The gambling regulator in Michigan, the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB), strengthened its efforts toward safer gambling by introducing a new problem gambling helpline. The Board confirmed the launch of 1-800-GAMBLER, a new gambling helpline that is operated by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG). As a result, Michigan joins a growing network of states where 1-800-GAMBLER, the National Problem Gambling Helpline, is available.

Residents from Michigan who are suffering from problem gambling, at-risk gambling, as well as their families, can call the gambling helpline and receive information, support or resources. Such callers can be referred to local treatment or professional support, an effort that reaffirms MGCB’s dedication to a safer gambling environment.

Besides a call, residents can also chat with an expert online via 1800gamblerchat.org or send a text at 800GAM. The new 1-800-GAMBLER helpline will replace the current Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline available at 1-800-270-7117. Still, the aforementioned number will continue to operate as before. Callers of 1-800-GAMBLER can reach vetted and trained experts 24/7, 365 days a year and receive information, support and guidance.

According to a statement released by the gambling regulator, operators in Michigan will be required to display the new 1-800-GAMBLER number within their responsible gaming messages. The online gambling operators are given a deadline of August 8, 2024, to update their campaigns and include the new problem gambling helpline.

Estimates of the NCPG reveal that approximately 2 million adults across the country are suffering from problem gambling. Additionally, between 4 and 6 million others may be impacted by problem gambling, including at-risk or compulsive gambling. The Council estimated that the social cost of problem gambling is an estimated $7 billion annually.

NCPG Applauds the Adoption of the Gambling Helpline

Keith Whyte, NCPG’s executive director, spoke about the importance of the helpline for problem gambling. He explained that the line helps people across the country receive relevant information and gain access to support. “We applaud MGCB for taking proactive efforts to address the needs of those affected by problem gambling and for recognizing the significance of promoting 1-800-GAMBLER in Michigan,” said Whyte in conclusion.

“By adopting 1-800-GAMBLER as the statewide problem gambling helpline, the MGCB reinforces its commitment to ensuring a safe and secure gaming environment for players across the state by ensuring that resources for treatment and recovery can be accessed quickly and easily.“

Henry Williams, executive director of the MGCB

Henry Williams, MGCB’s executive director, also highlighted the efficiency of the problem gambling helpline that connects people affected by gambling to trained experts who provide confidential support, resources and assistance. Finally, he said that implementation of the 1-800-GAMBLER helpline in Michigan reaffirms the gambling regulator’s dedication toward a safer gambling sector.

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The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) has launched a new toolkit that will make the promotion of the National Problem Gambling Helpline easier. In addition, the body released an analytics dashboard that provides information on incoming traffic to the helpline.

The National Problem Gambling Helpline, 1-800-GAMBLER, is a universal resource for Americans seeking help with their gambling behavior. The 1-800-GAMBLER number used today was first the number of New Jersey’s Council on Compulsive Gambling, which was later adopted by the NCPG because of how easy it is to remember.

The new 1-800-GAMBLER Promotional Toolkit, according to the NCPG, is designed to help align messaging about the helpline across gambling companies, media, state agencies, healthcare services and other organizations that promote it to the public.

According to the NPGH, aligned and consistent messaging that promotes a universal point of contact is very important as it will make things clearer to the public. The toolkit will raise awareness of the helpline, teaching people that they can always use it to seek help. It encompasses a rich variety of resources such as brand guidelines, logos and social media content.

Companies that wish to promote 1-800-GAMBLER can find the toolkit for free on the NCPG website.

The Dashboard Will Help the NCPG Maintain Transparency

The council also unveiled the launch of a National Problem Gambling Helpline Analytics Dashboard. Just like the Promotional Toolkit, the dashboard is available for free.

The dashboard’s purpose is to “provide transparency and insight into the trends and patterns” of 1-800-GAMBLER traffic. It includes interactive charts and graphs, making it easy to find data for specific dates, states or contact methods.

The dashboard can be accessed on NCPG’s website for free.

The NCPG Is Excited about the Launch

Keith Whyte, NCPG’s executive director, said that his team is glad to be launching these resources. He noted that NCPG research shows only 45% of Americans know where to look for help with problem gambling.

We hope this toolkit will make it easier for organizations to raise awareness of the Helpline and connect people with the resources they need.

Keith Whyte, exec director, NCPG

Both of the newly-released solutions are part of the ongoing Helpline Modernization Project. Thanks to a grant from the NFL Foundation, the NCPG will be able to modernize the helpline and promote it to players across the US.

The modernization efforts will see the NCPG make improvements to the network services, training, operations and public awareness. The council hopes that more people will learn of the helpline and will use it when dealing with gambling problems.

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