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Marlene Warner, who has spent 21 years with the Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health, has been instrumental in developing multiple initiatives dedicated to safeguarding gamblers. Her outstanding contributions in promoting responsible gambling have been acknowledged through a prestigious lifetime award.
At the recent national conference in Boston, Warner was honored with the Monsignor Joseph Dunne Lifetime Achievement Award for Advocacy by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG). This prestigious award acknowledges individuals who have devoted their careers to enhancing the well-being of problem gamblers and their families through various means such as advocacy, research, training, or raising public awareness.
Warner has been honored with an award that includes delivering the keynote address at the NCPG’s 2025 conference in Washington, D.C. Her speech is expected to focus on the prominent theme of legalizing Massachusetts sports betting.
Warner sounds alarm on MA sports betting
After weeks of negotiations between House and Senate members, a sports betting bill successfully passed in Massachusetts on Monday.
During the ongoing battle, Warner has been actively expressing his concerns regarding the effects of sports betting on the residents of the state. In a February article written for the Boston Business Journal, Warner emphasized the potential risks that sports betting can pose to children.
The rise of sports betting and online gaming has led to a significant increase in the involvement of underage individuals in gambling activities across the country. Despite the fact that gambling and sports betting are prohibited for those under 18, young people continue to find ways to engage in these activities, such as using their parents’ credit cards or devising strategies to bypass the regulations.
In 2019, Warner highlighted that approximately 70% of teenagers aged 14-19 admitted to engaging in gambling activities. Furthermore, it was revealed that 6.5% of minors are either experiencing a gambling problem or are susceptible to developing one.
Warner emphasized the importance of honest and open communication in gaining insight into your child’s involvement in gambling. He suggested initiating this conversation during a timeout or commercial break on Sunday. He encouraged parents to persevere in discussing the topic and to take advantage of opportunities to convey that underage gambling is against the law, and statistically, it leads to more losses than wins. He stressed the need to highlight the risks associated with gambling.
A steadfast advocate for safe gaming and health
Warner has had a remarkable career spanning over twenty years at the MCGH. Her journey began in 2001 when she joined the council, and in 2011, she was appointed as its executive director.
In that time, she:
- Implemented responsible gambling initiatives for Encore Boston Harbor, Plainridge Park Casino, and MGM Springfield.
- Implemented self-exclusion programs;
- Conducted responsible gambling seminars for lottery sales agents and retailers across North America.
- Acted as the president of the NCPG’s board.
- Assisted in the initiation of the GameSense problem gambling initiative in Massachusetts.
Warner’s roles extend beyond her responsibilities at the MCGH as she also holds the position of chair for the northeast affiliate region of the NCPG. Her impressive résumé undoubtedly qualifies her for the NCPG’s prestigious award. Notably, this award is not bestowed annually, as evident from the absence of recipients between 2007 and 2010.
Even though Warner deserves recognition for her work, she humbly acknowledged that the award is a collective achievement when interviewed by Patch.com.
Over the years, I have had the privilege of learning from and working alongside incredible mentors, policymakers, and fellow advocates. This award is a tribute to them. Together, we have made a substantial difference in reducing the negative effects of gambling and gaming in our communities.
Warner’s win carries on former director’s legacy
If you are looking for the most recent recipient of the lifetime achievement award from Massachusetts, the last person to receive this honor was in 2011.
In 1998, Kathleen Scanlan assumed the role of executive director at the Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling and held the position until 2011. During that year, Scanlan received the prestigious award.
In 2011, Warner assumed control and continued Scanlan’s work, making her own contributions to ensure a secure gambling atmosphere in casinos. Furthermore, she aims to extend these efforts to encompass sports betting in the future.
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