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The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey has regained full control of the national gambling helpline, a NJ Superior Court ruled Monday.
The National Council on Problem Gambling and the CCGNJ had been operating the helpline together since 2022 under a six-year contract, which needed to be renewed after three years.
That triggered a contract dispute between the two parties since the three-year deadline in May, which the CCGNJ has now won.
Helpline reverts back to CCGNJ
The NCPG and the CCGNJ had different visions for the future of the national gambling helpline. The judge ruled in favor of the CCGNJ because the “NCPG failed to present sufficient legal argument or evidence to support its claim to continue using the helpline under its control,” according to the CCGNJ’s press release.
CCGNJ Executive Director Luis Del Orbe told PlayNJ last month that he sent over a new lease agreement before the three-year deadline. However, the NCPG declined to sign it, and also failed to notify the CCGNJ its intent to renew.
The NCPG said that it is “dismayed” over the court ruling. It also said the decision “will fundamentally hinder nationwide access to timely, confidential, and high-quality care for those in need of problem gambling support by taking critical services offline.”
The NCPG said the ruling also “will degrade public trust” for the individuals that know and recognize the 1-800-GAMBLER number.
Del Orbe disputed that to PlayNJ on Tuesday morning.
“Services will not be compromised, and the public can have every confidence that the helpline will continue to provide vital services and resources to anyone struggling with a gambling problem.”
NCPG weighs options
The NCPG is not going down without a fight. The organization said that it is going to seek more legal options.
“NCPG will aggressively pursue all appellate options concerning today’s decision and is in the process of filing an emergency motion asking the New Jersey Appellate Division to enter a stay to maintain the status quo for helpline operations while the appeal is considered.
“It cannot be overstated that the loss of access to problem gambling resources via 1-800-GAMBLER, even temporarily, could have life or death consequences for individuals in crisis.”
The CCGNJ accused the NCPG of disconnecting callers from the helpline in states that did not cooperate. The NCGP refuted those claims.
Del Orbe told PlayNJ last month the CCGNJ has been operating the helpline since 1983. Nothing is going to change, Del Orbe said Monday.
“We remain committed to providing a safe, accessible, and confidential helpline for individuals and families impacted by problem gambling. We thank the court for recognizing the importance of
protecting our brand and the integrity of this vital service.“CCGNJ is dedicated to ongoing efforts to support problem and disordered gamblers and their families and continues to advocate for the well-being of individuals affected by gambling problems.”
