Gambling problems often go undetected and untreated, due in part to limited screening. Unlike other addictions, problem gambling has no obvious physical signs or symptoms.

Gambling Disorder Screening Day is a one-day event that takes place annually, on the second Tuesday of March, during Problem Gambling Awareness month. Organizations hosting a Screening Day event have the opportunity to raise awareness of problem gambling in their communities, and to screen individuals who may be impacted and/or experiencing gambling-related harm.

In January 2024, M-TAC engaged an initial cohort of Massachusetts-based organizations, providing training, technical assistance, promotional items, resource materials, and stipends to support them in planning and hosting Gambling Disorder Screening Day events. Due to the overwhelming success of the initiative, this opportunity is now offered twice each year. Every day is a good day to screen for Gambling Disorder.

Is your organization interested in hosting a Gambling Disorder Screening Day Event?

We encourage you to review the Frequently Asked Questions!

FAQs

Please note: current PBU grantees and state-based agencies are welcome to participate, but ineligible to receive the stipend.

Hosting a Gambling Disorder Screening event has never been easier!

Awardees will receive: 

  • Our free Screening Day Best Practices Guide, which includes a 4-week event planning timeline, promotional materials, educational content, treatment resources, and an electronic version of the 3-question Brief Biosocial Gambling Screen.
  • An introductory training on Screening for Gambling Disorder. This training will provide an overview of Screening for Gambling Disorder. There will be two sessions (please join one): Times will be shared with awarded organizations.* 
  • A live Technical Assistance (TA) Session. This session will share best practices and tips for hosting a successful Gambling Disorder Screening Day Event. Awardee organizations will also have the opportunity to engage with new and previous awardees, experienced clinicians, and the M-TAC team to brainstorm and share event ideas, ask questions, and discuss additional support needs. There will be two sessions (please join one): Times will be shared with awarded organizations* 
  • A stipend of up to $5,000 per awardee to help support your Gambling Disorder Screening Day event (including event preparations and follow-ups). Stipends can be used to cover staff time, printing promotional materials to advertise your event, materials and supplies, space rental, etc.
  • Resources, materials, and promotional items will be shipped to awardees, including:
    • Hard copies of general problem gambling-related and screening-specific resources.
    • Promotional, branded items that can be utilized by your organization or distributed during your event.
  • Downloadable links to materials will be shared, and additional hard copies can be ordered for free through the Massachusetts Health Promotion Clearinghouse. Resources are available in multiple languages! 

*Indicates required activity to receive stipend. Repeat awardees will be asked to participate in a Learning Collaborative (details to follow).

Applications have closed. Stay tuned for future opportunities.

Questions?

Please reach out to us at [email protected].

Gambling Disorder Screening Day Host Resources:



2025 Gambling Disorder Screening Event stipends and technical assistance initiatives are a joint initiative of the Massachusetts Technical Assistance Center for Problem Gambling Treatment (M-TAC) and Project Build Up (PBU) programs.

Register today for upcoming trainings!