CCGNJ Refused Arbitration
At the center of the battle is a debate over the NCPG’s attempt to renew the 1-800-GAMBLER contract with the CCGNJ. The deal allows the NCPG to use the name and route calls to the number. The two sides agreed to it in 2022, turning the New Jersey-exclusive hotline into a national resource available to millions of bettors around the country.
The NCPG claims that they initiated arbitration to begin discussions over extending the deal, but the CCGNJ refused to respond. The former argues that this violated the terms of the contract, which also allows them to seek a restraining order from the Mercer County Superior Court.
That has allowed the hotline to continue operating, but there has been no indication that talks have advanced between the two sides.
Hotline Has Been a Crucial Resource
The 1-800-GAMBLER hotline has been a crucial resource for the estimated 2.5 million Americans dealing with severe problem gambling. The NCPG acquired the trademark and license due to the massive volume it saw in New Jersey. Now, the number is included on gambling advertisements, making it a household name.
While the NCPG could create a new hotline, it would take time to spread it to the public. 1-800-GAMBLER’s name makes it easy to remember, and is why it's the first problem gambling resource most people think of. The concern is that thousands of calls will go unanswered at the hotline before the new number becomes widely known.
Timing of Conflict is Dangerous
The timing of the conflict over the problem gambling hotline is dangerous for two reasons.
The first is that we are close to the start of the NFL and NCAA football seasons. This is the busiest time of the year for sportsbooks, as well as problem gambling resources. The NCAA season will start right when the NCPG’s restraining order expires, with the NFL starting two weeks later.
The second danger involves the emergence of sports prediction markets. These controversial platforms have experienced explosive growth in popularity, with many anticipating eye-popping revenue numbers this football season. With no problem gambling regulations, these platforms are also expected to lead to an influx of bettors looking for help.
