The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) has filed for arbitration in the dispute with the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ) over the national 1-800-GAMBLER problem gambling hotline.
While NCPG had been operating and maintaining the hotline, it licensed the right to use the number nationally from the CCGNJ for a $150,000 annual fee. The initial three-year agreement expired in May, but NCPG says it has attempted to take up an option to extend the deal.
NCPG exercised its contractual right to file for a restraining order to prevent the hotline from being shut down until the dispute is resolved, and was subsequently granted a temporary restraining order against the CCGNJ by a New Jersey court that keeps it up and running until Aug. 26.
NCPG Director of Communications Cait Huble told SBC Americas that the national council has submitted a request to the American Arbitration Association (AAA) “in accordance with the provisions of the original license agreement” with the CCGNJ. The NCPG hopes to address matters of disagreement regarding the ongoing operation of 1-800-GAMBLER to avoid disruption to the service while the legal dispute is worked out.
NCPG wrote in Mercer County court filings that it has previously attempted to take CCGNJ to what it claims is contractually obligated arbitration to discuss a deal on multiple occasions, without a response from the Garden State organization. The NCPG and the CCGNJ are scheduled to meet in court in the coming weeks.
“Over the past three years, the National Problem Gambling Helpline, anchored by 1-800-GAMBLER, has made tremendous strides in expanding access, providing more effective assistance, and reaching more diverse communities,” said NCPG Board President Derek Longmeier in a statement to SBC Americas. “As we continue this critical work, NCPG remains dedicated to protecting the integrity of the helpline and upholding a national network that is consistent, reliable, and responsive to those in need of problem gambling support.”
SBC Americas reached out to the CCGNJ and the AAA for comment on the NCPG’s statement and the arbitration request. The AAA told SBC Americas that it cannot discuss specific cases with anyone other than the parties or representatives directly involved in those cases.
Gaming trade groups call for resolution
Earlier this month, the American Gaming Association (AGA) and the Responsible Online Gaming Association (ROGA) issued a joint statement to SBC Americas to voice their concern about the future of the 1-800-GAMBLER problem gambling resource.
ROGA is made up of a group of eight operators who together account for more than 90% of the U.S. online gambling industry: Bally’s, BetMGM, bet365, DraftKings, Fanatics, FanDuel, Hard Rock Digital and PENN Entertainment.
“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 AGA and ROGA told SBC Americas.
“Further, a lapse in service risks causing widespread consumer confusion, undermining years of education and awareness efforts by operators, regulators, and advocates alike.”
