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National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG)

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National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG)

National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) logo

Category Support community
Founded June 2, 1972
Address Washington, DC, USA
Official website https://www.ncpgambling.org
Help and Support
Help & Support settings Phone, SMS, Online chat
Helpline hours 24/7
Helpline number 18006973738
Email [email protected]
Social Media
Instagram Visit
Facebook Visit
LinkedIn Visit
X (Twitter) Visit
Last Updated 23.03.2026


The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) is a US-based non-profit organization providing advocacy, awareness, and a national helpline network for individuals and families affected by problem gambling.

What is NCPG

The National Council on Problem Gambling is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization headquartered in Washington, D.C. It serves as the national advocate for programs and services to assist people and families experiencing problem gambling. The organization remains neutral on legalized gambling, taking no position for or against the industry.[1]

Role in the industry

Program/Role Description
National policy advocate Primary national advocate for problem gambling policy, engaging federal and state legislators, regulators, the gambling industry and public health professionals[2]
Counselor and facility directories Maintains the only nationwide online directories of certified gambling counselors and inpatient/residential treatment facilities in the United States[3]
Internet compliance assessment program (iCAP) Independent review of online gambling operators' compliance with NCPG's Internet Responsible Gambling Standards, the first such standards developed for the U.S. market[4]
Responsible gambling verification program (RGV) Partnership with the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries providing independent review of lottery responsible gambling efforts[5]
National conference on gambling addiction and responsible gambling Annual conference described as the world's oldest and largest problem gambling-specific event, drawing over 600 professionals annually[2]
Problem gambling awareness month (PGAM) Nationwide grassroots public awareness campaign held each March to promote prevention, treatment, and recovery services[6]

History and Reach

Year Milestone Description
1972 Founded Established by Monsignor Joseph A. Dunne and Dr. Robert Custer at the request of the New York City Gamblers Anonymous Board of Trustees[2]
1975 Chartered as nonprofit Formally chartered as a tax-exempt nonprofit organization, enabling structured advocacy and program development[2]
1989 Renamed Renamed from the National Council on Compulsive Gambling to the National Council on Problem Gambling[7]
October 1998 New executive director Keith Whyte took leadership of NCPG[8]
2012 Responsible gambling standards NCPG reviewed international internet gambling codes to develop the first responsible gambling standards for the USA[9]
January 2025 Keith Whyte departed Whyte ended his tenure as Executive Director after more than 26 years[8]
January 7, 2026 New executive director Maurer assumed the role of Executive Director experience[7]
2026 POINTS act NCPG endorsed the bipartisan POINTS Act, the first federal legislation in 15 years to propose dedicated funding for gambling addiction, estimating $100 million annually from a sports betting excise tax[10]

Support Options

Support Type Description
Phone helpline 24/7 confidential phone routing service accessible via 18006973738 that connects callers to local state-level resources
Text support Free SMS-based support accessible nationwide by texting 800GAM, providing help for individuals who prefer written communication[11]
Live chat Confidential online text chat available 24/7 through ncpgambling.org/chat for immediate crisis support and referrals
Counselor search An online national directory allowing users to find certified gambling counselors and treatment facilities in their area[12]

NCPG alternatives

Community Country Help for Problem Gambling
Gam-Anon Global Find a meeting
Gamblers Anonymous (GA) Global Find a meeting
SMART Recovery Global Find a meeting

References