Gambling & Wellbeing: The Conversation We’ve Been Missing with Victor Ortiz - ¿Que Pasa Boston?

In this essential episode of Qué Pasa Boston, Gabriela Salas speaks with Víctor Ortiz, Director of the Office of Problem Gambling Services. In this episode, Victor talks about his Puerto Rican background, living in Boston, his first lessons with racism at Fenway Park, and also shares ways to talk with family and friends about gambling without pointing fingers or shaming. This interview grounds the reality: gambling is part of our social life... and it can also become a problem if we don't understand the risks and the signs.

Why this interview matters

Gabriela asks what the community truly needs to know: how do we educate ourselves without trying to change who we are?
Víctor responds with cultural respect, practical tools, and an equity-driven approach: putting resources within people’s reach so every family can make decisions with autonomy and confidence.

Key topics explored Roots, identity, and leadership

• Víctor’s childhood in Boston’s Puerto Rican community; experiencing racism upon entering school.

• A lesson from his father at Fenway Park about navigating majority-white spaces.

• Community pride in figures like Pedro Martínez, David Ortiz, and the leadership of Alex Cora.

Gambling culture and judgment-free education

• Dominoes, scratch tickets, the lottery, and casinos as real social spaces.

• Central message: it’s not about changing the community, it’s about bringing information so everyone understands their own level of risk.

Warning signs and family conversations

• Indicators of a problem: anxiety/depression, abandoning activities, missing work to gamble.

• How to talk to a loved one: don’t do it alone; lean on another person and come prepared with helpful resources.

• Help line (Spanish/English): 1-800-327-5050.

Current landscape of gambling

• Gambling isn’t just casinos: lottery, sports betting, and mobile platforms are all part of it.

• Concerning trends: more women participating (lottery/mobile) and men ages 20–30 in sports betting.

Public health, equity, and prevention

• Collaboration with the Office of Problem Gambling Services

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