NCPG Executive Director Resigned After Donation Backlash
Heather Maurer stepped down following criticism over a controversial $2 million donation from prediction market platform Kalshi.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Gambling
Live Poll
Should non-profits refuse donations from companies whose business models they work to mitigate?
The National Council on Problem Gambling executive director Heather Maurer resigned in late September 2026 after facing intense backlash. The exit followed the discovery that she accepted a $2 million donation from the prediction market platform Kalshi without board approval.
Why it matters
The donation triggered an internal revolt and forced multiple state-level affiliates and regulators to cut ties with the organization. Critics raised concerns after it was revealed the funding deal failed to include provisions for safety guardrails or addiction helplines.
The National Council on Problem Gambling received a $2 million donation from Kalshi, which notably lacked any funding commitments for addiction helplines. This followed a tenure by Heather Maurer that lasted less than 10 months.
The players
Heather Maurer
She served as the executive director of the National Council on Problem Gambling for less than 10 months before her resignation.
Kalshi
This is a prediction market platform that provided a $2 million donation to the National Council on Problem Gambling.
Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling
This organization ended its 35-year affiliation with the national group following the controversy over the donation.
Jaime Costello
She served as the director of programs at the National Council on Problem Gambling and resigned alongside other leadership changes.
The details
Maurer finalized the agreement with Kalshi and mandated that other directors sign nondisclosure agreements to keep the donation private. As a result, organizations like the Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling ended a 35-year affiliation, and regulators in Ohio, Nevada, and Michigan severed their ties.
Timeline
January 2026: Heather Maurer took the helm as executive director.
April 2026: The $2 million donation was revealed at a conference.
July 2026: The Michigan Gaming Control Board cut ties with the national group.
August 2026: The Nevada Council on Problem Gambling ended its partnership.
September 2026: Heather Maurer resigned and the Evergreen Council ended its long-standing affiliation.
Culture Shift
The conflict reflects a growing tension regarding the ethics of how non-profit advocacy groups accept capital from the rapidly expanding prediction market and betting sectors. This shift highlights a departure from traditional funding models where industry contributions are strictly tied to addiction mitigation.
The withdrawal of state-level councils and gaming boards may reduce the availability of localized addiction support resources and regional oversight programs for residents. This loss of partnership complicates the ability of public organizations to implement standardized help-line services across state lines.
The takeaway
When non-profit organizations accept large sums from private interests, a lack of transparency regarding safety commitments can undermine public trust. Readers should verify whether organizations they support maintain clear, board-approved policies regarding corporate donor influence.
Further reading
Learn more about industry trends in Gambling policies and ethics.
Live Poll
Should non-profits refuse donations from companies whose business models they work to mitigate?
