Andrew Hall of the UMass Donahue Institute, a member of the economic and fiscal analysis team for the SEIGMA project, wrote a blog explaining the team's analysis of two years worth of data from new employees at Plainridge Park Casino in Plainville, MA. Among their findings were that 50.1 percent of new hires were part-time workers or unemployed before working at the casino, and major reasons for seeking jobs at the casino were better pay, benefits, and career advancement. Read the blog here.
SEIGMA News
SEIGMA Blog: Working at Plainridge Park Casino
Volberg speaks with New York Times about problem gambling among women
SEIGMA PI Rachel Volberg is among the gambling experts who spoke to The New York Times for a recent article examining problem gambling among women.
Though problem gambling appears to be on the rise among women at or near retirement, hard numbers are difficult to find.
“There’s not much support for gambling research in the U.S.,” Volberg explained.
SEIGMA Blog: In-Depth Analysis of Gambling and Problem Gambling Predictors
Rachel Volberg, Principal Investigator on the SEIGMA project, wrote a blog examining results of the team's in-depth analysis of factors that are gambling and problem gambling predictors in Massachusetts. The team found the strongest predictor was the portion of friends and family that are regular gamblers was the strongest predictor. Read the blog here.
MGC Chair includes SEIGMA study in opinion piece about safeguards of Expanded Gaming Act
A recent opinion piece by Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) chair Stephen Crosby in the Boston Globe explains the safeguards for gamblers under the Expanded Gaming Act, which legalized casino gambling in the state. Crosby lists the SEIGMA study among the elements of the law meant to protect customers at Massachusetts casinos.
"This research will inform and empower regulators and legislators to address any issues that Massachusetts communities have not already anticipated," he writes. Read more here.
SEIGMA findings on negative impacts of gambling generate press coverage
The SEIGMA team's recent report on the Baseline Online Panel Survey (BOPS) generated coverage by several media outlets, especially the findings on the most prevalent negative impacts of gambling. Among the media covering the report were Northeast Public Radio, and WWLP television news.
SEIGMA Blog: impacts of gambling in Massachusetts
Robert Williams, co-Principal Investigator on the SEIGMA project, penned a blog explaining the team's recently published Baseline Online Panel Survey (BOPS) of gamblers in Massachusetts. Read the blog here.
SEIGMA research on lottery sales generates press coverage
The SEIGMA team's presentation to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) about lottery ticket sales during the first year of casino operations has generated significant press coverage. Among the publications reporting on the research were the Associated Press, The Boston Globe, Commonwealth Magazine, and Springfield Republican. Read the Republican story here.
SEIGMA Blog: analysis of lottery sales during first year of casino operations in MA
Mark Nichols, a researcher on the SEIGMA economic and fiscal analysis team, recently testified before the Massachusetts Gaming Commission about research by his team examining the change in state lottery sales during the first year of casino operations. Read the team's blog for more information.
SEIGMA Blog: host community real estate profiles
Henry Renski, a researcher on the SEIGMA economic and fiscal analysis team, recently wrote a blog examining three new reports he co-authored about real estate challenges and opportunities in the three MA communities targeted for casinos: Everett, Plainville, and Springfield. Read more here.
SEIGMA and UMass Amherst announce Biostatistician search
The SEIGMA study and University of Massachusetts School of Public Health and Health Sciences are searching to fill a Biostatistician position. Requirements include collecting and analyzing data; reviewing literature; drafting, revising and producing study reports.
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in Social Sciences (e.g., biostatistics, public health, sociology, psychology, economics) with three years of experience with program planning, evaluation, or large-scale research studies. For a complete position announcement including the application instructions and required qualifications, please see the full position listing.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer of women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities and encourages applications from these and other protected group members.
