Head of prominent gambling addiction nonprofit resigns over $2 million donation from Kalshi
NCPG executive director Heather Maurer resigned after accepting a $2 million Kalshi donation without board approval, sparking internal turmoil.Summary
Heather Maurer, executive director of the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), resigned in late September after facing backlash over accepting a $2 million donation from prediction market platform Kalshi. Maurer finalized the agreement without prior board approval and required directors to sign nondisclosure agreements before revealing the donation; when pressed, she acknowledged Kalshi had not agreed to fund safety measures or promote addiction helplines. Her departure came just days after NCPG programs director Jaime Costello resigned, citing a changed environment. The turmoil reflects broader concerns as prediction market betting grows rapidly in the U.S., with platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket valued above $20 billion, drawing scrutiny from regulators and addiction advocates. Several state problem-gambling organizations, including Washington's Evergreen Council, Ohio Casino Control Commission, Nevada Council, and Michigan Gaming Control Board, severed ties with NCPG over the donation. While donations from gambling companies like DraftKings and FanDuel are common, Kalshi's rejection of the gambling label and NCPG's creation of a separate donor category sparked particular controversy.
(Source：Fortune)