What is SEIGMA?

The Massachusetts Gambling Impact Cohort or MAGIC Study was a multi-year study conducted from 2013-2019 by a research team at the University of Massachusetts Amherst School of Public Health & Health Sciences (SPHHS). A group of people was contacted once a year and asked about their attitudes about gambling and their gambling behaviors. The study included people who have never gambled as well as people who gamble regularly. The MAGIC Research Team used responses from the participants to look at changes in gambling attitudes and behaviors over time, and the factors that influence these changes (including the opening of new casinos in Massachusetts). Using participant responses, the MAGIC Research Team studied gambling problems as they emerged. The research team looked at factors that may increase a person’s risk or protect a person from experiencing gambling-related problems. Results from the study can be used by policy makers and regulators to create policies that maximize the possible benefits and minimize the possible harms of expanded gambling in the Commonwealth. Several reports, fact sheets, and additional resources are available on the MAGIC Study by following the link below.