NCPG CEO Heather Maurer Resigns After Kalshi’s $2 Million Contribution

Heather Maurer will resign as chief executive of the National Council on Problem Gambling after less than 10 months in the role, as opposition to a $2 million contribution from prediction-market platform Kalshi prompted several state groups and regulators to cut ties.

The NCPG board announced Maurer’s resignation Sept. 26. She started Jan. 7 and will remain through Oct. 16 to help with the transition.

The dispute centers on Kalshi’s two-year, $2 million contribution. NCPG described the funds in a May 18 announcement as an “investment” in a program focused on the health and safety of financial-market traders. Kalshi also became the first platinum member of a new NCPG category for financial services and trading.

NCPG directors were presented with the contribution in April after signing confidentiality agreements. Board member Maureen Greeley said directors were told they could not require Kalshi to promote responsible-gambling measures or publicize the organization’s gambling helpline.

The contribution was close to one year of NCPG spending and was the organization’s second-largest donation in its history. NCPG previously subjected a $6.2 million contribution from the NFL in 2021 to a full board review.

The Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling in Washington state said NCPG accepted Kalshi’s funding without prior board review and approval. Evergreen ended its relationship with NCPG effective Sept. 17.

Gambling regulators in Michigan and Ohio, along with the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling, also ended their relationships with NCPG between July and September. All four organizations objected to NCPG’s decision to accept Kalshi’s contribution.

Kalshi said the partnership and new membership category were intended to protect traders because “all financial markets carry risk.” The company also said it was unfortunate that attention appeared focused on “optics and office politics” rather than consumer protection.

Kalshi has said it does not provide gambling. Its event contracts have faced broader regulatory scrutiny, including disputes over state oversight of sports-related contracts. A federal appeals court ruling allowing Kalshi to continue offering event contracts in Ohio and Tennessee preserved the company’s operations in both states.