The Massachusetts Gaming Commission Issues Request for Response Seeking Research Services
- June 17, 2019
- by MGC Communications
- 0 comments
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission just released a Request for Response (RFR) to solicit bid proposals for research services to support the MGC, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) and other stakeholders interested in the successful implementation of casino gambling and mitigation of related harms.
In 2013, the MGC engaged a team at the University of Massachusetts Amherst to conduct a comprehensive, multi-year study of the “Social and Economic Impacts of Gambling in Massachusetts” (SEIGMA) to understand the impacts of expanded gaming in the state. The study established baselines for numerous social and economic variables that may be affected by expanded gaming. The research organization(s) selected through this RFR will maintain many aspects of this program and modify or expand where needed in order to better understand the true economic and social impacts of casino gaming in Massachusetts. Specifically, the social component of the research examines the social impacts of gambling-related harm to individuals, families and communities.
Social research should also seek to measure the impact on vulnerable and at-risk populations. The economic component of the research examines the potential impact of casinos on economic growth and development of casino host and surrounding communities as well as government revenue, and demands on state and municipal public services. Other unique aspects of the envisioned research program include a focus on community engagement, especially those communities most directly impacted by the expansion of gambling, as well as the emphasis on knowledge translation to ensure the deeper understanding by the broadest audience. Research organizations seeking to respond to this RFR must have a proven track record and in-depth knowledge of research and quantitative methods in the related subject areas.
The RFR is available for review on COMMBUYS (Bid # BD-19-1068-1700-1-40973).
The deadline for bid responses is August 28, 2019. Only electronic quotes submitted via COMMBUYS will be accepted in response to this RFR.