Court Steps In to Keep 1-800-GAMBLER Helpline Online
A New Jersey court has intervened in the rare dispute between two responsible gambling organizations over control of the national 1-800-GAMBLER helpline. A temporary restraining order will ensure that the helpline stays online until a further court decision.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:The rift is between the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ) and the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG). Although the NCPG operates the hotline in question, the phone number itself is licensed from the CCGNJ.
CCGNJ holds a registered trademark for the 1-800-GAMBLER number and has a licensing agreement that gives it control over call routing for the number.
The agreement between the two parties was finalized in June 2022, with NCPG agreeing to pay CCGNJ $150,000 annually for three years, for the national use of the number. The initial deal expired on May 31; however, both groups agreed to a temporary extension until July 15, pending resolution of their disagreement over the extension terms.
In a lawsuit filed in Mercer County Superior Court, NCPG asserted it had intended to extend the contract, but alleged CCGNJ ignored its attempts to initiate arbitration for a new agreement. The council noted that the contract mandates arbitration and permits either party to seek a restraining order in Mercer County to prevent disruption of the phone service.
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According to NCPG's court filing, the hotline's shutdown after July 15 would deprive individuals across the country of a key resource for addressing problem gambling. The body reinforced its arguments by highlighting its extensive efforts to promote the hotline through partnerships with operators, state organizations, and sports leagues.
The court granted the temporary restraining order request, mandating that the hotline remain active until August 26, when both parties are scheduled to appear in court to further address the issue. CCGNJ can challenge the order, but would need to provide NCPG with two days' notice.
NCPG is committed to delivering the operational and financial resources necessary to maintain the 1-800-GAMBLER network and avoid interruption of helpline access via call, text, and chat to mitigate further risk of gambling-related harm. Continuity of service is critical for the long-term viability of the helpline. Interruption will reduce access to 1-800-GAMBLER that thousands of individuals throughout the country rely on as the primary access to problem gambling treatment and recovery resources for themselves and their loved ones.
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