Michigan Gaming Control Board Ends NCPG Membership Over Kalshi Affiliation

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) is parting ways with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) after the national nonprofit formed a membership subcategory to allow Kalshi to become a partner and make a $2 million donation.

The MGCB contends that Kalshi operates an illegal sports betting platform in Michigan. In late June, the gaming regulator secured a temporary restraining order from the Ingham County Circuit Court ordering the prediction market to temporarily cease operating sports trading, though the federally regulated platform has not complied on claims that it’s a financial trading exchange–not a gambling enterprise.

Meanwhile, the NCPG, the only national nonprofit that seeks to minimize the economic and social costs associated with gambling addiction, formed the Financial Services & Trading membership subcategory to allow Kalshi to join the organization. Kalshi’s membership came with a $2 million contribution for the NCPG to support a “strategic initiative” focused on “trader health and safety.”

MGCB Exits NCPG

Kalshi’s alignment with the nonprofit that’s dedicated to combatting problem gambling, despite its long-running argument that it’s a speculative financial instrument, raised eyebrows. Pushback resulted in the NCPG issuing a statement seeking to clarify the relationship, with the organization saying it has the responsibility to recognize new products that may present addiction risks.

“As a public health organization, we believe it is our responsibility to understand those risks, promote consumer protections, advance education and research, and ensure that people have access to support when they need it,” said NCPG Executive Director Heather Maurer.

The MGCB refuted the organization’s claims, arguing that the NCPG is aiding in Kalshi’s broader strategy to “remake” the gambling industry.

“I am deeply concerned that Kalshi’s attempts to distinguish sporting event contracts from other forms of sports betting by claiming that its offerings are akin to ‘investment’ or ‘insurance’ products directly undermines a foundational message of responsible gaming: that gambling in any form is for entertainment purposes only. The notion that internet sports betting can and should be pursued as a viable means of financial gain or protection against financial loss undermines this position and increases the risk of irresponsible and problem gambling behavior,” wrote Henry Williams, the executive director of the MGCB.

“I have concluded that continuing our NCPG membership is inconsistent with the MGCB’s mission, statutory responsibilities, and its commitment to responsible gaming and to protecting the public from the risks of problem gambling in Michigan,” Williams continued. “I regret that this action is necessary but trust you understand the MGCB’s need to ensure that it is not associated with organizations that are affiliated with companies engaged in illegal gambling.”

NCPG Conference

The MGCB told the NCPG it would no longer be attending the responsible gambling organization’s Annual Conference 2026, which is set for July 22-24 in Nashville.  

Several events will discuss prediction markets, including a conversation called “Emerging Technologies, Markets, and Gambling-Related Harms,” and a talk from Ray Cho titled “Revisiting the Legal Definition of ‘Gambling’ in the Era of Prediction Markets.” Cho is the project coordinator at the Rutgers Center for Gambling Studies.