NCPG Demands Prediction Market Operators Promote Problem Gambling Helpline

The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) has formally called on prediction market operators to integrate prominent problem gambling resources into their platforms, warning that these markets pose risks comparable to traditional sports betting.

Board Resolution Targets Emerging Market Sector

NCPG's board of directors passed a resolution on February 9, 2026, specifically targeting operators facilitating event-based futures contract trading through online platforms and mobile technology. The organisation argues that prediction markets carry "substantially similar levels of risk to the consumer as traditional sports betting," including risks of chasing losses, impulsive behavior, and financial harm.

The resolution highlights a critical awareness gap among consumers engaging with prediction markets, noting they "may not recognize their activity as functionally gambling" regardless of legal definitions. This lack of recognition potentially reduces responsible gambling behavior and help-seeking among users.

Mandatory Helpline Promotion Demanded

The resolution calls for all prediction market operators serving US consumers to provide "clear, prominent, and ongoing promotion" of the National Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-MY-RESET) within their marketing materials and platform user experience.

NCPG specifically demands that helpline promotion be "comparable to practices in regulated mobile sports betting," establishing a clear benchmark for compliance expectations.

Regulatory Implications for Operators

The resolution establishes NCPG's position that "all operators offering gambling-like products should take meaningful, visible steps to reduce harm and promote access to help resources as a public health best practice."

This stance positions helpline promotion as a "critical baseline responsibility" for any operator offering products that resemble gambling activity, regardless of current regulatory classification.

Industry Precedent and Expectations

By referencing regulated sports betting practices as the standard, NCPG effectively creates a compliance framework that prediction market operators must now consider. The organization's neutral stance on legalized gambling adds weight to its harm reduction advocacy.

The resolution signals increasing scrutiny of prediction markets as they gain mainstream accessibility, particularly around consumer protection measures that traditional gambling operators already implement.

According to NCPG.