Gambling addiction nonprofit leader steps down after Kalshi donation controversy
Heather Maurer, executive director of the National Council on Problem Gambling, resigned after accepting a $2 million donation from prediction market Kalshi without prior board approval. She required board members to sign nondisclosure agreements before revealing the donation, and when asked whether Kalshi would fund safety measures, she said it had not. Several state problem-gambling organizations and regulators cut ties with the NCPG over the donation.
Heather Maurer became NCPG executive director in January and left less than ten months later. She completed the $2 million Kalshi deal without board approval and had directors sign confidentiality agreements before disclosing it at an April conference. Directors learned Kalshi had not committed to fund safeguards or promote helplines.
Jaime Costello, NCPG's programs director, resigned days before Maurer, citing leadership differences. State groups and regulators—including Washington's Evergreen Council, Ohio Casino Control Commission, Nevada Council on Problem Gambling, and Michigan Gaming Control Board—ended affiliations, all citing the Kalshi donation. Kalshi and Polymarket allow 18-year-olds to trade contracts, mostly sports-related, and each has topped $20 billion valuations.
The episode may affect trust in problem-gambling nonprofits, especially if donors from prediction markets seek influence without public safeguards. State agencies and local councils that severed ties could leave gaps in referrals or prevention coordination, though other funders may fill them. Young adult traders, who can use these platforms, might face added addiction risk if helpline promotion and safety measures remain limited. Regulators and tribes may continue debating oversight.