What Is 800-GAMBLER? Your Guide to Gambling Addiction Support
The social stigma surrounding gambling addiction presents significant challenges. 800-GAMBLER addresses the issue by offering crucial services to identify hidden addiction, providing tools (Gamban) and free apps like BetBlocker to block gambling websites, among other techniques like self-exclusion and meetings.
The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, Inc. (CCGNJ) is a private, nonprofit 501(c)3 organization that has been helping problem gamblers and their families navigate through the crisis.
It also collaborates with the New Jersey Department of Human Services to collate and supply data to the executive and legislative branches of the state government.
by Vladyslav Lazurchenko
800-GAMBLER actively engages with individuals and communities through various channels, including educational campaigns, workshops, and collaborations with stakeholders. It offers some of the best free self-learning courses aligned with the International Problem Gambling and Gaming Certification Organization (IPGGC) and Board Approved Clinical Consultant (BACC).
Additionally, it contributes toward building a community where licensed clinicians and qualified counselors can become CCGNJ providers and help people fight mental health issues and addiction.
800-GAMBLER, along with other organizations such as GamTalk, GambleAware, and GamCare, fosters responsible gambling practices.
The National Problem Gambling Helpline Number Change
An important update on getting help for those who face or struggle against compulsive gambling in the USA. Nationwide.
800-GAMBLER has been used since 2022. However, according to the Council on Compulsive Gambling New Jersey (CCGNJ) and the New Jersey Supreme Court, it was decided to replace 800-GAMBLER with 1-800-MY-RESET.
The help line still functions 24/7 and delivers the same services:
- Public Awareness and Information
- Prevention Programs
- Intervention & Outreach
- Training for Professionals
- Treatment
- Advocacy.
“1-800-MY-RESET reinforces that the National Problem Gambling Helpline is available at any stage — whether someone is worried about themselves, concerned about a family member or simply looking for trusted guidance. Making the helpline number easier to remember is a practical, meaningful step toward reducing barriers to care,”— NCPG Board of Directors President Derek Longmeier said in the statement.
What Does 1-800 Gambler Do?
800gambler.org boasts a rich history of serving the community with its mission centered on promoting responsible gambling and providing support to those impacted by addiction. It offers a wide range of programs and services to assist New Jersey’s residents, including:
- Public Awareness and Information
- Prevention Programs
- Intervention and Outreach
- Training for Professionals
- Treatment
- Advocacy
With notable partnerships and endorsements, it has established itself as a trusted authority in responsible gambling.
Background
800-GAMBLER is composed of dedicated individuals from various backgrounds.
It has long been a leading force in providing:
- Support for problem gamblers
- Education (including 30 hours of free training)
- Treatment and counseling
- Hope and motivation for those affected by gambling disorders
The Origins
What is 800-GAMBLER? Is 800-GAMBLER real? The roots of the helpline can be traced back to the growing need for resources and assistance in New Jersey.
Initially, 800-GAMBLER was launched as a response to the alarming prevalence of problem gambling in the state. It addressed the need for confidential support and provided an accessible avenue for individuals to seek help.
Dedication
Recognizing the need to raise awareness and provide specialized services, the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey has worked tirelessly to foster alliances with:
- Healthcare professionals
- Governmental bodies
- Other relevant stakeholders
This strategic collaboration has enabled the organization to expand its reach and enhance its ability to offer comprehensive support and treatment options for problem gambling.
Gambling Prevalence in New Jersey
The Gambling Prevalence in New Jersey study, commissioned by the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ) and conducted by YouGov in spring 2022, surveyed 1,002 New Jersey adults between May 15 and June 8, with a 3.1 percent margin of error. The results paint a detailed picture of how residents gamble, why they gamble, and how gambling affects their finances and well-being.
Frequency and Spending Beyond Limits
Eight percent of respondents said they gamble daily, while 21 percent gamble two to three times a week. Lower-income households gamble most often: 27 percent of those earning between $10,000 and $49,000 bet multiple times weekly. Nearly a quarter of all respondents (24 percent) admitted to gambling more than they intended, with younger adults far more likely to overspend.
Impact on Daily Life
Gambling's toll extended beyond finances. Nine percent said gambling harmed their family relationships, 13 percent pointed to mental health effects, and 23 percent reported financial harm. Notably, 15 percent called gambling a major source of monthly income, rising to 36 percent among people in their 20s.
What Drives People to Gamble
Respondents identified several enticements that push them toward betting:
- Easy access via phone or computer (28 percent)
- Incentives and promotional offers (30 percent)
- Gambling advertising, which 66 percent said encourages betting among those who can least afford it
- Youth-targeted marketing, flagged by 47 percent of respondents
Attitudes Toward Regulation and Support
Support for stronger safeguards was widespread among respondents:
- 82 percent agreed gambling addiction is comparable to alcohol or drug addiction
- 59 percent supported limiting gambling ads, similar to tobacco restrictions
- 82 percent backed surgeon-general-style warning labels on gambling products
- 50 percent said the state should increase funding for problem gambling programs
More than half of respondents (52 percent) identified 800-GAMBLER as the state's leading resource for problem gambling support, underscoring the helpline's role as a trusted point of contact for New Jersey residents.
Services Offered
800-GAMBLER offers a range of services, including counseling sessions, educational materials, online forums, self-exclusion tools, websites (GAMBAN), and free apps (Betblocker), to block gambling websites. These resources cater to individuals at various stages of their journey toward responsible gambling practices.
Key Problems 800gambler.org Addresses
- Problem Gambling: This refers to the urge to continue making wagers despite the risks. At the extreme, this refers to making compulsive deposits to play casino games without planning for the consequences. This can lead to financial difficulties, emotional distress, and strained relationships.
- Lack of Awareness: Many individuals may not recognize the signs of problem gambling or be aware of the resources available to help them. Lack of awareness exacerbates the issue and prevents people from seeking timely assistance.
- Stigma Surrounding Gambling Addiction: There is often a stigma associated with gambling addiction. This can potentially deter individuals from seeking help or disclosing their struggles. This stigma contributes to the isolation and shame experienced by those affected.
- Limited Access to Support Services: Some individuals may face barriers in accessing support services due to factors such as geographical location, financial constraints, or lack of knowledge about the available resources.
- Vulnerability of At-Risk Groups: Certain demographics, such as youth, low-income individuals, and those with mental health issues, are more vulnerable to developing gambling problems. Targeted interventions are required to address their specific needs.
Find more information; see the table below.
Through its efforts, 800-GAMBLER strives to achieve positive outcomes such as increased awareness about responsible gambling practices, prevention of gambling addiction, and support for affected individuals and their families. By offering a lifeline to those in need, it contributes significantly to the well-being of communities.
The 2023 Fact Sheet by 800gambler.org contains the following key points:
- 1 in 20 American adults experience gambling difficulties in their lifetime, with 95% of Americans having gambled.
- Adolescents and college students are particularly susceptible to gambling problems.
- 1 in 3 substance abusers also struggle with gambling.
- Individuals of lower socioeconomic status, as well as certain racial and age demographics, have increased vulnerability to gambling issues.
These statistics collectively emphasize the wide-reaching impact of problem gambling on diverse demographics and the importance of accessible and effective support and treatment services.
The BetBlocker App
The BetBlocker app is a valuable resource designed in partnership with 800gambler.org.
This charitable service, funded through donations, offers a range of features to help users manage and minimize their access to gambling websites:
- Over 77,900 gambling websites and 1,500 apps can be blocked.
- Quick 2-minute setup with no registration required.
- Calendaring feature to restrict gambling access in advance, tailored to individual periods of vulnerability.
- Parental Controls to safeguard children from exposure to gambling and adult content.
- Support for multiple devices, providing comprehensive protection.
- “Tell Us Your Story” initiative encourages users to share their experiences with the app. It provides morale boosts for the BetBlocker team and inspiration for others.
- Commitment to promoting responsible gambling management (for those seeking to stop gambling entirely and for individuals aiming to regulate their activities responsibly).
- Referral to the Responsible Gambling Directory to connect users with additional support services.
- Free of charge and funded through charitable donations. This ensures accessibility to users worldwide.
Engagement and Outreach
800-GAMBLER interacts with the community through outreach programs, workshops, and online campaigns aimed at promoting responsible gambling practices. Its efforts extend beyond mere assistance to fostering a culture of awareness and empathy towards those struggling with gambling addiction.
Directions of Engagement
800gambler.org takes an omnichannel approach to onboarding problem gamblers. It helps them through programs spanning from inspirational videos, workshops, free learning courses, to cognitive-behavioural therapy and counseling.
Through proactive engagement efforts, 800-GAMBLER seeks to foster a culture of responsibility and support. Ultimately, it contributes to healthier and safer gambling environments for all.
The following directions in responsible gambling are a priority for 800gambler.org:
- Community Outreach: The organization collaborates with local communities through partnerships with schools, community centers, and other relevant institutions to raise awareness about responsible gambling practices.
- Online Presence: It uses social media platforms, forums, and webinars to reach a broader audience and provide educational resources and support.
- Collaboration with Stakeholders: It partners with government agencies, gambling industry stakeholders, and mental health professionals to develop comprehensive strategies for addressing problem gambling.
- Crisis Intervention: It provides immediate support and intervention through 24/7 helplines and online chat services for individuals in crisis or seeking urgent assistance.
Examples of Campaigns, Educational Resources, and Programs
See the table below for more examples and details.
Solutions by 800gambler.org
The provider offers a range of actionable solutions and services. These include helplines staffed by trained professionals, counseling sessions, self-help tools, and educational materials.
Additionally, it provides online forums for discussion. These enable individuals to share their experiences and seek advice from peers in similar situations.
How to Get Assistance
Individuals can easily access the services offered by 800gambler.org by visiting the website or reaching out via the contact information provided.
Helplines are available round-the-clock. To support diverse populations, the website can be translated into Spanish, French, and Chinese.
For any gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER, or reach out through:
- The Contact form
- Chat
- In-person meetings in your neighborhood
- Weekly phone meetings
What happens when you call 1-800-GAMBLER?
This step-by-step guide walks you through the process of getting confidential, compassionate help.
- Dial the 1 -800- GAMBLER number. Your call is completely anonymous and confidential.
- Connect for free, 24/7.
- Speak with trained specialists who understand gambling‑related issues and provide compassionate support.
- Receive referrals to local treatment centers or counseling programs suited to your needs.
Testimonials and Success Stories
Countless testimonials and success stories attest to the transformative impact of 800gambler.org’s services. From reclaiming control over their lives to rebuilding relationships, individuals share their journeys of recovery. This highlights the invaluable support provided by the organization. At Jackpot Sounds, we recognize the importance of such organizations and encourage anyone facing gambling difficulties to reach out for help through 1-800-GAMBLER.
FAQ
What is 800-GAMBLER?
800-GAMBLER is the helpline operated by the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ), a nonprofit organization that supports problem gamblers and their families. It offers counseling, educational resources, self-exclusion tools, and referrals to treatment, and also works with New Jersey's state government to supply data on problem gambling.
Why did the helpline number change to 1-800-MY-RESET?
The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey and the New Jersey Supreme Court decided to replace the 800-GAMBLER number with 1-800-MY-RESET to make the number easier to remember and reduce barriers to seeking help. The service itself has not changed: it still operates 24/7 and provides the same range of support, including public awareness, prevention, intervention, treatment, and advocacy.
What services does 800-GAMBLER/1-800-MY-RESET provide?
The helpline offers a wide range of support, including:
- A confidential 24/7 helpline staffed by trained professionals
- One-on-one counseling using approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Financial counseling for debt management and budgeting
- Family counseling and Gam-Anon meeting directories
- Self-exclusion programs and gambling addiction assessments
- Free access to tools like the BetBlocker app and Gamban
What is the BetBlocker app and how does it help?
BetBlocker is a free, donation-funded app developed in partnership with 800gambler.org. It can block access to over 77,900 gambling websites and 1,500 gambling apps, takes about two minutes to set up with no registration required, and includes scheduling and parental control features. It is designed for both people looking to stop gambling entirely and those wanting to manage their gambling more responsibly.
How can someone get help through 800-GAMBLER?
Individuals can call 1-800-GAMBLER or +1-609-588-5515 at any time, day or night, for free and confidential support. Help is also available through the website's contact form, live chat, weekly phone meetings, and in-person meetings. Callers speak with trained specialists who can provide referrals to local treatment centers and counseling programs suited to their needs.
