In the first of a brand new GI Huddle series, Gambling Insider speaks with Keith Whyte, who has been executive director of the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) since 1998.

Whyte gives us insight into the state of problem gambling stateside and across North America. In so doing, however, he candidly discusses firms not doing as much as their counterparts in the UK market.

The problem gambling series, of which part 2 with Jason Shiers is coming up next week, is a new GI Huddle special that looks at one of the most important issues at the heart of gambling and the gaming industry.

As part of this series, we'll be delivering honest, insightful interviews and analysis free of any PR or rhetoric. We want to explore the true state of problem gambling and the responsible gambling efforts made within this sector.

In part 1, Whyte tells us what more US firms can do and speaks about what the NCPG has been trying to achieve to help in this area.

The NCPG bills itself as an organisation that is neutral on the legalisation of gambling, so Whyte's objectivity helps paint a realistic picture of what the industry is doing well and could do better in the US.