The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ), which owns the 1-800-GAMBLER national helpline, has declined a request from the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) to resolve their ongoing dispute through arbitration. This decision comes amid a broader legal battle over who should control the high-profile number following the expiration of NCPG’s license in May.
For the past three years, the NCPG operated the helpline on a national scale under a licensing agreement with CCGNJ, paying $150,000 annually. With that agreement now expired, both parties are embroiled in a disagreement over renewal terms and future control.
Per the original contract terms, disputes were to be handled through mediation first, with arbitration permitted only if mediation failed. The NCPG initiated mediation on July 9, but the CCGNJ refused. A legal complaint was filed shortly after by the NCPG.
The New Jersey Superior Court in Mercer County has since issued a restraining order, maintaining the helpline’s current state of operation until arbitration—initially scheduled for September 3—can proceed. The NCPG filed an arbitration request with the American Arbitration Association (AAA) last Wednesday. However, the CCGNJ dismissed this effort the following day.
“Not a Valid Request,” Says CCGNJ
In rejecting the arbitration demand, CCGNJ cited the expiration of the licensing agreement as a key factor. “The demand for arbitration filed by NCPG with the American Arbitration Association is not a valid request. The manner in which arbitration may be requested is specified in the language of the expired license agreement. Therefore, CCGNJ shall not accept this request,” said Luis Del Orbe, Executive Director of CCGNJ, in a statement.
The NCPG maintains that an agreement between the two entities still exists and argues that the CCGNJ is failing to uphold it.
Concerns Over Service Standards Without NCPG
The CCGNJ has made clear its intent to continue operating the 1-800-GAMBLER line independently of the NCPG. However, the national council has voiced serious concerns about what this change could mean for the integrity and quality of service provided.
“Expanding access means little if the care on the other end isn’t effective, safe, and person-centered. NCPG remains committed to preserving the integrity of the helpline and will not support or accept any proposal that compromises the quality of care provided to those seeking help,” said Cait Huble, NCPG’s Director of Communications.
The NCPG originally took on the license to ensure that callers nationwide would receive immediate, localized support. Every call is routed to regional contact centers staffed with real people—not automated systems—and includes access to multilingual support and backup centers when local ones are unavailable.
Huble emphasized NCPG’s broader role, stating, “As stewards of the National Problem Gambling Helpline, NCPG has a legal and ethical obligation to ensure that care is not only accessible, but also high-quality, consistent, and appropriate.”
CCGNJ Pledges Hotline Continuity
Despite the dispute, Del Orbe expressed full confidence in the council’s ability to continue running the service effectively. “CCGNJ and the 1-800-GAMBLER has passed the test of time. The 1-800-GAMBLER helpline is not going to go away, ever,” he said.
Source:
“New Jersey Council Rejects Arbitration Request Over 1-800-GAMBLER”, sports.yahoo.com, Aug 19, 2025
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