Massachusetts introduces Evive, a new app seeking to address problem gambling

• Massachusetts has released a new dedicated app to help people start their problem gambling recovery
• The app, called Evive, is designed following 10 years of relevant input and is meant to help people have an access point to treatment options
• Problem gambling is a priority for the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, which is looking to address the issue

Massachusetts continues to expand its efforts to help consumers steer clear of problem gambling or, if already faced with a gambling-related harm, overcome their dependency on excessive gaming.

Evive app wants people to begin their recovery journey

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH)’s Office of Problem Gambling Services has introduced a new dedicated mobile app - Evive - which is designed to help people struggling to control their gambling make contact with relevant help resources.

A core focus is to assist people in making that initial point of contact that could help people affected by gambling-related harm begin their recovery journey.

Massachusetts hopes that the app will be a useful tool for gamblers struggling to control their habit at a time when gambling is expanding, as are the numbers of people struggling to control their habit.

As the DPH explained, the tool is designed to allow players to find "another pathway into recovery, one that meets people where they are and helps them move forward at their own pace ."

Office of Problem Gambling Services Director Victor Ortiz similarly commented on the introduction of the Evive platform, arguing that it reflected the way recovery should happen.

The app is designed on the philosophy that "recovery is not one decision"

"Recovery is not one decision. It is a series of moments when someone needs a door and finds one open. For 10 years, we've listened closely to people living this experience. They've told us, time and again, that support needs to be there around the clock."

According to Ortiz, it has taken more than 10 years of input to arrive at the current app, which is leveraging the experience and evidence collected over the period to best help support people’s road to recovery.

"What we're offering now is a direct response to what they've asked for. It doesn't replace the helpline — it extends it, so people feel supported whenever they need us," Ortiz explained.

The app comes amid heightened gambling activity in Massachusetts, as well as the arrival of the new competitive National Football League season.

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