The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has approved a $275,000 grant to Springfield’s Young Adult Gambling Project, which launched in 2023 is looking to gain further insight into the gambling habits of young adults in Springfield.

“Understanding the gambling-related harms experienced by young people will have a direct impact on strategies developed to prevent and mitigate those harms in the future,” interim Chair Maynard said in a press release,

The next phase of the project, funded by this grant, aims to help researchers gain first-hand knowledge about gambling habits and how problem gambling affects young adults. Eventually, this data will be applied to prevention techniques and problem gambling treatment.

“Digital storytelling can provide a safe space for participants to share their experiences and narratives around challenging topics, like gambling,” said Commissioner of Springfield Department of Health and Human Services Helen Caulton-Harris.

While Springfield was the pilot program, the MGC said Boston, Medford and Melrose have applied to study gambling in youth and young adults.

This project is just one of many undertaken by the MGC aiming to promote responsible gambling. Last month, the state held its inaugural responsible gambling conference to promote research-based responsible gambling support.

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