was there to support his mother in her recovery noted that, “It was nice to hold [the recovery walk] signs, and not be ashamed to show if you were in recovery, or supporting people in recovery. It felt good to hear people cheering as we walked through the town.”

 

Communications Program Specialist at the Mass. Council, Sasha Russell, added that “It was a very empowering event. We are one step closer to reducing the stigma associated with addiction and recovery.”

Senior Director of Programs and Services at the Mass. Council (and long-time resident of Worcester), Victor Ortiz said, “The Walk was a great event that promoted the hope and possibility of recovery. It was great to see so many people come together to celebrate the strength of recovery.”

Communications Director at the Mass. Council, Margot Cahoon said, “The Recovery Walk was truly inspirational. Seeing the signs that said “My mommy is in recovery” or “My Daddy is in recovery” really struck me. I saw women with their babies in strollers who had overcome addiction at such a vulnerable and hard time in their lives. It made me feel so sad for them and their kids, and yet so hopeful at the same time for their futures together. We walked down the street as a cohesive unit, with all of our signs, and put out a strong message of support for those who are working very hard to turn their lives around. The community encouragement was very uplifting and made for a great family-friendly day.”

The Walk is one of the many activities happening across Massachusetts in recognition of National Recovery Month. The Mass. Council continues to support people in recovery, at every stage of the journey.

**Many thanks to the Department of Public Health, Everyday Miracles Peer Recovery Center, Spectrum Health Systems, MOAR, Jeremiah’s Inn, District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr, AdCare, Willis Center, Seven Hills Foundation, Salvation Army, LUK, Edward M. Kennedy Community Health center, Hector Reyes House, and Y.O.U. Inc. for helping to put on this wonderful event.**

THE COUNCIL WELCOMES SEAN CROWLEY

Hey everyone! My name is Sean Crowley. This fall I will be working at the Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling in their Communications Department. I am a recent graduate of The College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY, where I majored in Communications with a minor in Business Administration.

 

Communications is necessary to any organization, which is why I was first attracted to it. I enjoy getting a message across successfully, and studying what drives people to read or buy certain things.

 

Currently, I live in Scituate, which is where I also grew up. My favorite places to go are the beaches in Scituate. I was a lifeguard for the past seven summers. I am a big sports fan and love to play, or talk about, any sport, especially football now that the season is starting. I also have been a swimmer my whole life, including at college.

 

I am still not one hundred percent sure where I want to be in the future, but I would love to have a communications position with a well known and respected company in Boston. I took numerous courses at Saint Rose and have learned about everything from public relations campaigns to media kits.

 

I previously interned at The Warren Group in Boston’s Communications Department. While there, I was responsible for handling their social media accounts, writing press releases and creating newsletters for their subscribers. Additionally they also trusted me with project such as, editing their podcasts, as well as writing articles for their newspapers Banker & Tradesman and The Commercial Record.

 

For the next couple of months, I am looking forward to putting my experience and classroom knowledge to work here the Mass. Council, while learning and gaining new experiences. I am looking forward to the responsibilities that will be assigned to me throughout my tenure.     



by Sean Crowley, Communications Intern, The Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling

Together on Pathways To Wellness

by Thalia Yunen, Communications Intern, The Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling

September is recognized by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) as National Recovery Month. Organizations and governments across the United States are encouraged to endorse this month through proclamations, and recovery-focused events. In its 24^th year, the goal of National Recovery Month is to promote the education and celebration of recovery, as well as prevention and treatment.

SAMHSA outlines the “10 Guiding Principles of Recovery.” After reading the following principles, I gained a better understanding of National Recovery Month, and its importance.

1. Recovery Emerges from Hope - Hope gives one the motivation to start and continue the process of recovery.
2. Recovery is Person-Driven - “Self-determination and self-direction are the foundations for recovery as individuals define their own goals and design their unique path(s) towards those goals.” Being self-driven provides empowerment throughout your recovery.
3. Recovery occurs via many pathways - “Recovery is built on the multiple capacities, strengths, talents, coping abilities, resources, and inherent value of each individual.” Everyone can suffer from an addiction but the recovery process is unique to the person recovering.
4. Recovery is holistic - Holistic as in complete and total, it “encompasses an individual’s whole life, including mind, body, spirit, and community.”
5. Recovery is supported by peers and allies - “Mutual support and mutual aid groups, including the sharing of experiential knowledge and skills, as well as social learning, play an invaluable role in recovery.”
6. Recovery is supported through relationship and social networks - “Family members, peers, providers, faith groups, community members, and other allies form vital support networks.”
7. Recovery is culturally-based and influenced - “Services should be culturally grounded, attuned, sensitive, congruent, and competent, as well as personalized to meet each individual’s unique needs.”
8. Recovery is supported by addressing trauma - “The experience of trauma (such as physical or sexual abuse, domestic violence, war, disaster, and others) is often a precursor to or associated with alcohol and drug use, mental health problems, and related issues. Services and supports should be trauma-informed to foster safety (physical and emotional) and trust, as well as promote choice, empowerment, and collaboration.”
9. Recovery involves individual, family, and community strengths and responsibility - My favorite portion of this step, “Individuals in recovery also have a social responsibility and should have the ability to join with peers to speak collectively about their strengths, needs, wants, desires, and aspirations.”
10. Recovery is based on respect - R-E-S-P-E-C-T! “Community, systems, and societal acceptance and appreciation for people affected by mental health and substance use problems - including protecting their rights and eliminating discrimination - are crucial in achieving recovery.”  

To celebrate people in recovery, the Council will be participating in the upcoming 5^th Annual Worcester Cares About Recovery Walk and Celebration on Saturday, September 14th, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be live entertainment, children’s activities, a BBQ, and most importantly, information about prevention, treatment, and recovery as it pertains to various addictions. If you’re interested in joining us, please contact Sasha: 617.426.4554/sasha@masscompulsivegambling.org. If you can’t make that event, check out this list of other National Recovery Month events in your area.

Though National Recovery Month is just one month out of the year, taking steps towards your own recovery or learning to help with someone else’s is important, every day of the year. The Council recognizes that recovery is an emotionally rigorous (and even more rewarding) challenge. This is why on November 8^th - 10^th, the Council will be hosting “Your First Step to Change: A Gambling-Free Weekend.” The Weekend Retreat is designed for people who are struggling with gambling problems and/or their family members. If you are interested in starting your journey toward recovery, you won't want to miss this event! Topics to be addressed include: Decision Making, Not Betting No Matter, What Co-Occurring Disorders, Support Systems, Whose Problem Is It Anyway?, and Money and Debt. Apply for a scholarship today!

Remember to “Like” us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter: MassCouncilCG – let us know how you plan to celebrate your recovery. Happy Recovery Month!