Heather Maurer, executive director of the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), resigned in late September after controversy surrounding a $2 million donation from prediction market platform Kalshi. Maurer, who began her role in January, finalized the donation without board approval and required directors to sign nondisclosure agreements before disclosing the gift at an April conference, according to fortune.com.
The donation sparked internal conflict when board members questioned whether Kalshi had committed to funding safety measures or promoting addiction helplines. Maurer confirmed Kalshi had made no such commitments, leading to months of dissent within the organization. The turmoil culminated in Maurer's departure less than ten months into her tenure. Jaime Costello, NCPG’s director of programs, also resigned days earlier citing irreconcilable differences with leadership, as reported by fortune.com.
The resignations highlight tensions over how gambling addiction nonprofits engage with emerging betting platforms. Kalshi and similar services like Polymarket allow users aged 18 and older to trade contracts on various topics, with sports betting being the most popular. The growing prevalence of prediction markets in the U.S. has raised concerns about addiction risks and the adequacy of safety protocols, according to fortune.com.
The NCPG is the largest nonprofit dedicated to combating gambling addiction in the U.S. The leadership changes come amid increasing scrutiny of prediction market platforms and their role in gambling-related harm. Maurer’s resignation and the internal revolt underscore challenges nonprofits face in balancing funding sources with mission integrity, fortune.com reports.