Be a Game Changer
College students ages 18-25, actively enrolled in any college or university in Rhode Island, are invited to participate in a creative contest. Submit creative works- either a 15 second video for TikTok/Instagram Reels or a 30 second PSA for commercial space on local news stations- focused on responsible gaming and/or problem gambling for a chance to win the $3000 First Place 2026 Nancy Murray Award. This contest aims to amplify young voices in raising awareness and reducing stigma surrounding gambling harm.
Unleash your originality and submit creative content that explores responsible gaming, inspire and inform your peers and community, and you could win $3,000 for tuition.
OUR PRODUCT
It’s easy, just pick up your phone or camera, film or create your content, then post it on TikTok and/or Instagram and tag the official contest account to submit it for judging.
Challenge Overview
The Rhode Island Game Changer Challenge is a creative contest for students aged 18-25 who are actively enrolled at a college or university in Rhode Island. Participants must submit a 15 or 30 second video focused on responsible gaming and gambling harm prevention. Submissions must be original, adhere to content guidelines, and will be judged on relevance, number of views, message clarity, and overall impact.
Contest Submission Categories
-
15-second video for TikTok/Instagram Reels
-
30-second PSA content for commercial space featured on local news stations such as WPRI, Fox, CW, MyRITV, and CBS
Content can be live-action video or a photo series with voiceover (animation content, selfie style filming, direct to camera, picture with voice over)
Two submission categories; all entries judged together for one winner
Instagram: @RIGameChanger
TikTok: @RIGameChangers
All submissions need to be posted to social media by May 3, 2026.
Judging Criteria
Contestants must submit their submission as part of (1) 15-second social media video or (2) 30-second PSA content. Contestants may select their own Responsible Gaming theme or choose from one of the below topics:
-
Understanding responsible gaming
-
Prevention in action
-
Recognizing signs of problem gambling
-
Tips for managing time and money
-
Personal reflections or stories related to gambling and mental health
The judging panel will use the below criteria for winner selection:
-
Relevance to Theme (30%)
-
Number of Views* (30%)
-
Clarity of Message (20%)
-
Overall Impact (20%)
*Submissions that reach and engage larger audiences may be viewed favorably, as social media helps amplify voices and expand the impact of responsible gaming messages in our communities.
Who's Eligible?
Eligibility Requirements for Contestants:
-
Must be between 18 and 25 years old on the date of entry.
-
Must be actively enrolled at any college or university in Rhode Island.
-
Must have a student email address and a student ID or Rhode Island ID.
-
Once a submission has been accepted, the contestant's name may be publicly identified at the contestant's discretion.
Turn content from your phone into $3,000 for tuition.
TIME TO ENTER
Turn your creativity into cash! Make it creative. Make it responsible. Make it yours- and enter for a chance to win the $3,000 Nancy Murray Award. Your responsible gaming message could also be featured on our website, social media, local news stations, and at the Rhode Island Council on Problem Gambling and Problem Gambling Services events. All submissions need to be in by May 3, 2026.
