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Read Full BioThe American Gaming Association (AGA) and the Responsible Online Gaming Association (ROGA) have called for a resolution in the ongoing dispute over the national gambling hotline 1-800-GAMBLER.
A legal dispute between the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ) has brought the hotline’s survival into question.
The AGA and ROGA have urged the two organizations to come to a resolution and preserve the service, which offers assistance to individuals seeking help for gambling problems.
The two groups submitted a joint statement to SBC Americas noting, “Any disruption to the 1-800-GAMBLER operations—or worse, a degradation of the helpline’s capacity to deliver timely, culturally competent, and clinically appropriate referrals—would significantly endanger the ability for individuals or friends and family members of individuals who may be experiencing problems to learn more and access care,”
“Further, a lapse in service risks causing widespread consumer confusion, undermining years of education and awareness efforts by operators, regulators, and advocates alike.”
NCPG Calls To CCGNJ Going Unanswered
The NCPG claims that the CCGNJ is refusing to engage in negotiations, which could lead to a resolution in the dispute. The CCGNJ owns the 1-800-GAMBLER number and trademark, and the NCPG has paid $150,000 annually to operate the hotline since 2021.
The 3-year licensing agreement expired in May last year, but the CCGNJ has not agreed to extend the deal. As communication deteriorated, the NCPG sought a temporary restraining order (TRO) to keep using the number until the matter is resolved.
NCPG Communications Director Cait Huble commented, “Continuity of service is critical for the long‑term viability of the helpline. Interruption will reduce access to 1‑800‑GAMBLER, which thousands of individuals throughout the country rely on as the primary access to problem gambling treatment and recovery resources.”
A court in New Jersey granted the TRO last month, which allows the hotline to continue operating temporarily. A court hearing is scheduled for September 3 to determine the next steps in the matter.
Helpline Adding To Reduction In Problem Gambling
Last month, the NCPG reported that problem gambling has decreased since the COVID-19 pandemic. In a recent survey conducted by the group, it found that 20 million Americans had experienced one problematic gambling behavior “many times” in the past year, down from 27.5 million in 2021.
The AGA and ROGA statement reminded the groups of the success that the hotline has had, stating, “1-800-GAMBLER stands as a hallmark of successful public-private partnership. The helpline’s growing national reach is the result of years of collaboration among operators, regulators, and nonprofit organizations like NCPG and its state affiliates. This cooperation ensures that regardless of jurisdiction, consumers can expect consistent, confidential support, and that legal operators can fulfill their commitment to connecting those who need assistance to this valuable resource.”
NCPG’s ‘Work Far From Over’ With Reports of Rise In Problems
In response to the survey data indicating problem gambling has declined, NCPG Board of Directors President Derek Longmeier said: “This new research shows that the nationwide efforts in responsible gambling and public awareness are making a positive impact, but the work is far from over.”
A survey conducted in Massachusetts indicated that there has been a sharp rise in problem gambling since the state legalized sports betting two years ago.
Research also indicates that Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia saw an increase in the number of online searches for gambling addiction-related terms after the states legalized sports betting.
Failure to negotiate an amicable resolution to the dispute over the 1-800-GAMBLER hotline could set the organization’s efforts back and decrease the help available for those seeking assistance.
While encouraging a resolution to the dispute, the AGA and ROGA are also working on several campaigns to promote responsible gambling.
