When it comes to the national gambling hotline 1-800-GAMBLER, stakeholders extend beyond just the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ). The CCGNJ owns the number and the NCPG licenses it, but there are other major gaming groups invested in its preservation and success.
That is why a duo of major groups have united to ask for some sort of resolution regarding the legal battle around the hotline that emerged last month.
AGA and ROGA want resolution on the number
The American Gaming Association (AGA) and the Responible Online Gaming Association (ROGA) released a statement to SBC Americas expressing their concern about the phone number’s future and calling for a “joint resolution” between the two groups.
“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,” the statement noted. “Further, a lapse in service risks causing widespread consumer confusion, undermining years of education and awareness efforts by operators, regulators, and advocates alike.”
Right now, the 1-800-GAMBLER hotline is operating per the status quo thanks to a temporary restraining order issued by a New Jersey court.
NCPG licenses the right to use the number nationally from the CCGNJ for a $150,000 fee annually. The initial three-year agreement expired in May, but NCPG has been attempting to to utilize a three-year expansion option to no avail. After an inability to bring CCGNJ into arbitration and a break down in communication between the two groups, NCPG utilized its contractual right to file for a restraining order in court to keep the number online while the dispute is resolved.
The two parties are scheduled to meet in court on Sept. 3. To date, CCGNJ has not gone on record with why the group has not renewed the contract with NCPG.
1-800-GAMBLER mix of public and private support
The NCPG has worked with major stakeholders to try to establish awareness around the hotline. For example, the NFL’s multi-million dollar donations have gone towards promoting the hotline. The statement from the trade groups highlighted the success of these kinds of initiatives and partnerships around the endeavor.
“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.”
Recent research by the NCPG indicated that one in every three people is aware of what 1-800-GAMBLER is and 80% of those questioned in the research were able to infer that the number was a resource for those with gambling-related issues.
