Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health

07/11/2025

With gambling now accessible nearly 24/7 through mobile betting, it only makes sense that support services should be just as mobile. That’s exactly what the GRIN (Gambling Recovery Information Network) initiative in Massachusetts is doing—offering mobile-friendly telehealth support to meet people where they are.

Check out CEO Marlene Warner’s interview with Spectrum News to hear more about how this approach is reshaping access through Peer Specialists.

https://ow.ly/VVFf50WojMK

The program comes at a time the council says gambling addiction is a growing public health concern in Massachusetts.

07/02/2025

Huge congrats to Amy Gabrila on 10 years with MACGH! We're so lucky to have you! 🎉
From handing out GameSense brochures to leading powerful, evidence-based conversations about player health, Amy’s journey shows our evolution. Click below to read her story and explore a decade of growth, impact, and connection.

https://ow.ly/A2FJ50Wk3yE

07/01/2025

Yesterday, the MACGH team rolled up their sleeves at Feed the Funnel hosted by Encore Boston Harbor Foundation, helping to pack nearly 60,000 meals in just a few hours. A powerful day of teamwork and impact—supporting our community and fighting food insecurity together.

05/05/2025

On Saturday, our CEO Marlene Warner and GameSense Manager Jason DiCarlo volunteered at Northhampton Pride Festival with our friend, Dr. Michelle Malkin.

Together, we stand stronger!

04/28/2025

Exciting news! Tomorrow, our CEO Marlene Warner will participate in the discussion at the American Gaming Association's first Responsible Gaming Leadership Roundtable in Boston. Don't miss her insights on the new Play Smart from the Start program and the evolution of responsible gaming.

Interested? Register on the link below.

Join us for an engaging discussion on the next generation of responsible gaming initiatives with leading experts.

04/23/2025

Malik's gambling started as fun but became a way to cope with isolation. By college, he was stuck in a cycle of highs and lows. Now in recovery, he shares that there are many pathways to support—whether it's groups, spirituality, or friendships, help is out there. This is his testimony.

Malik is a member of our Lived Experience Advisory Panel and is featured on our Tell Your Story page here: https://macgh.org/category/tell-your-story/
If you are interested in joining this panel or having your story featured, contact us!

https://gather.video/W35B

Malik shares his story

04/07/2025

Read our CEO Marlene Warner’s commentary regarding the proposed Bettor Health Act, featured in her letter to the editor at The Boston Globe.

"Proposed legislation such as the Bettor Health Act is designed to protect our residents’ well-being. This is one of the most profitable markets in the country, yet as with any new industry, there must be guardrails."

Proposed legislation such as the Bettor Health Act is designed to protect our residents’ well-being.

04/07/2025

CEO Marlene Warner on the rise of gambling in the Bay State, as interviewed by Mike Beaudet from WCVB5.

March Madness is playing out across the Bay State even though there isn't a local team anywhere near the Final Four bracket as it appears a lot of Massachusetts money will be betting on the big games.

04/01/2025

We always advocate for player health and safety in the Commonwealth. Thank you for the interview CBS Boston! See below for the full segment.

For information about how to play smarter and understand your odds of winning, ask to be connected to one of our GameSense Advisors 24/7. How you play matters.

Sports betting in Massachusetts is big business, but now, lawmakers are proposing a new bill aimed at setting restrictions on sports gambling.

03/31/2025

Way to go, Marlene!
Your dedication to player protection and health advocacy in the Bay State is unmatched!

Today, we are thrilled to honor local hero Marlene Warner, CEO of Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health, and dedicated Salem community volunteer.

"Marlene Warner has been a dedicated and impactful force in Salem for decades. Whether she's volunteering with the Girl Scouts, leading the Salem-Ota Cultural Exchange, staying deeply involved with the Saltonstall PTO (including serving as president), serving as treasurer at First Church, or working as the CEO of the Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health, Marlene gives her time and expertise to make our community stronger. She leads with kindness, dedication, and a genuine passion for helping others, and Salem is better because of her." - City Councillor Ty Hapworth

Thank you so much, Marlene, for all that you do to keep our community vibrant and active here in Salem!

This year, Mayor Dominick Pangallo and the City of Salem are highlighting the strength, resilience, contributions and achievements of everyday heroes in our community throughout Women's History Month.

Stay tuned and watch this space throughout the month of March to learn about each of our impressive 2025 honorees.

03/28/2025

Last Wednesday, we participated in the forum supporting the Bettor Health Act.

Our Lived Experience Advisory Panel member, David Nangle, shared his powerful recovery story and concerns about the ease of access to mobile wagering in the Commonwealth. It's a drastic departure from traditional retail gambling.

"Who do you think is placing all these bets on cell phones?...It's the youth."

Fittingly, March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month, and spotlighting the impact and contributors of problem gambling cannot be undervalued.

See news article here: https://www.statehousenews.com/news/regulatedindustries/gambling/former-rep-nangle-returns-with-problem-gambling-warnings/article_10a4033a-11c9-499e-894a-9106e29d355f.html

03/25/2025

Empower your game! On this Health Horizons podcast, our Director of Player Health Amy Gabrila reveals how understanding game rules and debunking gambling myths leads to smarter, safer play decisions. Proudly operating the GameSense MA program, we're committed to evidence-based service and programming.

Thank you City of Melrose Health and Human Services for the interview with our key partner, Operation HOPE, Inc.!

GameSense MA is available 24/7 via GameSenseMA.com and has a physical presence at all MA retail casinos.

Learn how to be connected to a full range of treatment services for mental health and addiction needs, including immediate crisis intervention, urgent, and routine needs. MA Council on Gaming and Hea