Preparing for the Future of the National Problem Gambling Helpline: Stakeholder FAQ

The National Problem Gambling Helpline is a critical tool for connecting those in need of support with local problem gambling resources. For the past three years, these resources have been accessed through the widely recognized number, 1-800-GAMBLER. As of Monday, September 29, 2025, the New Jersey Supreme Court has denied an emergency stay allowing NCPG to continue the use and management of 1-800-GAMBLER as the National Problem Gambling Helpline number. While we are deeply disappointed by this decision and the impact it will have on access to problem gambling resources, NCPG remains committed to supporting individuals and families in need.

Effective 11:59pm ET on Monday, September 29, 2025, NCPG will operate the National Problem Gambling Helpline using 1-800-522-4700 until a permanent solution is determined. We will continue working with all stakeholders to minimize disruptions and safeguard access to help.

These FAQs are intended to provide information and address common questions that may arise as NCPG will be unable to utilize and administer 1-800-GAMBLER as the National Problem Gambling Helpline number after September 29, 2025. Our goal is to provide as much clarity and guidance as possible while avoiding speculation and additional confusion. FAQs will be updated as new information becomes available.

Updated as of 1:15 pm ET on September 29, 2025.

NCPG will utilize 1-800-522-4700 as the National Problem Gambling Helpline number after September 29, 2025, until a permanent solution can be determined. This number has been in continuous use for decades and connects calls, texts, and chats to the robust network of 28 contact centers across the country.

The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ) will assume sole authority over routing for calls made to 1-800-GAMBLER. Please reach out directly to CCGNJ to determine how they intend to manage 1-800-GAMBLER routing for the state(s) you serve to ensure your population does not experience gaps in service. 

Luis DelOrbe
Executive Director
Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey
luis@800gambler.org
609-588-5515
Fred Hogan
President
Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey
hogieis@optonline.net
732-890-6120

NCPG will be legally required to disconnect the routing system for text messages sent to 1-800-GAMBLER at 11:59pm on September 29, 2025. Texts to 1-800-GAMBLER will be undeliverable until a new routing system has been established to service the number. Please reach out directly to the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey to determine how they intend to service text messages to 1-800-GAMBLER for the state(s) you serve to ensure your population does not experience gaps in service. 

Luis DelOrbe
Executive Director
Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey
luis@800gambler.org
609-588-5515
Fred Hogan
President
Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey
hogieis@optonline.net
732-890-6120

There will be no change or interruption to the National Problem Gambling Helpline chat system as it is not connected to a phone number. NCPG will continue to oversee and manage all chat messages that come into the National Problem Gambling Helpline through the existing network routing infrastructure. 

As the owner of the 1-800-GAMBLER trademark, the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ) has the legal authority to restrict or penalize unapproved use of the number in advertising, educational materials, and health resources at any time. Please reach out directly to CCGNJ to determine your ability to utilize the 1-800-GAMBLER trademark. 

Luis DelOrbe
Executive Director
Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey
luis@800gambler.org
609-588-5515
Fred Hogan
President
Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey
hogieis@optonline.net
732-890-6120

NCPG is unable to provide guidance on this matter due to conflicting legal requirements between trademark and regulatory obligations. Questions about compliance with state requirements should be directed to your state regulator. Questions about the use of the 1-800-GAMBLER trademark should be directed to the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey. 

Luis DelOrbe
Executive Director
Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey
luis@800gambler.org
609-588-5515
Fred Hogan
President
Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey
hogieis@optonline.net
732-890-6120

NCPG will make a set of promotional assets available initially to support the transition to 1-800-522-4700 as the National Problem Gambling Helpline number. A more robust promotional toolkit will be developed once a permanent number has been determined. 

No, after September 29, 2025, 1-800-GAMBLER will no longer be the National Problem Gambling Helpline number. NCPG will continue to operate and maintain the National Problem Gambling Helpline Network under 1-800-522-4700. 

For operational / routing / technical questions: 

Jaime Costello
Director of Programs
National Council on Problem Gambling
JaimeC@NCPGambling.org
202-470-1788

For messaging / marketing / communications questions:

Cait Huble
Director of Communications
National Council on Problem Gambling
CaitH@NCPGambling.org
202-470-1815

Luis DelOrbe
Executive Director
Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey
luis@800gambler.org
609-588-5515
Fred Hogan
President
Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey
hogieis@optonline.net
732-890-6120