Share 
The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ) has officially received full authorization of the national gambling helpline.
After winning a court case over National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), the CCGNJ has vowed to uphold the high standards and tremendous responsibility of running 1-800-GAMBLER.
The CCGNJ operated the helpline from 1983 until 2022, when it leased operations to the NCPB, a national responsible gambling entity, as online casinos and online sports betting took off across the country.
The CCGNJ has laid out ways the helpline will remain intact and accessible to everyone.
CCGNJ promises uninterrupted service
The CCGNJ and NCPG came to a contract dispute three years into the relationship over different visions for the resource.
The CCGNJ has highlighted several ways the helpline will remain effective. Perhaps the most important is the data and call center operations.
“The call routing system will continue to direct calls to local and state-based call centers, ensuring seamless service delivery.
“Ongoing performance monitoring and data collection will be in place, with access provided to support continuous improvement while respecting privacy and confidentiality standards.”
The CCGNJ has made clear that service will be uninterrupted and available across the US for all stakeholders, affiliates, and partners. It is requiring all entities to sign a Memorandum of Understanding, which affirms their “commitment to comply with the standards and guidelines … established to uphold the integrity and effectiveness of the service.”
The CCGNJ also plans to continue clear messaging and outreach for the helpline. It delivered one final message in a press release:
“There are no plans to shut down or reduce the scope of the helpline. Our focus is solely on upholding, protecting, and advancing this lifeline for millions of individuals and families.
“We appreciate your dedication and partnership. We look forward to working together to ensure the helpline continues to serve with integrity, compassion, and effectiveness.”
NCPG to continue legal battle
According to a NJ court, the NCPG had to relinquish its role in the helpline on Sept. 29. The organization said last week that it is determined to remain involved.
“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.”
