A framework for independent research using industry funding: the Massachusetts model

The Massachusetts Model represents an approach to funding gambling research that addresses concerns about industry influence while advancing evidence-based policy and harm reduction initiatives. Developed by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC), this model integrates mandatory industry fees, an open procurement process, and a robust commitment to open science principles. The Massachusetts Model aligns research with public health priorities and ensures rigorous oversight through its Research Review Committee. This paper explores the model’s development, its unique legislative provisions – including access to player-level data – and its impact on advancing gambling research and policy. Comparative analyses highlight the advantages and limitations of alternative funding approaches worldwide. We contend that the Massachusetts Model offers a viable path forward for other jurisdictions seeking to engage in rigorous scientific inquiry using indirect industry funding, while maintaining independence and transparency. In doing so, it addresses broader challenges in securing sustainable funding for independent research in the field of gambling studies, providing a framework that prioritizes public health and ethical governance in the research process and its outcomes.