While she enjoyed the work, sometimes she would feel guilty about encouraging customers to play. Prior to joining GameSense, Gabrila worked for the casino industry as a dealer and floor manager. The charity is sponsored by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission and seeks to mitigate gambling harm in the state. GameSense is a program run by the Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health. Some would admit to having spent more than they meant to, in which case Gabrila would try to reassure them that everything is okay while encouraging them to set a budget. When a customer makes eye contact, she greets them and sees how they are doing. Gabrila and her GameSense colleagues would also cruise the casino floor, looking for players who might be experiencing harm.

However, sometimes the discussion pivots to gambling harm, revealing the distress of customers. She told New England Public Media that she can usually sense why someone visits the center.Īccording to Gabrila, some people stop by just to chat while others wish to learn to play certain games. New England Public Media spoke experts on the matter, inquiring about what it takes to help people play responsibly.Īmy Gabrila, 47, is a GameSense employee who works at the MGM casino in Springfield, greeting visitors and helping people deal with gambling issues. However, as gambling becomes more and more proliferated, the risks of gambling harm also increase. Years after the repeal of the PASPA, more and more states are welcoming the vertical, opening a new chapter for wagering in the United States. In 2023, Massachusetts joined the list of states where sports betting is legal.

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