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Mayor Sarno and HHS Commissioner Caulton-Harris Joined with MGM Springfield and Mass Gaming Commission to Announce PlayMyWay Program in Support of Problem Gambling Awareness Month

|   City News

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and Health and Human Services (HHS) Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris joined with MGM Springfield President and COO Chris Kelley and members from the Mass Gaming Commission (MGC) to support Problem Gambling Awareness Month by announcing PlayMyWay program.

The PlayMyWay program is the latest tool added to MGC’s wide-ranging and unique responsible gaming framework known as GameSense.  PlayMyWay is a custom-designed application developed by Scientific Games. The integrated play management software utilizes a simple, easy to understand interface that includes graphics to aid players. MGC has contracted with the Cambridge Health Alliance to rigorously evaluate this test program for long-term effectiveness and usability. MGC will continue working closely with its strategic partners to closely monitor and assess the program’s functionality.

Once enrolled, customers will get automatic notifications after approaching 50%, 75%, and 100% of the budget they have set for daily, weekly, or monthly spending. Customers can choose to stop at any point or keep playing. They can also enroll, adjust their budget, or un-enroll in PlayMyWay from any game at the GameSense Info Center or at a GameSense Kiosk.

Mayor Sarno states, “I want to applaud MGM Springfield and the Mass Gaming Commission for recognizing and supporting Problem Gambling Awareness Month.  It is important to acknowledge and help spread awareness and make available the resources that are available for those who need it.  This first-of-its-kind initiative is part of a comprehensive approach to responsible gaming strategies implemented by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, with a particular focus on problem gambling prevention and customer protection practices.  In addition, the City of Springfield’s Department of Health and Human Services, under the leadership of Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris, and in partnership with the state Department of Public Health, Office of Problem Gambling Services and the Springfield Problem Gambling Coalition have been helping to spread awareness and just as important making the resources available to those in need of help.  The COVID-19 pandemic has created many challenges but my administration is committed to working together with our state and local partners, with an emphasis on public health, as we continue to move our city of Springfield forward for the betterment of all our residents and business community.”

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Page last updated:  Tuesday, March 1, 2022 01:32 pm