NATIONAL COUNCIL ON PROBLEM GAMBLING

Ncpg provides the national problem gambling helpline network (1-800-gambler), making local help for problem gambling just one call away anywhere in the u.s. The helpline receives hundreds of thousands of calls each year, instantly routed to one of 28 state or regional call centers, which are operated by ncpg affiliates, state agencies, and/or vendors. Since ncpg licensed the 1-800-gambler number in 2022, the national problem gambling helpline has experienced rapid growth in awareness, access, and effectiveness, including a 34% increase in monthly call traffic.the ncpg helpline is the only such '911' service in the u.s. For people dealing with gambling problems (including family and loved ones) and is the only access to help in many states. Casinos clustered on state borders, and sports events and their sports-betting ads cross state lines and often reach into areas where there are no problem gambling services. Ncpg is the only nation-wide provider of services and training to facilitate access and treatment for gambling problems. We also provide expanded helpline services via texting and online chat in all 50 states, leveraging the mobile devices that are ubiquitous both for communications and mobile gambling, especially among younger people, who have a higher rate of risk for gambling addiction. Ncpg receives no federal funding to cover the costs of providing this nationwide service, which is completely funded by ncpg's members and donors, including those that are part of our leadership circle.ncpg provides a toolkit to facilitate the promotion of the national problem gambling helpline, 1-800-gambler. We also created a publicly-available national helpline analytics dashboard providing information on incoming traffic to the helpline.