31 PUBLIC GAMING INTERNATIONAL • JULY/AUGUST 2026 Michigan Gaming Control Board Ends NCPG Membership Over Kalshi Affiliation The MGCB will also skip the NCPG's annual conference, citing concerns over the organization's growing ties to prediction markets. The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) is parting ways with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) after the national nonprofit formed a membership subcategory to allow Kalshi to become a partner and make a $2 million donation. The MGCB contends that Kalshi operates an illegal sports betting platform in Michigan. The gaming regulator secured a temporary restraining order for the prediction market to temporarily cease operating sports trading, though the federally regulated platform has not complied, claiming that it is a “financial trading exchange” and not a gambling enterprise. The NCPG formed the Financial Services & Trading membership subcategory to allow Kalshi to join the organization. Kalshi’s membership came with a $2 million contribution for the NCPG to support a “strategic initiative” focused on “trader health and safety.” Some are wondering why Kalshi is contributing $2 million to combat problem gambling when it claims it is not even a gambling platform. “I am deeply concerned that Kalshi’s attempts to distinguish sporting event contracts from other forms of sports betting by claiming that its offerings are akin to ‘investment’ or ‘insurance’ products directly undermines a foundational message of responsible gaming: that gambling in any form is for entertainment purposes only. The notion that internet sports betting can and should be pursued as a viable means of financial gain or protection against financial loss undermines this position and increases the risk of irresponsible and problem gambling behavior,” wrote Henry Williams, the executive director of the MGCB. n Paul Jason, PGRI: Kalshi donated $2 million to NCPG. What is the largest donation previously received by any corporate member or organization? Or, any info that you are able/ willing to share about the sizes of other membership donations. And, if it is the case that no other donations are anywhere near the $2 million donated by Kalshi, does that create the appearance that financial support may have influenced NCPG's decision to admit Kalshi as a member? Heather Maurer: Kalshi’s donation in the cohort of our highest-level partners supporting NCPG’s operations, sustainability, growth, and innovation towards responsible gambling is not the first seven figure contribution. We also receive generous support from the NFL Foundation, sports leagues, and casino and sportsbook operators. Contributions, sponsorships, membership dues, grants, and donations support our mission and programs, but they do not provide donors or members with authority over NCPG’s governance, policy positions, educational content, research priorities, advocacy efforts, strategic direction, or organizational decisions. Additionally, NCPG membership does not constitute an endorsement of any organization or their products, services, business practices, or policy positions. How would you defend NCPG's decision to admit as a member a company whose sportsevent "contracts" have been challenged by states as unlawful or made the subject of cease-and-desist orders or litigation by at least 18 state attorneys general and gaming regulators? H. Maurer: NCPG cannot wait until every gambling-related challenge is solved before addressing emerging risks; our responsibility is to identify potential harms early and act to mitigate them before they become larger public health problems. Our mission is to reduce gambling-related harm wherever it emerges, and evidence suggests modern trading environments can create risks that warrant a public health response. NCPG emphasizes that trading event contracts on prediction markets is functionally gambling, regardless of how it is legally defined. As such, these activities carry real risk of gambling-related harm and must include strong, consistent consumer protections. The concern is significant enough that NCPG has identified a gap in national infrastructure dedicated to education and responsible trading practices specific to financial markets, and is actively working to address it. NCPG remains neutral on the legalization of prediction markets and event contracts, consistent with its founding principle of neutrality on gambling legalization. This neutrality allows NCPG to convene diverse stakeholders — regulators, platforms, researchers, and public health leaders — and advance balanced, collaborative solutions. NCPG does not advocate for or against the legalization of these markets, but to ensure that responsible participation practices and consumer protections evolve alongside them. Kalshi maintains that these contracts are federally regulated financial instruments rather than sports betting, while numerous state regulators argue they constitute gambling and therefore subject to state gaming laws. Does NCPG agree with Kalshi's legal position and thereby disagree with the position taken by those state attorneys general and gaming regulators? H. Maurer: NCPG recognizes that the regulatory landscape for prediction markets is complex and still evolving, with overlapping federal and state considerations. While we remain neutral on which framework should prevail, our position is clear: the need for consumer protections, education, promotion of the National Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-MY-RESET), and access to support resources exists immediately. And if Kalshi's products are not gambling, why did Kalshi seek membership in the National Council on Problem Gambling and make a $2 million contribution to support its work? What is NCPG position on these questions? H. Maurer: We cannot speak on Kalshi’s behalf, but appreciate their willingness to participate in the protection of anyone who seeks help when utilizing platforms that involve financial risk. NCPG will continue to work with all stakeholders committed to reducing gamblingrelated harm, expanding access to prevention, treatment, recovery, and support services, and advancing evidence-informed public health solutions for all individuals affected by gambling-related harm. n PGRI INTERVIEWS Heather L. Maurer, Executive Director National Council on Problem Gambling
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