Business
How a surge in legal betting fueled an ugly fight: The battle for 1-800-GAMBLER
The booming business of betting across America has led to soaring concerns over problem gambling.
Generally, ads for legitimate, licensed casinos and sportsbooks carry some kind of disclaimer that gambling is supposed to be for entertainment. The small print might offer: “Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.”
That number is about as memorable and sticky as you can get. And it prompted a brief but intense legal battle over who has the right or the moral imperative to operate the closest thing the U.S. has to a national gambling hotline.
The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) has been running the helpline since 2022, leasing it for $150,000 annually from the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ), which had previously operated it since 1983.
Since the national organization took over, monthly call traffic has increased 34% and media mentions have soared more than 5,000%, leading to a third of Americans recognizing 1-800-GAMBLER as a national hotline, according to the NCPG.
Now the CCGNJ wants its number back.
The contract between the two groups ends Tuesday. The national group notified the New Jersey group of its intention to exercise its right of renewal and extend for another five years. CCGNJ refused.
“It’s our property, ” Luis Del Orbe, CCGNJ’s executive director, told CNBC. The group also owns 800gambler.org.
The National Council sued for an emergency stay this summer to prevent the New Jersey council from taking back operations, arguing that the local group doesn’t have the resources to staff or operate the hotline around the clock.
NCPG has significant financial backing from the NFL — more than $12 million over six years — and major sportsbook operators. The council spends $1.5 million annually providing infrastructure and connection for callers in 10 states and serving as a kind of call-in way station for dozens of other jurisdictions.
Lawyers for the national council argued that reverting it back under New Jersey’s operation would have devastating consequences.
“Thousands of individuals and families could suddenly find themselves without access to the only national lifeline for problem gambling,” said Amanda Szmuc, an attorney with Offit Kurman.
Del Orbe of the New Jersey organization said his staff is prepared for an increase in calls. When calls come into his office after-hours, they’re forwarded to a 24-hour call center in Louisiana — the same one that services many states and local jurisdictions that funnel through 1-800-GAMBLER, he said.
Del Orbe told CNBC his organization felt NCPG was “weaponizing the number,” demanding data on problem gambling from local councils and threatening to bar them from the hotline if they refused.
The NCPG collects and analyzes data from problem gambling calls, often to illustrate the danger of addiction to betting. But not every state that uses 1-800-GAMBLER shares its statistics with the national council.
The national council said, “Despite repeated outreach and offers of consultation, training, and stipends, two state councils declined to participate, and one failed to meet requirements.” It said it began rerouting calls from those states to the call center in Louisiana.
“Our greatest fear is that people in crisis will pick up the phone, or send a text, and find no one on the other end,” said Jaime Costello, director of programs at NCPG.
The NFL said in a statement to CNBC, “Under NCPG’s stewardship, 1-800-GAMBLER has been transformed into a vitally important national resource—making it easier for anyone, anywhere in the country to get quality care when they need it. Any disruption or degradation of that service is deeply concerning.”
On Monday, the New Jersey Supreme Court denied NCPG’s request for an emergency stay, a last ditch effort to keep the number from reverting to the local council.
The National Council on Problem Gambling says for now it will revert to using its old number, 1-800-522-4700, which isn’t quite as easy to remember.
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Waitrose is set to remove mackerel from its shelves amid escalating concerns over unsustainable fishing practices.
The retailer said that it is the first major UK supermarket to suspend sourcing of the popular fish.
It said that fresh, chilled, and frozen mackerel, primarily sourced from Scottish waters, will be unavailable to shoppers by 29 April. Tinned varieties will follow once the current stock is depleted.
Conservationists are welcoming the move and urging other supermarkets to follow suit.
The measure comes as governments have repeatedly failed to implement catch limits recommended by scientists, jeopardising the long-term viability of mackerel stocks.
The International Council for Exploration of the Sea (ICES) has issued stark warnings, advising a 70 per cent reduction in catches for 2026 across all regional mackerel stocks compared to 2025’s recommended levels.
With the stock consistently fished above sustainable thresholds, this translates to a 77 per cent cut on the 755,143 tonnes scientists estimated would be caught in 2025.
Overfishing has resulted in depleting mackerel stocks in the north-east Atlantic, with Ices saying the species, and the wider fishing industry, could face long-term risks unless countries stick to recommended catch limits.
Waitrose said the decision in December by four of the coastal states which fish mackerel to cut catches by 48 per cent was a step forward, but did not meet Ices advice.
North-east Atlantic mackerel will no longer meet the supermarket’s responsible sourcing requirements in line with the Sustainable Seafood Coalition codes of conduct, the retailer said.
Jake Pickering, head of agriculture, aquaculture and fisheries at Waitrose, said: “By suspending sourcing of mackerel at Waitrose we are reinforcing our ethical and sustainable business commitments, acting to tackle overfishing and protect the long-term health of our oceans and this crucial fish.
“Our customers trust us to source responsibly, and we are closely monitoring the fishery.
“We look forward to bringing mackerel back to our shelves once it meets our high sourcing standards.”
As alternatives, Waitrose is launching a new range of fish products including hot smoked herring, hot smoked peppered herring and hot smoked sweetcure seabass, all of which are Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified.
The retailer said it would also introduce MSC-certified frozen sardines from May as a sustainable replacement for frozen mackerel, and plans to become the first retailer to sell 100 per cent MSC tinned sardines.
Waitrose said it would maintain its relationship with its mackerel suppliers and its new supply of herring, seabass, sardines and trout will be sourced through current supplier partnerships.
But there is currently no predetermined time-frame as to when Waitrose will start sourcing mackerel again.
Marija Rompani, director of ethics and sustainability at the John Lewis Partnership, said: “We believe sustainable food production must balance climate action, nature protection and responsible fish sourcing is fundamental to protecting our oceans.
“We will continue to work closely with suppliers and industry partners to support the recovery and responsible management of fish stocks.”
Charles Clover, co-founder of conservation charity Blue Marine Foundation, said mackerel – one of the largest remaining commercial fish stocks in the north-east Atlantic – had declined 75 per cent in the last 10 years because fishing nations, including the UK, had overfished it.
“They have put too little effort into the task of reaching agreement on a sharing arrangement – and some countries have been awarding themselves more quota than is justified by science,” he said.
“This crisis has been ignored for too long.
“We hope that this action by Waitrose sends it to the top of the political agenda. We call on other retailers to follow Waitrose’s example.”
The arrival of a salary credit message at the beginning of the month often brings a sense of relief and optimism, with many planning to save money or make long-delayed purchases. However, for a large number of salaried individuals, that confidence fades quickly as expenses begin to pile up. Rent, electricity bills, EMIs, online purchases, dining out and everyday spending gradually reduce bank balances, leaving many struggling by the third week of the month. (News18 Hindi)
Financial experts say that recurring cash shortages are often not caused by insufficient income but by poor money habits. Small and unnoticed mistakes in managing personal finances can gradually weaken long-term financial stability. The good news, experts note, is that these habits can be corrected with simple changes and better planning. (News18 Hindi)
1. One of the most common mistakes is the absence of a proper budget. Many people begin spending as soon as their salary is credited without deciding in advance how the money will be used. Without a clear spending plan, expenses tend to rise uncontrollably. Experts recommend allocating money for essential needs such as rent, groceries, utility bills and savings immediately after receiving a salary. Preparing a simple budget by listing fixed monthly expenses in a notebook or mobile app can help maintain financial discipline. (News18 Hindi)
2. Frequent small online purchases also contribute significantly to unnecessary spending. With doorstep deliveries and frequent discounts, cashback offers and flash sales, consumers often buy items that are not essential. While individual purchases may seem minor, repeated spending of a few hundred or thousand rupees can add up to a substantial amount by the end of the month. Financial planners advise clearly distinguishing between needs and wants before making purchases. (News18 Hindi)
3. Another major mistake is the absence of an emergency fund. Unexpected expenses such as medical bills, urgent travel or home repairs can disrupt monthly budgets. Without savings set aside for emergencies, many individuals rely on credit cards or loans, which can lead to debt and reduce the following month’s disposable income. Experts suggest building an emergency fund gradually, ideally covering at least three months of essential expenses. (News18 Hindi)
4. Saving only what remains at the end of the month is another common but ineffective approach. In most cases, little or no money is left after regular spending. Financial advisers recommend setting aside savings as soon as the salary is credited, a strategy often referred to as the “pay yourself first” principle. This method helps create a consistent saving habit. (News18 Hindi)
5. Spending to maintain a certain lifestyle is also a growing concern, particularly in the age of social media. The desire to match others’ lifestyles often leads to purchases such as expensive gadgets, branded clothing or frequent dining out, even when these expenses exceed one’s income. Experts warn that such spending patterns can increase financial stress and recommend aligning lifestyle choices with income and financial priorities. (News18 Hindi)
To improve financial discipline, experts advise reviewing expenses from the previous three months to understand spending patterns. Based on this assessment, individuals can create a simple plan that divides income into spending, saving and investing. Automated savings options such as Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) or recurring deposits can help ensure consistent saving. Even small financial changes, experts say, can lead to significant long-term benefits. (News18 Hindi)
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