Nevada Gaming Control Board Deploying 1-800-GAMBLER

Posted on: November 6, 2023, 10:01h. 

Last updated on: November 6, 2023, 01:52h.

The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) on Friday told its licensees to update their responsible gaming messaging.

The state gaming regulator of the world’s richest gaming market issued a notice last week informing casinos and other gaming license holders that the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) can now be reached at 1-800-GAMBLER.

The Nevada Council on Problem Gambling is the primary problem gambling resource for inflicted persons in Nevada. The state council is a chapter of the NCPG in Washington, DC.

The NCPG is adopting the easy-to-remember hotline after the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ) last year agreed to allow it to be used nationwide.

The CCGNJ holds a federally registered trademark on the telephone number but struck a deal with the NCPG in 2022 to use the number outside of New Jersey. When someone dials 1-800-GAMBLER from inside Nevada, the caller is directed to a specialist trained in problem gambling.

Updated Materials

The NCPG, in its notice, told licensees that they should update their in-house postings and written materials as soon as practicable. State law requires all restricted and nonrestricted licensees to display resources addressing problem gambling.

Each licensee shall post or provide in conspicuous places in or near gaming and cage areas and cash dispensing machines located in gaming areas written materials concerning the nature and symptoms of problem gambling and the toll-free telephone number of the National Council on Problem Gambling or a similar entity approved by the Board Chair that provides information and referral services for problem gamblers,” section 5.170 of the Nevada Gaming Regulation law reads.

The 1-800-GAMBLER hotline replaces the NCPG’s previous number of 1-800-522-4700. Nevada gaming regulators said the previous number will remain in operation, as will its corresponding text and chat features.

“As a result, licensees do not need to destroy existing materials or make a rapid change to the new number to comply with the regulation,” the notice explained. “However, all licensees should review their relevant written and web-based materials and make necessary changes as soon as practicable.”

The NGCB added that licensees displaying “When the Fun Stops” brochures issued by the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling can order updated handouts and insert cards free of charge from the organization.

By the Numbers

The NCPG defines problem gambling as “gambling behavior patterns that compromise, disrupt, or damage personal, family, or vocational pursuits.” The nonprofit estimates that 1% of the US adult population, or about two million people, meet the criteria for severe problem gambling disorder. Another four to six million people are considered to have a mild or moderate gambling problem.

The NCPG offers self-screening tools on its website at ncpgambling.org. The council doesn’t support or oppose legalized gambling but works to help those who develop gambling problems.

The organization was founded in 1972 by Msgr. Joseph Dunne and Dr. Robert Custer, among others. In 1984, the NCPG established the curriculum for behavioral health experts to undergo specialized training to combat gambling disorders.