The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) has signed a six-year license agreement with the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, Inc. (CCGNJ). The agreement will give the NCPG access to CCGNJ’s 1-800-GAMBLER, which is a federally registered phone number that is available to all US states outside of New Jersey, including all US territories and the District of Columbia.
The multi-year deal is the next step in the NCPG’s strategy to provide aid to those around the country who are looking for resources and support related to problem gambling.
NCPG Board President Maureen Greeley said: “This agreement is a vital step forward as we work to increase awareness and access to high-quality services for individuals, families and communities impacted by problem gambling.
“With collaboration as one of our core values, we are grateful for this partnership with our NCPG affiliate, CCGNJ, that will significantly advance our shared priorities of improving health and wellness by offering the most effective programs and services possible.”
CCGNJ Board President Fred Hogan said the deal falls in line with the organization’s focus to offer aid to those affected by problem gambling.
“Our goal is simple, to continue to make sure 1-800-GAMBLER provides aid to anyone who needs it as quickly and efficiently as possible,” said Hogan. “We look forward to sharing our strength and experience.”
CCGNJ Executive Director Felicia Grondin commented: “CCGNJ has always been at the forefront of providing support for people in communities affected by a gambling problem. 1-800-GAMBLER serves as an essential tool for accessing this support.
“We look forward to working with NCPG to ensure that people from across the country can easily access problem gambling support and resources using this simple, memorable number."
The use of 1-800-GAMBLER will be incorporated into the NCPG’s current National Problem Gambling Helpline Modernization project, which will improve data collection, reporting and upgrade technology related to existing gambling helpline call centers. The organization will utilize both numbers to extend its reach to a wider group of people.
NCPG Executive Director Keith Whyte said: “Since its inception in 1995, the National Problem Gambling Helpline has seen exponential growth in calls, texts and chat messages for help from individuals across the country as gambling has continued to expand.
“The Modernization Project will allow us to make significant improvements to the operations, technology and infrastructure of the network to keep up with the ever-growing need for problem gambling resources.”
American Gaming Association Vice President, Strategic Communications & Responsibility Cait DeBaun noted the importance of this collaboration, commenting, “This is an important step in the right direction: consumers needing help should be able to write down one number and get the support they need.
“We look forward to continuing to work with NCPG, its affiliates and the industry broadly on ensuring helpline harmonization efforts deliver against our collective goal of providing effective, reliable support to those who need it.”
