A decision on who will oversee the national gambling support line, 1-800-GAMBLER, has been pushed back yet again by a New Jersey court. The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ) confirmed the latest delay, with the new ruling now scheduled for September 22.
Originally, a Mercer County Superior Court judge was expected to rule on September 3 regarding the status of a temporary restraining order issued in July. That order currently limits the involvement of the National Council on Problem Gambling(NCPG) in the operation of the hotline, according to PlayNJ.
Contractual Conflict Fuels Control Dispute
At the heart of the disagreement is a contractual clash between CCGNJ and NCPG over the administration of the 1-800-GAMBLER helpline. The service is widely regarded as a critical lifeline for individuals struggling with gambling addiction and is seen as central to efforts promoting responsible gambling across the U.S.
The two organizations entered into a contract in June 2022 that appeared to cover a six-year term. However, according to NCPG’s Director of Communications Cait Huble, the agreement included a clause allowing for review or renewal after three years—something that now sits at the center of the conflict.
While both entities have expressed a commitment to keeping the helpline active, they differ sharply on how it should be managed. NCPG has accused CCGNJ of failing to honor the contract, while CCGNJ has raised concerns about how the line is being handled under the partnership. Among their complaints: some callers, they claim, are being disconnected or routed away from live support.
Live Operator Access Becomes a Central Concern
According to CCGNJ Executive Director Luis Del Orbe, restoring live, human response to all helpline calls is a top priority. He emphasized the organization’s long history with the hotline, stating, “People forget, but 1-800-GAMBLER has been operating since 1983. We don’t have a problem with running these operations.”
Del Orbe also assured that the helpline’s availability will remain unaffected by the legal outcome. “We asked that no state be disconnected from the 1-800-GAMBLER number. We want callers to receive information beyond what they can find in a Google search. We want calls to be answered by a live person.”
The CCGNJ maintains that it should retain oversight of the hotline, emphasizing its decades of experience in running the service. Meanwhile, the NCPG sees itself as the national “steward” of 1-800-GAMBLER and has expressed its continued commitment to the program.
Awaiting Final Judgment on Oversight
Despite the ongoing legal and operational dispute, both parties appear united on one point: the helpline itself will continue to function. However, the court’s decision on September 22 will determine which organization will hold formal control and set the direction for how the service will be run going forward.
With growing attention on responsible gambling initiatives across the country, the outcome could shape the future of how support is delivered to those seeking help.
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