The Colorado Lottery is replacing the 1-800-GAMBLER responsible gambling helpline with the new 1-800-MY-RESET number across its products and promotional materials. The change aligns with the National Council on Problem Gambling’s nationwide transition to the new support line.
The Colorado Lottery’s decision to promote 1-800-MY-RESET stems from a dispute over who controls the longstanding 1-800-GAMBLER helpline. The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ), which has owned the number for decades, licensed it to the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) under an agreement that expired in May 2025.
When negotiations over a new licensing deal broke down, both organizations turned to the courts. In September 2025, Judge Douglas H. Hurd ruled that the CCGNJ retained the exclusive rights to the 1-800-GAMBLER name and hotline, preventing the NCPG from continuing to use it.
Following the ruling, the NCPG introduced 1-800-MY-RESET as its new nationwide responsible gambling helpline in January 2026. Although the transition briefly resulted in multiple national and state helpline numbers being promoted simultaneously, more organizations have begun updating their responsible gambling materials to feature the new service.
By formally adopting 1-800-MY-RESET, the Colorado Lottery is helping eliminate uncertainty about which national responsible gambling helpline players should use. During the transition away from 1-800-GAMBLER, the coexistence of multiple national and state-specific support numbers created the potential for confusion. Updating its products and promotional materials provides players with a single point of contact.
The change also comes as concerns about problem gambling continue to grow alongside the expansion of legal sports betting and online gaming across the U.S. As more people gain access to gambling, making support services easy to find is especially important for responsible gambling efforts. Clear, consistent messaging can help ensure that individuals seeking assistance are able to connect with the appropriate resources without unnecessary delays.
Colorado’s adoption of 1-800-MY-RESET may serve as a blueprint for other jurisdictions that have not yet updated their responsible gambling messaging. Several states, including Michigan, Maryland, West Virginia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Illinois, continue to reference 1-800-GAMBLER in regulatory guidance or official responsible gambling materials, reflecting the gradual nature of the nationwide transition.
As regulators review and update their responsible gambling policies, adopting a consistent national helpline could help reduce confusion for players seeking assistance.
The 1-800-MY-RESET helpline is operated by the NCPG and serves as a national entry point for people seeking help with gambling-related issues. Rather than providing treatment directly, the service connects users with 24/7 access through call, text, or live chat with local problem gambling resources and support providers in all 50 states.
According to the NCPG, 1-800-MY-RESET was selected because it is easier to remember and is intended to offer a clear, consistent pathway for nationwide support. The organization says the name is designed to be welcoming and non-stigmatizing, encouraging people to seek help at any stage of their relationship with gambling, whether they are concerned about their own behavior or that of a family member or friend.
