No Halo News · Sourced development
Fortune, citing Barron's, reports NCPG director resigned amid backlash over $2 million Kalshi funding
Fortune reported that Executive Director Heather Maurer resigned after internal and external criticism of the National Council on Problem Gambling's two-year, $2 million arrangement with prediction-market company Kalshi. According to the reporting, Maurer completed the agreement without prior board approval and required directors to sign nondisclosure agreements before learning its details. Several state problem-gambling organizations and regulators subsequently ended their relationships with NCPG. NCPG's own resignation announcement did not connect Maurer's departure to the Kalshi controversy.
Status matters. This page records a sourced development, not a completed No Halo investigation. An allegation is not a finding. Dismissals, settlements, judgments, corrections and final outcomes remain distinct.
Donor relevance
Why this matters
The controversy combines a large industry-funded contribution, reported questions about board oversight and transparency, the loss of institutional partners, and an executive departure after less than a year. These developments may affect donor confidence, organizational independence and national coordination of problem-gambling services.
Attribution
Who reported or established this
Fortune reported the governance and funding claims based on reporting by Barron's and statements from participants. NCPG separately confirmed Maurer's resignation and the $2 million Kalshi-funded initiative.
Evidence limits
What remains unverified
No Halo has not established whether Maurer violated NCPG bylaws, internal policies or any law. No Halo has also not established that the Kalshi arrangement caused her resignation; NCPG's public announcement gave no reason for the departure. The ultimate use and oversight of all contributed funds have not been independently verified.
Right of reply
Organization response
NCPG said Maurer would remain through October 16, 2026, to assist with the transition and that a national search had begun. Board President Derek Longmeier said programs and services would continue. In separate public materials, NCPG said Kalshi's funding supports education, research, consumer protection and access to help through its Financial Trader Health and Safety Initiative.
Classification
How No Halo records this event
Event type: Governance Leadership Change. Current state: Pending. No Halo preserves the current procedural state rather than treating every mention as a finding.
Published October 9, 2026 · Last verified October 12, 2026. See an error or a later outcome? Submit a correction or right of reply.