Head of prominent gambling addiction nonprofit resigns over $2 million donation from Kalshi

The executive director of the National Council on Problem Gambling resigned after accepting a $2 million donation from Kalshi, a prediction market platform, according to a recent Barron’s report. Heather Maurer, who had only been in her position for ten months, made the donation without board approval and required directors to sign nondisclosure agreements before the announcement was made at an April conference.

When directors questioned whether Kalshi would fund safety measures or promote addiction helplines, she admitted that the platform had not made such commitments. This decision led to internal dissent and her resignation, just days after another director also left the organization due to differences with leadership. The controversy has intensified as betting on prediction markets has surged in the United States, with major platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket operating with user ages as low as 18.

These platforms have seen rapid growth, reaching valuations above $20 billion, while also facing regulatory challenges and criticism from sports leagues and addiction advocates. The National Council on Problem Gambling has also experienced fallout from state problem-gambling organizations and regulators, resulting in affiliations being terminated.

While donations from gambling platforms to nonprofits are not uncommon, Kalshi's $2 million donation was particularly contentious as the platform denied being a gambling entity, leading the National Council to create a separate category for its donation. This decision resulted in additional safeguards not being provided to Kalshi, unlike other regulated sportsbooks.