What happened
The NCPG published a statement this week saying prediction markets are "functionally gambling" and expose consumers to the same risks and harms as traditional gambling. Board president Derek Longmeier cited a Harris Poll, conducted on behalf of the NCPG, finding that 85 percent of Americans agree people can develop unhealthy or addictive behaviors on prediction market platforms.
The statement has a history. In June 2026 Kalshi donated $2 million to the NCPG. The council then created a Financial Trader Health and Safety Initiative and a financial services subcategory for the company.
Jaime Costello, the NCPG's director of programs, resigned after the statement. The Nevada chapter ended its affiliation in August. The Michigan and Ohio gaming regulatory boards cut ties. The Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling ended a 35-year affiliation. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission considered leaving and is still monitoring.
Why it matters
A problem gambling nonprofit has now been paid by the product, poll-tested the product, and named the product, in that order, and lost staff and members at each step. The source does not say what the $2 million was for. It does say what it got named.
For poker, the fight matters because prediction markets keep arguing they are not gambling while the group that took their money says they are.
