The Ohio Casino Control Commission has withdrawn its membership from the National Council on Problem Gambling, becoming the third state gaming regulator confirmed to sever ties with the organization over its partnership with prediction market operator Kalshi.
News of the OCCC leaving the NCPG came to light at a Massachusetts Gaming Commission meeting last week where commissioners weighed a potential exit from the NCPG. It is the third confirmed group to end its membership with the NCPG, with the Michigan Gaming Control Board and the National Council on Problem Gambling leaving over the summer.
Ohio’s exit actually came first, with Interim Executive Director Andromeda Morrison sending the letter to end its membership with the NCPG in June, LSR confirmed.
“I regret this action is necessary but trust you will understand the Commission’s need to ensure that it is not associated with organizations that are affiliated with companies engaged in illegal gambling in Ohio,” Morrison wrote.
What the OCCC’s letter says
Kalshi cemented its partnership with the NCPG back in May with a $2 million investment, which came about a month after the Ohio regulator fined Kalshi $5 million. The OCCC argues that Kalshi is operating unlicensed sports betting and the unresolved regulatory issues and consumer protections “stands in direct conflict with the standards of any organization committed to responsible gambling principles.”
Morrison also cited the state’s ongoing litigation against Kalshi, claiming the prediction market is violating Ohio state law. It compared the operator to “any other black market sports betting platform.”
While NCPG has always maintained its neutrality on gambling, the OCCC believes otherwise.
“Instead, it seeks to legitimize an illegal sportsbook operating in Ohio and undercut the Commission’s efforts to eliminate this source of unlicensed gambling,” Morrison wrote. “At a minimum, it creates consumer confusion as to whether this prediction market platform carries the same protection as licensed sports books. It does not.”
The OCCC also asked NCPG to immediately remove all affiliation references, and said no OCCC employee will serve on its board or attend any events, including the annual conference.
Michigan and Nevada leave NCPG
The Michigan Gaming Control Board withdrew its membership from the NCPG in July, citing similar points to the OCCC. Michigan’s letter went further, warning that treating sports betting as a financial strategy fuels problem gambling.
“The notion that internet sports betting can and should be pursued as a viable means of financial gain or protection against financial loss undermines this position and increases the risk of irresponsible and problem gambling behavior,” Executive Director Henry Williams said in a statement.
The Nevada Council on Problem Gambling‘s executive director, Trey Delap, does not believe his organization and the NCPG are aligned.
Where Massachusetts stands
The MGC is remaining a member of the NCPG. However, that could change in the very near future.
Mark Vander Linden, MGC’s director of research and responsible gaming, outlined a recent conversation with NCPG leadership and recommended the commission maintain its membership, concluding the organization’s mission still aligns with MGC’s.
All of the commissioners agreed to keep the membership in the short term despite some pushback. Commissioner Nakisha Skinner said she leaned toward cutting ties but didn’t want to be “selective,” since regulated platforms in Massachusetts operate prediction markets, too.
Commissioner Eileen O’Brien also expressed her concerns over the money the NCPG accepted and the litigation surrounding prediction markets. She said there might be a time when the MGC has to sever ties “sooner rather than later.”
Chair Jordan Maynard left a parting message at the end of the discussion.
“NCPG should be on notice that anything we do and anything we’re a part of, we’re going to stand for our values,” he said. “We’re going to be who we are, and we’re not going to change just because somebody’s taking money from one of these prediction market companies. We’re going to hold their feet to the fire. I’m sure when our renewal comes up, we’re going to have another conversation.”
