Particular embodiments provide intelligent overload control for contact centers. In one embodiment, an overload condition at a contact center is determined. When the overload condition exists, a contact evaluation metric for a connection to a contact is determined. The contact evaluation metric may evaluate the value of a contact, such as whether the contact is a high-value or low-value contact. An action to perform for the contact is then determined based on the contact evaluation metric. For example, if the contact is considered a high-value contact, then the contact may be serviced; however, if the contact is considered a low-value contact, then the contact may be gapped.