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A New Jersey Superior Court has postponed its ruling on control of the 1-800-GAMBLER helpline for the second time. According to the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, the decision is now expected on Sept. 22.
The dispute stems from a temporary restraining order issued in July that blocked the Council from shutting down the National Council on Problem Gambling’s operations. The judge originally planned to rule Sept. 3 before delaying the matter. The postponement has drawn increased attention as stakeholders await the court’s decision.
Inside the contract battle over 1-800-GAMBLER
The conflict traces back to a six-year contract signed in June 2022 that licensed the use of the 1-800-GAMBLER number to the National Council on Problem Gambling, while the New Jersey council retained ownership. The helpline was first established by the state council to provide professional help to people with gambling problems.
Although the agreement was framed as six years, the national council contends it included an optional three-year extension, which it exercised. In practice, the deal was structured as two three-year terms.
The contract required renewal six months before the first term expired. The New Jersey council argues that because the national council did not provide written notice in time, the original agreement is now void.
The state council has also raised concerns about oversight. It proposed a new one-year contract with stricter terms, including live response guarantees and state assurances. In July, the national council obtained a temporary restraining order, which remains in effect while the case proceeds.
CCGNJ says responsible gambling requires real human answers
The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey emphasizes that it has operated the helpline for 40 years and is capable of managing it alone. Executive Director Luis Del Orbe has said repeatedly that the organization is prepared to run the service independently.
Del Orbe has also raised concerns that some calls are not answered by a live person, weakening the quality of support. The state council insists that every caller should receive live, meaningful assistance rather than basic online information.
National council seeks to expand helpline’s reach
The National Council on Problem Gambling calls itself the “steward” of the helpline and argues that the New Jersey council is failing to uphold its obligations under the contract.
The national council says the service requires centralized management to ensure consistency and expand its reach beyond New Jersey. It cites contract language allowing flexibility for renewal and argues it complied with those terms. It warns that tighter restrictions from the state council could hinder its ability to provide effective support.
Helpline is a lifeline for responsible gambling support
The 1-800-GAMBLER helpline has been a critical resource for nearly four decades, connecting callers with counseling and treatment services nationwide. Since its founding in 1983, it has provided assistance to countless individuals and families while promoting responsible gambling.
Both councils stress that the helpline will not shut down, regardless of the court’s decision.
A court decision with responsible gambling on the line
The Sept. 22 hearing will determine whether the temporary restraining order becomes permanent and who will control the helpline moving forward.
If the New Jersey council prevails, management will revert to its prior structure. A victory for the national council would solidify its leadership of the service nationwide. The outcome could set a precedent for how gambling support hotlines are governed in the United States.
The waiting game: Helpline’s future still in limbo
The postponement has made Sept. 22 the pivotal date for the helpline’s future. Both councils continue to affirm their shared goal of keeping the service running without interruption.
Del Orbe has dismissed any suggestion of closure, saying the helpline will remain in operation. “The real question is who will lead the vision and the work behind it,” he said.
In the meantime, 1-800-GAMBLER continues to serve as a lifeline for people struggling with gambling addiction.
