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Getting help for problem gambling in the U.S. just got a little simpler. The National Council on Problem Gambling has launched a new national helpline number, 1-800-MY-RESET, to make it easier for people to remember where to turn when gambling becomes a problem.
The new number is now available nationwide. It replaces the organization’s previous use of 1-800-GAMBLER, which the NCPG lost due to a court decision. At first glance, the change may seem like a rebranding effort, but officials say it’s about ensuring people can still access care at a time when gambling is more visible and available than ever.
1-800-MY-RESET connects you to help anytime
Calling 1-800-MY-RESET works the same way the national helpline always has. The National Problem Gambling Helpline Network connects callers to one of 24 contact centers across the U.S.
Help is available 24/7, and it’s always free and confidential. Trained professionals assist callers by discussing their situation, exploring treatment options, and connecting them with local resources. The helpline also supports text-based outreach, providing flexibility for those who may not feel comfortable making a phone call.
Nothing about the support itself has changed. The goal was never to alter the service—just to make it easier to access.
Why the NCPG felt a reset was necessary
After losing access to 1-800-GAMBLER, the NCPG temporarily relied on a standard numeric hotline. Internally, leaders felt the solution was functional but far from ideal.
Derek Longmeier, president of the NCPG Board of Directors, said problem gambling rarely fits into a single moment or definition. Some people call early, others wait until serious harm has occurred, and many reach out because they are worried about someone else. A memorable number, he explained, reduces friction for everyone, no matter where they are in the process.
The word “reset” was chosen intentionally. It reflects the idea that reaching out for help doesn’t have to mean hitting rock bottom.
How a court ruling led to the new helpline
The NCPG had to stop running 1-800-GAMBLER nationally after a court ruling in September 2025. This led to the loss of the number, which is owned by the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, a state-level nonprofit.
At the time, the NCPG said the decision could make it harder for people nationwide to access care. The organization had been funding and managing a national infrastructure that included call routing, quality standards, and language translation services in more than 240 languages.
Calls to the helpline have surged in recent years, closely tied to the growth of legal sports betting and online casinos. Without centralized oversight, callers risk having their calls dropped, receiving inconsistent help, or not knowing whether they are contacting a trusted source.
