SPRINGFIELD — Marking the start of Problem Gambling Awareness Month, a group of stakeholders interested in promoting the resources to combat compulsive gambling are heading to downtown Springfield.
This Monday starting at 10 a.m. at the MassMutual Center, the Northeastern Problem Gambling Consortium is hosting a panel discussion entitled "Gambling Disorder Knows No Border: Have the Conversation." The event, which is open to the general public and community groups starting at 10:45 a.m., brings together representatives from New England casinos, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission and public health officials for a conversation about the issues and a question-and-answer session.
"Our strength is in numbers. Working together, nation-wide and across industries, allows people to 'Have the Conversation' and speak about, learn about, and lessen the stigmas related to gambling disorder(s), said Marlene Warner, executive director of the Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling. "No one should ever feel ashamed to seek help for themselves or a loved one. The more we talk about gambling disorder, the easier helping those who are suffering becomes."
The conference, which involves representatives from across New England, comes as Massachusetts becomes the latest state to open new gambling facilities. Just blocks from the MassMutual Center, MGM Resorts International is working to make good on the company landing the sole Western Massachusetts casino license to open an $800 million MGM Springfield casino complex in 2017.
Penn National Gaming's $225 million Massachusetts slots parlor is already under construction at the Plainridge Race Track in Plainville and Wynn Resorts is working to break ground on its $1.6 billion Everett proposal.
"Over the past decade the availability of gambling has skyrocketed but the understanding of gambling addiction as a serious public health concern has lagged," said Keith Whyte, executive director of the National Council on Problem Gambling.
Among those expected to be in attendance from the gaming industry, which is an active member of the consortium, is Raymond Pineault, executive vice president of Mohegan Sun.
The free, confidential national problem gambling helpline is available 24/7 at 1-800-522-4700.