Legal Battle Puts National Problem Gambling Helpline at Risk

Legal Dispute Threatens America’s National Problem Gambling Helpline

The national helpline dedicated to supporting individuals struggling with problem gambling in the United States is currently facing uncertainty. This challenge arises from a legal disagreement between the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ) and the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), placing the essential helpline service at risk.

The Future of the 1-800-GAMBLER Helpline is Uncertain

In 2022, the NCPG secured a national contract to operate the 1-800-GAMBLER helpline, agreeing to pay an annual fee of $150,000 to provide aid to gambling addicts nationwide. However, the original agreement expired on May 31 and was temporarily extended until July 15. Since this extension has ended, the continuation of the helpline is in jeopardy.

Questions about the extension’s legality surfaced, and despite NCPG’s repeated efforts to start arbitration proceedings, the CCGNJ has not responded. A judge from Mercer County Superior Court granted a temporary extension for the helpline’s operation through August 26, but this ruling is subject to potential appeal by CCGNJ.

The NCPG is eager to retain control of the helpline due to its significant investment in updating and promoting the service. It has emphasized that shutting down the helpline would cut off critical support for millions of Americans facing gambling problems.

NCPG’s Ongoing Dedication to Supporting Those Impacted by Gambling

Meanwhile, the NCPG has reviewed recent findings from the National Survey on Gambling Attitudes and Gambling Experiences (NGAGE), conducted by Ipsos in 2024, which show a promising 27% decline in problem gambling rates from 2021 to 2024. Nonetheless, problem gambling continues to be notably prevalent among sports bettors and daily fantasy sports players, especially males.

In addition to these efforts, the NCPG has recently distributed a total of $192,000 in Agility Grants to five community organizations focused on prevention and support initiatives. These recipients include the Lao Assistance Center of Minnesota, NICOS Chinese Health Coalition, Artreach, University of Nebraska, and the Ohio State University Foundation supporting The Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Drug Misuse Prevention and Recovery.

The NCPG remains steadfast in its mission to assist individuals struggling with gambling addiction and to support programs aimed at preventing gambling-related harms within communities across the nation.