City of Medford Problem Gambling Young Adult Assessment

Project Description

Omni partnered with the City of Medford in Massachussets to analyze the impact of problem gambling on young adults ages 18–24. The initiative aimed to generate actionable insights to guide future prevention and intervention strategies for this population.

The project began with a comprehensive literature review that examined the co-occurrence of problem gambling with substance use and mental health challenges. This review provided foundational context and helped situate local findings within broader research trends. Omni conducted secondary data collection and analysis to map the gambling landscape in Medford. This step identified local patterns, risk factors, and existing service gaps affecting young adults.

To capture firsthand perspectives, Omni developed and implemented a young adult survey. The survey assessed gambling behaviors, perceived social norms, and the intersection of gambling with other behavioral health concerns. Focus groups were also conducted to deepen understanding of key themes. These sessions engaged subpopulations of young adults identified through earlier data analysis, offering qualitative insights into lived experiences and community-specific challenges.

The project concluded with a comprehensive final report. This report synthesized findings across all data sources, highlighted key trends and service gaps, and presented actionable, data-driven recommendations for addressing problem gambling among young adults in Medford.