TLDR The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) named Kalshi as the first member of its new Financial Services & Trading group. Minnesota Senator John Marty is asking NCPG to end what he calls an “unholy alliance” with Kalshi. The Michigan Gaming Control Board and the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling have both cut ties with NCPG. Kalshi’s $2 million donation is far more than NCPG’s usual $15,000 to $100,000 membership fees, raising questions about how the money will be used. NCPG says prediction markets are “functionally gambling” and defends its choice to work with Kalshi.
A group meant to help people with gambling problems is facing pushback over its relationship with a prediction market company.
The National Council on Problem Gambling added Kalshi as the first member of a new category called the Financial Services & Trading vertical. That happened almost three months ago. Since then, criticism has grown from state affiliates, a lawmaker, and former partners.
A Lawmaker Speaks Out
Minnesota State Senator John Marty sent a letter to NCPG executive director Heather Maurer on July 28. He asked her to end the group’s relationship with Kalshi.
Marty called the partnership an “unholy alliance.” He said it goes against NCPG’s mission to reduce gambling harm.
Marty said he understands NCPG needs funding from the gambling industry. But he said Kalshi is different because it operates without the same oversight as licensed gambling companies.
He also pointed to Michigan’s decision to leave NCPG. Michigan Gaming Control Board executive director Henry Williams sent his own letter in July. He said Kalshi is trying to change the gambling industry by avoiding rules that protect consumers.
States Question the Money
Josh Ercole leads Pennsylvania’s Council on Compulsive Gambling, which is still an NCPG affiliate. He said the Kalshi deal