Brief
National Council on Problem Gambling executive resigns after $2 million Kalshi donation
Heather Maurer left the National Council on Problem Gambling amid backlash over an undisclosed $2 million gift from Kalshi.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Heather Maurer, the executive director of the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), resigned in late September, less than ten months after taking the role, according to Fortune. The departure followed internal revolt after she approved a $2 million donation from prediction‑market platform Kalshi without board approval and required directors to sign nondisclosure agreements before the gift was announced at an April conference.
When directors asked whether Kalshi would fund safety guardrails or addiction helplines, Maurer said it would not, prompting further dissent. The turmoil also saw Jaime Costello, NCPG’s director of programs, quit days earlier, citing differences with leadership in a LinkedIn post.
Kalshi and rival Polymarket have grown rapidly, each valued at over $20 billion, and face scrutiny from states, Native American tribes, sports leagues and addiction advocates who argue the platforms increase gambling‑addiction risk.
Key facts
- Heather Maurer resigned as NCPG executive director in late September. (fortune.com)
- The resignation followed a $2 million donation from prediction‑market platform Kalshi. (fortune.com)
- Maurer approved the donation without board approval and required nondisclosure agreements. (fortune.com)
- Jaime Costello, NCPG director of programs, also resigned days earlier. (fortune.com)
- Kalshi and Polymarket are each valued at over $20 billion and face regulatory scrutiny. (fortune.com)
Sources
- [1] fortune.com — originally reported as “Head of prominent gambling addiction nonprofit resigns over $2 million donation from Kalshi”
