NCPG targets New Jersey players with problem gambling helpline agreement
National gambling-related harm prevention initiative inks six-year licensing deal with Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey
The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) has agreed a six-year licensing deal with the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ) for the use of their 1-800-GAMBLER helpline.
The agreement marks a major milestone in NCPG’s effort to reduce barriers to essential resources for those affected by problem gambling. It will see New Jersey players gain access to the helpline, which will replace locally run problem gambling helplines with one number.
Over the next few months, the NCPG will work closely with CCGNJ, state affiliates, and helpline call centers to ensure a smooth transition and prevent any gaps in services as adjustments are made to the national helpline number and network.
“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,” NCPG board president Maureen Greeley said.
“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,” she added.
The licensing agreement forms a part of the NCPG’s multiyear national problem gambling helpline modernization project.
The project, supported by $6.2m in funding received from the NFL in 2021, aims to improve call center technology, data collection, and reporting as well as upgrade criteria and offer standardized training and certification for call centers across the National Problem Gambling Helpline Network.
“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,” said Keith Whyte, NCPG executive director.
“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,” Whyte added.