NCPG Executive Director Resigns Following Kalshi Partnership Fallout

After several member agencies left the National Council on Problem Gambling over its partnership with the prediction market platform Kalshi, Heather Maurer resigned as executive director. 

Maurer will officially transition out of the position on October 16, and the organization is underway with a search for a replacement. 

“With the dedicated commitment and depth of experience of the NCPG staff, we are assured all of our advocacy, programs and services will carry on seamlessly during the search process,” said Board President Derek Longmeier. “The need for NCPG’s work to prevent and reduce gambling-related harm has never been greater, and we will continue to build on the strength of our partnerships with Affiliates, members, and donors to meet the challenges ahead.”

NCPG President Calls Prediction Markets 'Functionally Gambling'

According to Longmeier, in a memo attributed to him, prediction markets are "functionally gambling."

“People are experiencing real financial, emotional, and relationship consequences as a result of prediction markets,” Longmeier said. “The harm is not theoretical, and we cannot wait to act.

“NCPG exists not to litigate whether prediction markets or other emerging activities meet a legal definition of gambling, but to prevent and reduce gambling-related harm wherever it occurs.”

Kalshi Partnership Led to Member Departures

The partnership with Kalshi named the company the first member in the Financial Services & Trading Category on May 18. Kalshi also pledged $2 million in donations over two years to “support a strategic initiative focused on trader health and safety.”

Various members pushed back immediately, including the Michigan Gaming Control Board, which left, and the Ohio Casino Control Commission, which departed in June. In April, the OCCC fined Kalshi $5 million, and Michigan won an injunction against Kalshi to keep sports contracts out of the state. 

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission could also leave, too. Other organizations that have left include Birches Health and the Louisiana Department of Justice Problem Gambling Resource Services.