NCPG to Appeal Decision Requiring it to Relinquish Control of the 1-800-GAMBLER Helpline

The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) has released a statement related to Monday’s National Problem Gambling Helpline court ruling.

NCPG Loses Control of the National Problem Gambling Helpline

On Monday, the NCPG suffered what could turn out to be a huge loss for both the organization and all struggling gamblers in America. Despite the council’s insistence of the importance of the 1-800-GAMBLER National Problem Gambling Helpline, a New Jersey court has asked the organization to stop using the number and return it to a local charity organization.

For context, the NCPG has turned 1-800-GAMBLER into a nationwide hotline that people who have been harmed by gambling can call for advice and direction. The helpline has been extensively promoted via various campaigns and has appeared across many ads, encouraging harmed individuals to seek help.

However, local gambling groups have become alienated with the NCPG due to the latter organization’s relationship with gambling operators. Some have critiqued the NCPG’s “gambling neutral” approach, saying that more decisive action is needed. This has led to the aforementioned lawsuit, which saw a New Jersey gambling charity wrestle back control of the 1-800-GAMBLER number.

The NCPG issued a response to this fateful decision, expressing bitter disappointment with the ruling.

Even a Temporary Service Disruption Would Hurt the Public

In its statement, the NCPG said that it is “dismayed” with the court ruling, which will force it to relinquish control of the 1-800-GAMBLER number after September 29, 2025. The council argued that this ruling will disrupt nationwide access to problem gambling support and critical services.

The NCPG also pointed out that the court ruling will “degrade public trust for the 121 million Americans who recognize 1-800-GAMBLER as the National Problem Gambling Helpline.”

The NCPG added that it isn’t ready to give up and will continue to fight for the opportunity to keep access to problem gambling support undisrupted.

NCPG will aggressively pursue all appellate options concerning today’s decision and is in the process of filing an emergency motion asking the New Jersey Appellate Division to enter a stay to maintain the status quo for helpline operations while the appeal is considered.

NCPG statement

The organization emphasized that even temporary suspension of critical services could have a devastating effect on harmed individuals. It also asserted that it is the only national organization that is qualified, equipped, and positioned to manage the helpline effectively.