The Social and Economic Impacts of Casinos in Massachusetts and Implications for Other Jurisdictions

Session Title

Casino Industry: Social & Community Impact

Presentation Type

Paper Presentation

Start Date

27-5-2026 12:00 AM

Abstract

After casino gambling was legalized in Massachusetts in 2011, the Social and Economic Impacts of Gambling in Massachusetts (SEIGMA) study was launched to investigate the impacts of casinos in the state. Extensive social and economic data was collected prior to and after the opening of the new casinos to identify the impacts of their introduction. The study also allowed for consideration of the impacts of COVID-19 and the legalization of sports betting in Massachusetts on gambling behavior and gambling problems in the Commonwealth. The presentation will focus on the impacts identified through 2024 in three areas, including overall impacts, social and health impacts, and economic and fiscal impacts. Particular attention will be paid to notable differences in the impacts of the casinos in three distinct markets in urban and suburban areas of the state. The findings have particular relevance for the pending introduction of casino gambling at three locations in New York City, anticipated between 2026 and 2030.

Author Bios

Dr. Rachel Volberg is a sociologist who has been involved in research on gambling and gambling-related problems and harms since 1985. Dr. Volberg spent most of her career working as an independent scholar through her consulting business, Gemini Research. Since 2013 she has also been a Research Professor in the School of Public Health and Health Sciences at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Dr. Volberg has served as a consultant and advisor to governments and private sector organizations i

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May 27th, 12:00 AM

The Social and Economic Impacts of Casinos in Massachusetts and Implications for Other Jurisdictions

After casino gambling was legalized in Massachusetts in 2011, the Social and Economic Impacts of Gambling in Massachusetts (SEIGMA) study was launched to investigate the impacts of casinos in the state. Extensive social and economic data was collected prior to and after the opening of the new casinos to identify the impacts of their introduction. The study also allowed for consideration of the impacts of COVID-19 and the legalization of sports betting in Massachusetts on gambling behavior and gambling problems in the Commonwealth. The presentation will focus on the impacts identified through 2024 in three areas, including overall impacts, social and health impacts, and economic and fiscal impacts. Particular attention will be paid to notable differences in the impacts of the casinos in three distinct markets in urban and suburban areas of the state. The findings have particular relevance for the pending introduction of casino gambling at three locations in New York City, anticipated between 2026 and 2030.