Ohio’s Casino Control Commission withdrew from the National Council on Problem Gambling in June over the council’s relationship with prediction-market operator Kalshi, adding a third departure as other state bodies reassess their affiliations.
The Ohio regulator directly cited Kalshi’s NCPG membership in its decision. Interim Executive Director Andromeda Morrison wrote that, while she appreciated NCPG’s stated neutrality on gambling, its actions were not neutral. She said Kalshi’s involvement in unlicensed sports gaming in Ohio and unresolved regulatory and consumer-protection issues conflicted with responsible-gambling standards.
Morrison also argued that the relationship could confuse consumers about whether Kalshi offered protections equivalent to licensed sportsbooks. Ohio has asked NCPG to remove references to the commission; its personnel will no longer serve on the council’s board or attend future events. Global Gaming Insider reported that Ohio had fined Kalshi $5 million for offering unlicensed sports betting to residents a month before NCPG announced its partnership.
Michigan’s Gaming Control Board and the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling also left NCPG during the summer. Michigan said it could not remain associated with organisations affiliated with companies it considered engaged in illegal gambling. Nevada said Kalshi prompted its review, but framed its ultimate decision as one about the institutional independence needed for problem-gambling organisations to retain credibility.
Massachusetts has taken a different course. Its Gaming Commission discussed the withdrawals and Ohio’s decision, then voted unanimously, 5-0, to remain an NCPG member following a recommendation from its research and responsible gaming department. Commissioner Eileen O’Brien said the commission should monitor the issue because of overlap with matters it regulates and extensive litigation, while chairman Jordan Maynard said the council was “on notice” and that the question would return when the membership renewal arises.
The dispute stems from Kalshi’s May entry into NCPG as its first Platinum-level member in a new Financial Services & Trading subcategory. Kalshi committed $2 million over two years to support NCPG’s Financial Trader Health and Safety Initiative, which the council said would provide evidence-informed education and resources across evolving trading platforms.
NCPG said it remains neutral on the legality of particular gambling, wagering and prediction products. It described Kalshi as a federally regulated exchange and said its user safeguards include trading breaks, self-limits, self-exclusion and mental-health resources. The council said the investment would fund consumer education, awareness of problematic behaviour and responsible trading initiatives.
