Legal Battle Threatens 1-800-GAMBLER Helpline’s Future
A legal dispute between the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ) puts the 1-800-GAMBLER helpline at risk of shutting down nationwide, potentially cutting off a vital resource for millions seeking help with problem gambling.
Dispute Over Licensing Agreement
The NCPG, which operates 1-800-GAMBLER, licensed the number from CCGNJ in 2022 for $150,000 annually to serve players outside New Jersey.
The three-year deal expired on May 31, 2025, and questions arose over whether NCPG properly renewed it. NCPG sought arbitration, as required by the contract, but claims CCGNJ ignored these efforts.
To keep the helpline running, NCPG filed a lawsuit in Mercer County, New Jersey, securing a temporary court order to maintain operations until August 26, 2025, when a hearing is set.
Cait Huble of NCPG said, “NCPG is committed to delivering the operational and financial resources necessary to maintain the 1-800-GAMBLER network and avoid interruption of helpline access.”
Why the Helpline Matters
Known to one in three Americans, 1-800-GAMBLER is the go-to resource for problem gambling support, promoted by states, sportsbooks, and leagues.
With online betting and parlays surging, 22% of bettors wagered online in 2024, up from 15% in 2018, and 30% of sports bets are now parlays, helpline’s role is critical.
NCPG notes that 17% of sports bettors show problematic behavior, with young men aged 18-34 at highest risk. Huble stressed, “Continuity of service is critical for the long-term viability of the helpline… Interruption will reduce access to 1-800-GAMBLER that thousands… rely on.”
Public funding for gambling support jumped from $80 million in 2018 to $134 million last year, underscoring the need to keep this lifeline open.
Recommended