America’s Problem Gambling Helpline Is in Peril Due to Legal Dispute

A legal dispute in America is putting the national problem gambling helpline in peril, threatening access to support for those who need it the most. The conflict is caused by a significant disagreement between the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ) and the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG).

The 1-800-GAMBLER Helpline Is in Danger

In 2022, the NCPG penned a contract to use the 1-800-GAMBLER helpline on a national level. Per the agreement, the council agreed to pay an annual fee of $150,000 to use the number and provide support to struggling players across the United States.

The original contract, however, expired on May 31 but was temporarily extended through July 15. Now that this period has expired, the fate of the 1-800-GAMBLER helpline is in peril.

The original extension’s legality was questioned, but the NCPG is keeping the helpline alive. The NCPG made multiple attempts to initiate arbitration but did not receive a response from the CCGNJ.

Although the silver lining is that a Mercer County Superior Court judge granted the NCPG an extension of the helpline period through August 26, the CCGNJ could potentially appeal this order.

The NCPG is hoping to maintain custody of the helpline, considering its significant investments in updating and promoting it. The organization has warned that discontinuing the service would deprive millions of struggling Americans from of help they need.

NCPG Remains Committed to Providing Relief to Harmed Players

In the meantime, the NCPG just studied the National Survey on Gambling Attitudes and Gambling Experiences (NGAGE) report and determined that problem gambling is finally on the decline. Compiled by Ipsos in 2024, the data suggests that problem gambling has decreased by 27% from 2021 to 2024. However, problem gambling remains prominent among sports bettors and daily fantasy sports players, with male sports aficionados proving to be more vulnerable.

In other news, the NCPG recently awarded Agility Grants to five support organizations, in line with its belief that prevention starts with effective community-led initiatives. In total, the council awarded $192,000 in grants to the following five companies:

• Lao Assistance Center of Minnesota
• NICOS Chinese Health Coalition
• Artreach
• University of Nebraska
• Ohio State University Foundation for the benefit of The Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Drug Misuse Prevention and Recovery

The NCPG remains consistent in its efforts to help Americans who struggle with problem gambling and help as many people as possible avoid similar issues or receive support.