NCPG Accepts $2 Million Commitment from Kalshi, Stands Firm on Predictions Markets

NCPG accepted a funding commitment of $2 million from Kalshi in May and states that this has not changed its position on prediction markets. The organization reiterates that it considers the purchase of event contracts to be 'functionally gambling' and insists on the need for safeguards such as self-exclusion, age verification, and direct access to help; additionally, it has received contacts to the national help line related to these products.

NCPG, Kalshi, and the $2 Million Commitment

The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) incorporated Kalshi as its first member in the Financial Services & Trading category in May and announced a commitment of $2 million to be distributed over two years to support the organization’s work. Nevertheless, NCPG emphasizes that its position on prediction markets existed prior to this relationship. Cait Huble, Director of Public Affairs, stated to NEXTPredict.io:

“NCPG maintains a strong firewall between its donors and its work. Financial support does not grant any donor or member influence over NCPG’s positions or priorities.” — Cait Huble, Director of Public Affairs

Huble cited the public comment that NCPG submitted to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) in April, where it stated that the purchase of event contracts constitutes functional gambling and carries potential risks related to gambling.

Why NCPG Continues to Classify Contracts as Gambling (NCPG Kalshi in Discussion)

NCPG argues that the growing accessibility and expansion of prediction markets necessitate that safeguards and consumer resources advance in parallel. On September 22, the organization issued a statement — signed by Board Chairman Derek Longmeier — warning that the rapid growth of these products has outpaced the available protections, especially among young adults and new users.

Kalshi has rejected this characterization. A spokesperson for Kalshi responded to the September 22 statement by saying that the exchange offers 'industry-leading protections and resources for traders' and that, while they disagree with NCPG, they welcome dialogue. Huble noted that this difference in opinion does not impede collaboration in areas of common ground: consumer education, safeguards, and harm reduction.

Concrete Signs of Harm and Calls to the National Help Line

NCPG has detected effects on real users. Huble indicated that the National Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-MY-RESET) has received contacts related to prediction markets, which the organization sees as direct evidence that people are already experiencing negative consequences.

Huble also pointed to studies and data showing an increasing perception of high-risk financial activities — including prediction markets — as ways to invest or create wealth, rather than merely as entertainment. 'These indicators reinforce what we see in practice: harm is not theoretical; people are experiencing it today,' she said.

Safeguards NCPG Demands for Prediction Markets

In its statement of September 22, NCPG called for several measures that should be standard on event contract platforms:

• self-exclusion options and cross-exclusion tools;

• minimum age verification;

• clear risk disclosures;

• direct access to resources for problem gambling.

Operators have responded by implementing tools. Kalshi has deployed a responsible trading program that includes trading pauses, personalized funding limits, access to support through Birches Health, and a dedicated hub. In May, it introduced a 'Health Check' system that detects signs of potentially harmful activity and suggests personalized deposit limits; it also added the 'Inner Circle' feature for family or friends to view trading activity. Kalshi additionally integrates a cross-exclusion tool with IC360.

Other operators have adopted similar measures. Novig requires 21 years or older, deposit and loss limits, cooling-off periods, and self-exclusion. Platforms tied to sports betting houses have extended their responsible gambling frameworks: DraftKings applies user education, deposit limits, and self-exclusion; FanDuel Predicts offers limits, alerts, and self-exclusion.

Institutional Reactions and Member Exits Following Kalshi Relationship

The relationship with Kalshi has led to tangible consequences for NCPG: several public and private entities have severed ties or withdrawn. The Michigan Gaming Control Board and the Ohio Casino Control Commission withdrew from NCPG citing concerns over the agreement with Kalshi; the withdrawal from Ohio appears in materials from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission dated September 10. Regulators in Massachusetts considered leaving NCPG but voted to remain members for now.

The Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling of Washington left the organization in a letter dated September 16, citing 'unresolved' concerns about the agreement with Kalshi and about the governance and transparency of NCPG. The gaming provider Aristocrat announced it is 'withdrawing' from NCPG due to the acceptance of substantial funding from a prediction markets platform and stated it would increase its support for state councils such as the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling and the Oklahoma Association on Problem and Compulsive Gambling & Gaming.

NCPG acknowledges the criticisms. Huble stated that the organization values the perspectives of members and affiliates and takes that feedback seriously, while maintaining its responsibility to focus on work that has the greatest impact in mitigating harm.

Leadership Turnover and Context of Recent Resignations

The controversy coincided with turnover in NCPG’s leadership, fueling speculation about whether the disagreement with Kalshi was behind the instability. Executive Director Heather Maurer announced her resignation after less than a year in office; she assumed the role on January 7. Jaime Costello, Director of Programs, also resigned and later explained that her departure was tied to workplace culture and values, without attributing her departure to actions against NCPG.

Huble insists that there is no public evidence linking all staff departures to the relationship with Kalshi and that the policy of separation between financial support and public positions applies to all organizations that contribute to NCPG.

What This Means for Regulators and Operators

The dispute illustrates a practical point for regulators and operators: accepting funding from the prediction markets sector may have a reputational cost and provoke reactions from state regulators and affiliated organizations. At the same time, operators are expanding protective measures that NCPG has requested. Public discussions with the CFTC and NCPG statements indicate that the regulatory debate over how to classify and regulate event contracts will continue.