The National Council on Problem Gambling has issued a formal resolution targeting prediction market operators, demanding they prominently display problem gambling resources comparable to regulated sports betting platforms.
Board Resolution Targets Growing Market
On February 9, 2026, NCPG Board of Directors passed a resolution calling on all prediction market operators serving U.S. consumers to include clear promotion of the National Problem Gambling Helpline™ within their marketing and platform experiences.
The resolution specifically addresses operators facilitating buying and selling of event-based futures contracts through online platforms and mobile technology. NCPG argues these activities carry "substantially similar levels of risk to the consumer as traditional sports betting."
Important
The resolution emphasizes that consumers may not recognize prediction market activity as functionally gambling, making them less likely to demonstrate responsible gambling behavior or seek support.
Gambling-Like Risks Identified
The nonprofit organization identified several key risk factors associated with prediction market participation:
- Chasing losses behavior patterns
- Impulsive decision-making
- Financial harm potential
- Development or escalation of gambling-related problems
NCPG noted that consumers engaging with prediction markets may not recognize their activity as gambling, regardless of legal definitions, creating additional vulnerability.
National Problem Gambling Helpline Contact
The National Problem Gambling Helpline™ provides free, confidential, and 24/7 nationwide support for individuals experiencing gambling-related harm. Support is available by calling 1-800-MY-RESET, texting 800GAM, or visiting NCPGambling.org/chat.
Helpline Promotion Requirements
The resolution calls for prediction market operators to promote the National Problem Gambling Helpline™ (1-800-MY-RESET) in a manner "comparable to practices in regulated mobile sports betting."
The National Problem Gambling Helpline™ provides free, confidential, and 24/7 nationwide support and resources for individuals experiencing gambling-related harm. Support is also available by texting 800GAM or visiting NCPGambling.org/chat.
NCPG believes 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.
Regulatory Implications for Emerging Markets
This resolution signals growing regulatory attention toward prediction markets as they expand beyond traditional regulatory frameworks. The NCPG, which maintains neutrality on legalized gambling, positions itself as the only national nonprofit organization seeking to minimize economic and social costs associated with gambling addiction.
The board's action reflects concerns that prediction markets operate in regulatory grey areas while exposing consumers to gambling-like risks without corresponding consumer protections. For operators, this represents potential compliance pressure even in unregulated spaces, particularly as state regulators increasingly scrutinize prediction market activities.
The resolution establishes a precedent for harm reduction expectations across gambling-adjacent products, potentially influencing future regulatory approaches to emerging betting formats.
The resolution calls for prediction market operators to prominently display problem gambling resources comparable to regulated sports betting platforms. Specifically, operators must promote the National Problem Gambling Helpline™ (1-800-MY-RESET) in a manner comparable to practices in regulated mobile sports betting.
NCPG identified several risk factors including chasing losses behavior patterns, impulsive decision-making, financial harm potential, and development or escalation of gambling-related problems. The organization noted that consumers may not recognize prediction market activity as functionally gambling, making them less likely to demonstrate responsible gambling behavior.
This resolution signals growing regulatory attention toward prediction markets and represents potential compliance pressure even in unregulated spaces. The board's action establishes a precedent for harm reduction expectations across gambling-adjacent products, potentially influencing future regulatory approaches to emerging betting formats.
According to National Council on Problem Gambling.
