Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health

11/20/2025

Children who have early exposure to gambling, including lottery tickets, are four times more likely to develop a gambling problem.

This holiday season, . Lottery tickets aren’t for kids.

11/18/2025

“It takes a human touch and tested digital tools to make the strongest difference happen.”
CEO Marlene Warner’s testimony on SB302 last week cuts to the heart of harm reduction: it’s not just about building tools—it’s about making sure they’re used when it matters most. Features like affordability checks and limit-setting work best when players are supported and encouraged to use them, often through real-time, person-to-person interaction. The goal is safer play that helps people stay within their means. That kind of impact doesn’t happen by accident—it takes investment, infrastructure, and accountability across the industry.

09/30/2025

“The amazing thing about recovery… is we have truly looked inward.” - Jodie Neally

Recovery isn’t just about abstaining, it’s about transformation. As Jodie, our Director of Recovery Services, reminds us, the journey begins with radical self-reflection. It’s the courage to face what’s beneath the surface, to ask hard questions, and to grow from the answers.

As Recovery Month comes to a close, we honor the strength it takes to look inward and the community that walks beside you as you do.

Tune into her full interview on The Modern Meeting podcast. Link below!

From Episode 61, with addiction and recovery in her family, Jody Nealley had her own struggles with alcohol until her late 30's. She stopped drinking and had...

09/25/2025

Gambling is expanding fast across Massachusetts, and prevention efforts need to keep pace, especially with iLottery on the horizon.

Our CEO Marlene Warner shares expert insights on what’s ahead and why youth education and player health are more important than ever. Check out the article below.

WELLFLEET — Andrew Earl’s dream is to open a gym and restaurant named after his mother in his hometown of Birmingham, Ala. Outside the Cumberland Farms gas station in Wellfleet, […]

09/23/2025

Jodie is still feeling the energy from Friday’s Hope for Holyoke Recovery event! She's been going for over a decade, and every time she's welcomed—not just for the message she brings, but for showing up as herself. Spaces like this are a reminder that recovery matters, and why we keep showing up!

09/22/2025

Odessa Deffenbaugh Dwarika, our Chief Programs Officer, breaks it down on The Modern Meeting podcast: gambling’s ripple effects, its link to domestic violence, and why prevention and recovery demand collective action. Insight meets urgency—don’t miss this powerful episode!

Listen now to her interview with Adam Lyons, link below.

From Episode 60, Adam sits down with Odessa Dwarika, Chief Programs Officer for the Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health. Drawing from more than 30 yea...

09/19/2025

This Recovery Month, Christina Cook's story on MACGH’s "Tell Your Story" page highlights how connection and shared experience can be the turning point in someone’s journey. Her message is resonant and powerful: recovery is possible, and no one has to face it alone.

We're thrilled at Christina is also a prominent member of our Lived Experience Advisory Panel! To find out more about Christina, follow her page at The Broke Girl Society - Gambling Recovery Support Group!

Check out her story here: https://macgh.org/finding-community-in-recovery/

09/18/2025

We were in Northampton with incredible leaders from every Western Mass peer recovery center—Trevor (Northampton PRC), Corey (Turning Point), Deb Flynn Gonzalez (BSAS), and James (Hope for Holyoke). Surrounded by friends and colleagues who make recovery real every day!

09/16/2025

NFL season is here! Let's make sure your game stays smart. Always use these tips:
- Set a budget
- Stick to time limits
- Know the rules
- Play with a clear head

Big thanks to Western Mass News for visiting us at MGM Springfield yesterday to help raise awareness of Responsible Gaming Education Month! Check out this interview with our Director of Player Health, Amy Gabrila.

As football season kicks off, millions of Americans are engaging in sports betting, prompting gaming officials to remind bettors to gamble responsibly.

09/12/2025

We're at Anchored in Recovery in Framingham! Grateful to be here with Scotty from MOAR, Program Director Bridget, and so many familiar faces committed to change and health.

Proud to stand alongside them is Jodie Nealley, our incredible Director of Recovery Services at MACGH, whose leadership continues to inspire and uplift the recovery community.

Spreading the word about recovery awareness and celebrating the truth: Recovery is real!

09/12/2025

This , the Mass Council reminds you: safer play starts with clear limits. If you chose to gamble, be sure to set time and budget limits to keep it fun!

09/10/2025

Yesterday at the Northampton Peer Recovery Center, our Jodie brought warmth, connection, and community to every conversation. Whether someone was taking their first step or reconnecting with the community—there was a seat at the table.