Colorado Lottery transitions to new national gambling helpline
The Colorado Lottery is transitioning to the National Council on Problem Gambling’s (NCPG) new 1-800-MY-RESET helpline, replacing the long-established 1-800-GAMBLER number across its communications as part of a nationwide shift in responsible gambling support. The move follows a legal dispute that ended the NCPG’s right to use the 1-800-GAMBLER brand and comes as the organisation seeks to establish a single national point of contact for people seeking gambling-related support.
The Lottery announced that both helpline numbers remain active and valid for people requiring support services, although 1-800-GAMBLER will gradually be removed from Colorado Lottery products, promotional materials and communications as the rollout progresses.
“There has been a change at the national level, and the Colorado Lottery is making the change to remain consistent with our alignment with the National Council on Problem Gambling,” said Tom Seaver, Senior Director of the Colorado Lottery. Seaver said, “Players can find the support they need by calling either number at this time.”
Lottery reinforces responsible gambling commitment
The Colorado Lottery said the transition to 1-800-MY-RESET is part of its ongoing commitment to positive play and player health. According to the Lottery, player health is integrated into its operations through game design, communications and resources that help players make informed decisions about lottery play.
During the transition, both 1-800-MY-RESET and 1-800-GAMBLER will remain active. The Lottery said both helplines provide free and confidential support, connecting players with information, support services and treatment referrals.
The organisation also highlighted its responsible gambling credentials, noting that it is among the few lotteries in the United States to employ a full-time dedicated Player Health Manager. It has also achieved the highest sustaining level under the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries (NASPL) and NCPG Responsible Gambling Framework programme. Previously, it attained Level 4 Responsible Gaming Certification from the World Lottery Association.
Established in 1983, the Colorado Lottery operates under three pillars: revenue, conservation and responsibility. Since its launch, it has returned more than $4.6 billion to outdoor projects through Great Outdoors Colorado, the Conservation Trust Fund and Colorado Parks and Wildlife, while lottery proceeds also support programmes including the Outdoor Equity Grant Program and Building Excellent Schools Today.
Regulator continues to reference 1-800-GAMBLER
The Lottery’s decision differs from the approach currently taken by the Colorado Division of Gaming.
In September 2025, the Division of Gaming instructed gaming operators and licence holders to continue using 1-800-GAMBLER until further notice. As of July 2026, the regulator continues to promote the number through its Bet Smart Colorado website, meaning both national helpline brands remain visible within the state depending on the agency or organisation providing the responsible gambling information.
The Colorado Lottery has nevertheless opted to move ahead with promoting 1-800-MY-RESET while maintaining that either number remains operational during the transition period.
As responsible gambling initiatives continue to evolve across the United States, players looking to learn more about regulated online gaming can also explore top-rated online casinos for information on licensed platforms, responsible gaming tools and safer gambling practices.
Court ruling prompted nationwide change
The introduction of 1-800-MY-RESET follows a legal dispute between the NCPG and the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ), which has owned the 1-800-GAMBLER telephone number since the 1980s.
The CCGNJ licensed the 1-800-GAMBLER helpline to the NCPG under a three-year agreement signed in 2022. After the agreement expired in May 2025 and the organisations failed to agree on new licensing terms, the matter was taken to court.
According to court filings, the NCPG attempted to exercise an option to extend its existing agreement and obtained a temporary restraining order preventing the CCGNJ from blocking its continued use of the helpline. The CCGNJ subsequently challenged the order, arguing that the NCPG no longer had the right to use the number after rejecting a proposed licensing agreement.
In September 2025, a Superior Court ruled that the CCGNJ held the exclusive rights to the 1-800-GAMBLER name and helpline. The decision required the NCPG to discontinue its use of the number.
NCPG launched new national helpline
In response to the court decision, the NCPG introduced 1-800-MY-RESET in January 2026 as its new National Problem Gambling Helpline. The organisation said the new number was selected because it is easier to remember and provides a neutral, non-stigmatising point of access for people seeking help at any stage of their relationship with gambling.
Rather than providing treatment directly, the service connects callers, as well as people using text or live chat, to local problem gambling resources through a network of 24 contact centres serving all 50 states. The helpline operates around the clock and offers free, confidential support.
Announcing the launch in January, Derek Longmeier, President of the NCPG Board of Directors, said: “Problem gambling support should never be limited to a single moment or a single definition of harm.”
“1-800-MY-RESET reinforces that the National Problem Gambling Helpline is available at any stage, whether someone is worried about themselves, concerned about a family member, or simply looking for trusted guidance. Making the Helpline number easier to remember is a practical, meaningful step toward reducing barriers to care.”
NCPG Executive Director Heather L. Maurer added that greater accessibility was becoming increasingly important as gambling expanded across the country.
“With gambling now more accessible than ever, the National Problem Gambling Helpline is a critical lifeline,” she said. “Making the number easier to remember helps ensure people across the country can quickly connect with high-quality, confidential support when they need it.”
According to NCPG research, nearly 20 million adults in the United States reported experiencing at least one indicator of gambling-related harm during the previous year. The organisation has said broader adoption of 1-800-MY-RESET will vary across jurisdictions because of differing state regulatory requirements, with education and awareness campaigns scheduled to continue throughout 2026 and 2027.
Colorado’s decision to begin replacing 1-800-GAMBLER with 1-800-MY-RESET makes it one of the first lottery organisations to publicly align its responsible gambling communications with the NCPG’s new national helpline following the legal dispute.
The fuse is lit in Mexico City. SiGMA North America from 01–03 Sept 2026. 4,000 delegates. Three days of deals, insight, and startup sparks. Lead from the front and book your spot.
