Opinion: NCPG Needs to Reassess Its Industry Funding Model After Ohio’s Exit
The Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) parted ways with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), joining state gaming regulators in Michigan and Nevada in opposing the organization's $2 million partnership with Kalshi.
OCCC Executive Director Andromeda Morrison told Legal Sports Report that Ohio was actually the first state to sever ties with the NCPG in June.
“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.
NCPG Overly Reliant on Gambling Industry Funds
Let’s put aside the debate about whether Kalshi offers sports betting for a moment. The overarching concern is how the NCPG can complete its goal to “minimize the economic and social costs associated with gambling addiction” when it largely relies on industry operators to fund the mission.
As far as recovering gambling addict Louis Ruggiero is concerned, it can’t. Ruggiero, host of the “Nothing’s Off the Table” podcast, has been outspoken in his criticism of the NCPG.
“The NCPG keeps saying a donation isn’t an endorsement,” Ruggiero told Gambling Insider earlier today. “Come on. Kalshi didn’t write that check out of the goodness of their heart. They bought a seat at the table with the one organization whose name means something in problem gambling. Ohio saw it, Michigan saw it, Nevada saw it. Three regulators don’t all walk out the door for no reason. Ohio did what any regulator with a spine should do.”
Earlier this summer, Ruggiero nutshelled it this way :
“You can’t hold the industry accountable when the industry is paying for the room. It’s that simple,” Ruggiero said. “The NCPG is supposed to be the national voice for problem gamblers. Instead, the people causing the problem are writing the checks and getting their logos on the banners.”
He added, “Nobody bites the hand that feeds them. So the criticism gets softer. The language gets friendlier. And the guy in crisis at 2 a.m. isn’t in the room. He’s not a sponsor.”
Bally’s, FanDuel, DraftKings, and Caesars were among the NCPG’s 2026 Annual Conference sponsors in Nashville this summer. NCPG Executive Director Heather L. Maurer says accepting funds from the gambling industry is necessary.
“These resources are critical because the US provides no dedicated federal funding for problem gambling prevention, treatment, or research — despite the federal government collecting tax revenue generated from legalized gambling, which continues to expand nationwide,” Maurer said. “This is in stark contrast to the billions of dollars invested each year in addressing alcohol, tobacco, and other substance use disorders.”
Crux of the Problem
The NCPG states on its home page that it is neutral on legalized gambling. The same, of course, can’t be said by operators that utilize VIP programs to “reward” high rollers who suffer from gambling addiction.
Former trial attorney Chris Swett lost a lucrative career and is awaiting a federal prison sentence because of the disease. When we spoke this summer, Swett said that he tried to quit on several occasions, like many others, including Ruggiero.
“I’d quit for a week or two, and I’d get an email from my host with offers, whether it be sporting events or just offers for free entries,” he said.
There is an inherent paradox in operators providing the majority of the NCPG’s lifeblood to prevent gambling harms.
“A sponsorship isn’t a commitment,” Ruggiero said. “It’s a receipt. It’s what they point to when a regulator or a reporter comes asking questions. If they were committed to responsible gambling, their business model wouldn’t depend on the people who can’t stop.”
September is responsible gambling month, and somebody needs to take responsibility for a system that’s clearly broken.
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