The fight over a critical problem gambling resource took another turn this week. 

The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ) has rejected a request from the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) to enter arbitration over licensing for the 1-800-Gambler hotline. The CCGNJ owns the line, but has been leasing it out to the NCPG for the last three years. Now they want to operate the hotline themselves, despite the national council’s desire to renew the lease.

While the hotline remains active through the NCPG due to a court order, they will need to find another way to retain the lease.

CCGNJ Rejected Attempts to Renew Lease

With the success of 1-800-Gambler, the NCPG wanted to keep running the hotline on a national level. The council has been investing millions to raise awareness and offer help for problem gambling. That has made them a household name for gamblers, many of whom have been inundated by ads online and while watching sports.

Unfortunately for the NCPG, the CCGNJ showed no interest in extending the lease. The New Jersey council has run the hotline in the past, and believes they are capable of doing so again. After initial reports suggested the hotline could disappear, it seems the number will remain open regardless of the outcome.

Can the CCGNJ Handle the Hotline?

New Jersey has had a thriving gambling market in the famous Atlantic City for decades, meaning they have more experience dealing with problem gambling than other groups. That experience helped the council create the 1-800-Gambler resource. 

As successful as the CCGNJ has been, the NCPG raises legitimate concerns about its ability to manage the hotline on a national level. 

The sports betting industry has seen massive growth over the last three years, expanding to 38 states plus Washington, D.C. That will present a new challenge for the CCGNJ, which may not have the resources to handle the influx of calls from other states.

SBA Warns Disruption Would be Dangerous

Responsible gaming advocates aren’t the only ones to take an interest in the fight over 1-800-Gambler. The Sports Betting Alliance (SBA) joined the Responsible Online Gaming Association (ROGA) in releasing a statement regarding the legal battle. In it, the group warned that disruption to the hotline could have devastating consequences for those struggling with gambling addiction.

There is no shortage of national problem gambling resources, but none have the reputation of 1-800-Gambler. If callers are looking for help and find the hotline is out of service (or suffering from long wait times), they may not know other resources, making them vulnerable to relapse.