NBA, WNBA, NCPG Launch New Responsible Gambling Campaign

The top pro basketball leagues in the US are joining forces to step up their fight against problem gambling.

The NBA and WNBA have partnered with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) to launch a new responsible gambling campaign. It will debut when the NBA season kicks off next week and will run on its networks and local broadcasts. It will cover both bettors using sportsbooks and prediction markets.

FanDuel and DraftKings, the betting partners for both leagues, aren't participating in the campaign.

Campaign Promotes Awareness

The new responsible gambling campaign isn’t meant to deter bettors; it's meant to raise awareness. It aims to inform bettors about the real dangers of problem gambling and the importance of building smart wagering habits.

Derek Longmeier, President of the NCPG’s Board of Directors, emphasized the importance of awareness in an NBA press release.

“Awareness is an important first step in preventing gambling-related harm. We’re proud to support a campaign that brings greater visibility to the risks of sports betting and prediction markets and puts education at the forefront, helping fans better understand the potential for harm and the resources available to those who may need help.”

Focus on Young Bettors

The new campaign from the leagues and NCPG will target all bettors, with a focus on young adults. The hope is to help ensure the group fully understands sports betting either before or soon after they can legally gamble. 

Building good habits at a young age can help bettors avoid large financial losses, addiction, and a significantly negative impact on their mental health. While it won’t be enough to save everyone dealing with compulsive gambling, it could finally bring an end to the steady growth of the issue in the US.

Big Win for NCPG

The NCPG’s new campaign shows that the group isn’t slowing down amid the controversy it's faced over the last year.

Things turned south for the group in August 2025, when the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey ended the national group’s lease to operate the 1-800-GAMBLER hotline. While the NCPG attempted to force the issue in court, the CCGNJ ultimately won and operates the hotline today. 

In May 2026, the NCPG admitted Kalshi as its first prediction market member. As a result, several state-level groups that oppose the controversial industry ended their memberships. 

The new campaign with the NBA and WNBA marks a much-needed win for the NCPG, showing that promoting responsible gambling remains at the forefront.