Judge Rules CCGNJ Will Regain Control of 1-800-GAMBLER Helpline

A judge in New Jersey has ruled that the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ) will regain full control of the well-known 1-800-GAMBLER helpline, sparking a sharp response from the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG).

Good to know

• NCPG must stop managing the 1-800-GAMBLER number after September 29, 2025.
• The helpline has been in operation since 1983, first managed by CCGNJ.
• NCPG has announced it will file an emergency appeal to keep the line active.

Judge Douglas Hurd’s ruling ends the NCPG’s role in running the helpline. The organization had managed the number since 2022 under a three-year agreement that expired in May 2025. Before that, CCGNJ had overseen 1-800-GAMBLER for nearly four decades.

The court decision means CCGNJ will once again direct all operations tied to the helpline, including incoming calls from across the country.

The NCPG expressed disappointment in the ruling, stating:

“The NCPG is dismayed with today’s court ruling which orders NCPG to cease management and use of 1-800-GAMBLER as the National Problem Gambling Helpline number after September 29, 2025.”

The group warned that removing its oversight could disrupt access to confidential care for people struggling with gambling issues. In its statement, the council argued that the ruling “will fundamentally hinder nationwide access to timely, confidential and high-quality care… Moreover, it will degrade public trust for the 121 million Americans who recognize 1-800-GAMBLER as the National Problem Gambling Helpline.”

Appeal in Motion

On August 18, NCPG filed for arbitration against CCGNJ, and it now plans to appeal Judge Hurd’s ruling. According to the council, it will file an emergency motion with the New Jersey Appellate Division seeking to keep the current setup in place while the case is reviewed.

NCPG stressed the urgency of maintaining service:

“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.”

CCGNJ has argued it is best equipped to run the helpline, citing its long history and state-level experience. If the ruling stands, NCPG would also be required to shut down the text message routing system tied to the number.

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