Kalshi Pledges $2M to NCPG for Trader Health Initiative

On May 18, Kalshi pledged $2 million over two years to the National Council on Problem Gambling to fund a Financial Trader Health & Safety initiative aimed at education and support for prediction-market users.

Under the agreement, the NCPG created a new membership subcategory called Financial Services & Trading. The council will use Kalshi’s contribution to expand education, awareness and data-driven resources and to carry out a needs assessment of prediction-market participants to identify communication, policy and service gaps.

The needs assessment will examine whether existing channels, including the National Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-MY-RESET), reach prediction-market users and whether different language or messaging would encourage people to seek help. NCPG director of policy and partnerships Cole Wogoman asked whether current terminology might make users less likely to call.

Kalshi has not formally adopted the helpline as part of its responsible trading plan. Company and council officials are discussing how to present helpline resources to platform users. Kalshi spokesperson Elisabeth Diana wrote that the exchange intends to lead on trader safety and described prediction markets as structurally different from traditional gambling.

Kalshi said it has implemented identity checks, face-ID requirements and health-check monitoring to restrict access by minors. The company also promotes trading breaks, self-limits, self-exclusion and links to mental health resources, and described itself as a federally regulated exchange where prices are set by market forces and the platform does not bet against customers.

The NCPG noted most of its Internet Responsible Gambling Standards apply to prediction markets but require specific adjustments. The council plans to update those standards and extend its Internet Compliance Assessment Program accreditation to eligible operators after clarifying how the rules apply to prediction-market structures.

One area of difference is age limits: the council’s guidance recommends restricting access to those 21 and older, while Kalshi permits users 18 and up. The NCPG also identified potential gaps in advertising, marketing practices and payment systems that the accreditation process could address.

The American Gaming Association criticized the partnership, arguing prediction markets enable sports wagering outside state and tribal regulatory frameworks and that donations do not substitute for licensing, oversight or tax rules. AGA senior director Dara Cohen wrote that platforms resembling sports betting should be regulated as such.

Wogoman added the NCPG’s mission is to reduce and mitigate harm where it occurs and that engaging with prediction-market operators allows the council to provide support and share best practices. The NCPG said it hopes the new membership category will attract other firms in financial services and trading and expand conversations about consumer protection.