A disagreement between two support organizations nearly led to the US nationwide gambling addiction helpline going offline.
The crisis was averted after the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) secured a temporary restraining order to ensure it can keep operating the 1-800-GAMBLER line until at least August 26. A court hearing will take place on this date to discuss the matter.
The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ), the actual owner of the helpline, licenses it to the NCPG for $150,000 per year. The initial agreement began in June 2022.
confusion over whether or not the NCPG had validly enacted the built-in three-year extension option
The contract expired on May 31, and the two parties extended it until July 15 due to confusion over whether or not the NCPG had validly enacted the built-in three-year extension option. It claims that attempts at an arbitration hearing with the CCGNJ were unsuccessful.
The helpline is a valuable tool for problem gamblers across the country to get the help that they need. Gambling operators highlight the number when advertising their products.
