– Springfield Youth Share Powerful Stories About Gambling—Now It’s Your Turn to Vote –
The voices of Springfield’s young people are now live—and the community is invited to listen, reflect, and vote.
As part of the Wagers & Whispers: Place Your Bet on Community Art contest, Springfield youth and young adults ages 16–26 submitted bold and deeply personal works of art exploring how gambling affects their lives, families, and communities. Submissions were open to visual art, spoken word, music, digital media, and more.
The submission deadline closed, and now, it’s time for the public to help decide which entries will take home prizes ranging from $100 to $250.
Community members can view and vote for their top three favorite submissions online at www.gariproject.org. Voting will be open through November 7, 2025, and winners will be announced thereafter.
“This contest is about more than creativity—it’s about truth-telling,” said Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris of the Springfield Department of Health and Human Services. “These young artists are using their talents to speak honestly about how gambling shows up in their lives. Community voting gives us a chance to honor their courage and amplify their voices.”
The Gambling Awareness Research Initiative (GARI) is a partnership with the Springfield Department of Health and Human Services, the Young Adult Action Collective (YAAC), New North Citizens Council (NNCC), and UMass Amherst. The partners created the Wagers and Whispers project to explore gambling-related harms and promote prevention strategies through art and storytelling. The project is funded by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission’s Community Mitigation Fund.
Why Voting Matters
Gambling is more accessible than ever—from sports betting apps and online casinos to loot boxes in video games. Recent research shows that 64% of young adults in Springfield aged 18–34 reported gambling in the past year. These patterns raise concerns about increased risks for problem gambling, especially among communities of color, LGBTQ+ youth, and those experiencing economic hardship.
“Young people see gambling everywhere—in places we don’t even think to look,” said Victor Martinez, a member of the GARI Young Adult Action Collective. “This contest is helping us start real conversations—and the community’s vote is a powerful part of that.”
Monet Murphy, a member of the GARI Young Adult Action Collective, added: “I’ve always heard it takes a village. With that being said, we are asking that community members, family, and friends of the participants take action. It’s more than a vote—it’s a supporter to the youth who participated.”
How to Vote
● Visit: www.gariproject.org
● Vote one time for up to three of your favorite submissions
● Voting open: October 20 - November 7, 2025
● Encourage friends, family, schools, and organizations to vote
● Follow the project on Instagram and Facebook: @GARIProject413
For More Information:
Theresa Glenn, MPH
Problem Gambling Coordinator
City of Springfield Department of Health and Human Services
Phone: 413-759-2065
Email: tglenn@springfieldcityhall.com
Let Your Voice Be Heard—Vote Today.
Every vote is a step toward awareness, dialogue, and change.
