Published on: May 18, 2026, 11:47h.
Updated on: May 18, 2026, 11:47h.
- Kalshi partners with the National Council on Problem Gambling to advocate for responsible trading practices.
- Kalshi asserts it operates as a financial instrument rather than a gambling establishment.
- Kalshi’s sports trading platforms have faced criticism within the gaming sector.
Kalshi refutes allegations that its sports trading platforms are equivalent to gambling. Nevertheless, the frontrunner in prediction markets is collaborating with the sole national nonprofit focused on combating gambling-related issues.
On Monday, the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) introduced Kalshi as its newest affiliate. To align with Kalshi’s assertion of not being a gambling operator, the NCPG, based in Washington D.C., has launched the Financial Services & Trading Subcategory.
“At Kalshi, we recognize the potential of prediction markets and acknowledge the risks associated, similar to any financial trading products. As these markets evolve, we are dedicated to establishing a benchmark for responsible trading, investing in tools, education, and protection measures to ensure safe participation and customer welfare. We aspire that all trading platforms with significant retail engagement will embrace this standard over time,” stated Tarek Mansour, co-founder and CEO of Kalshi.
“The NCPG’s mission has consistently been to reduce harm by enhancing education, awareness, and comprehension of high-risk behaviors while ensuring access to reliable, scientific, and evidence-supported information and healthcare options,” remarked Heather Maurer, Executive Director of NCPG. “Innovation and responsibility must progress concurrently. Kalshi’s involvement showcases a proactive approach to harm prevention and guarantees support resources are readily available when necessary.”
Exclusion of Sports Trading
Prediction markets are federally supervised trading platforms that traditionally manage agricultural commodities, foreign currencies, government bonds, and other binary yes/no event forecasts. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has faced criticism from federal and state lawmakers, gaming regulators, and attorneys general for permitting prediction markets to engage in sports trading.
According to the CFTC, these markets allow participants to leverage their knowledge and anticipations regarding sporting events for financial benefits. Detractors argue that sports trading is merely a form of sports betting.
Kalshi’s contribution includes a two-year, $2 million investment aimed at supporting a “strategic initiative” targeting “trader health and safety.” Interestingly, the NCPG’s announcement notably avoided tackling the controversy surrounding sports prediction markets.
Instead, the nonprofit seemingly categorized sports markets under “other products,” with the term “sports” absent from the extensive 600-plus word announcement regarding Kalshi’s sponsorship.
“Over the past decade, the landscape of financial markets has significantly broadened, attracting a mix of participants, including retail traders who now engage in established and emerging markets such as equity trading, stock and index options, cryptocurrencies, leveraged commodity futures, prediction markets, and more,” the NCPG statement elaborated.
Kalshi’s support will facilitate the Financial Trader Health and Safety Initiative, which aims to enhance education and awareness regarding responsible trading through the creation of practical, evidence-based resources that evolve alongside these rapidly changing platforms.
Kalshi’s partnership comes on the heels of the NCPG’s statement asserting that prediction markets present “similar levels of risk to consumers as traditional sports betting.” The NCPG recommended that prediction markets integrate the 1-800-MY-REST National Problem Gambling Helpline within their platforms.
As of now, Kalshi has yet to comply with this recommendation.
NCPG Membership Fees
Along with the $2 million contribution, Kalshi, as a Platinum Corporation Member of the NCPG, will also remit annual dues ranging from $8,000 to $15,000.
Current members encompass Bally’s, BetMGM, Caesars Entertainment, DraftKings, Fanatics, FanDuel, Las Vegas Sands, MGM Resorts, and Penn Entertainment.