The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has decided to sever ties with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) following the nonprofit’s establishment of a specialized membership category that permitted Kalshi to join as a partner and contribute $2 million.
The MGCB claims that Kalshi is operating a sports betting platform unlawfully within Michigan. In late June, the board obtained a temporary restraining order from the Ingham County Circuit Court, mandating Kalshi to halt its sports trading activities. However, the federally regulated platform has failed to comply, asserting that it functions as a financial trading exchange rather than a gambling operation.
The NCPG, the foremost national nonprofit aimed at reducing the social and economic impacts of gambling addiction, created the Financial Services & Trading membership category, facilitating Kalshi’s entry into the organization. The membership was accompanied by a $2 million donation to support a “strategic initiative” centered on enhancing “trader health and safety.”
MGCB Withdrawal from NCPG
Kalshi’s collaboration with the nonprofit focused on combating gambling issues, despite the argument that it serves as a speculative financial tool, has raised significant concerns. In response, the NCPG issued a statement to clarify its position, highlighting its obligation to acknowledge new products that might introduce addiction risks.
“As a public health organization, it is our duty to comprehend these risks, advocate for consumer protections, promote education and research, and ensure that individuals can access support when required,” stated Heather Maurer, Executive Director of the NCPG.
The MGCB dismissed the NCPG’s assertions, arguing that the organization is facilitating Kalshi’s broader agenda to “transform” the gambling sector.
“I am extremely concerned that Kalshi’s efforts to differentiate sporting event contracts from other forms of sports betting by suggesting that its offerings are similar to ‘investment’ or ‘insurance’ products directly contradict the core message of responsible gaming: that gambling, in any form, is solely for entertainment. The idea that internet sports betting can be viewed as a valid means of financial profit or safeguard against financial loss diminishes this principle and elevates the risk of irresponsible gambling behavior,” expressed Henry Williams, the executive director of the MGCB.
“I have determined that maintaining our NCPG membership conflicts with the MGCB’s mission, statutory duties, and commitment to responsible gaming and safeguarding the public from the dangers of gambling addiction in Michigan,” Williams remarked further. “I regret the necessity of this action, but trust you understand the MGCB’s imperative to dissociate from organizations linked with companies participating in illegal gambling activities.”
NCPG Conference Update
The MGCB informed the NCPG of its withdrawal from the upcoming Annual Conference 2026, scheduled for July 22-24 in Nashville.
Multiple sessions will delve into prediction markets, including a forum titled “Emerging Technologies, Markets, and Gambling-Related Harms,” and a presentation by Ray Cho called “Revisiting the Legal Definition of ‘Gambling’ in the Era of Prediction Markets.” Cho serves as the project coordinator at the Rutgers Center for Gambling Studies.