Heather Maurer has resigned as executive director of the National Council on Problem Gambling, the U.S. nonprofit confirmed. Her departure makes her the second senior staff member to leave the organization in a week, following criticism over a $2 million donation from prediction market Kalshi in May.
The NCPG is now searching for a new executive director. No replacement has been named.
Who is Heather Maurer?
Maurer led the NCPG, a national nonprofit focused on problem gambling education, research, and advocacy. Her resignation was not accompanied by a public explanation, and the organization has not released details about the circumstances of her exit.
Her departure comes just days after another senior staff member left the NCPG. The nonprofit has not commented on the reasons behind either resignation.
The Kalshi Donation and Backlash
In May, the NCPG accepted $2 million from Kalshi, a regulated prediction market platform. The donation immediately drew scrutiny from within the problem gambling community and beyond, with critics questioning whether an organization dedicated to addressing gambling harm should take money from a gambling-adjacent company.
Kalshi offers event contracts that allow users to bet on the outcomes of real-world events, including elections and economic indicators. The platform is regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.
The NCPG has not publicly responded to the criticism in detail, but the timing of the two resignations suggests internal fallout from the controversy.
What Happens Next for the NCPG?
The nonprofit is now tasked with finding a new executive director while navigating the ongoing debate over its funding sources. The search process has not been outlined, and no timeline has been given.
It's unclear whether the Kalshi donation will be returned or if the NCPG plans to keep the funds. The organization has not made any statements about the future of the partnership.
For now, the NCPG's board is expected to lead the search for Maurer's successor. The organization has not announced any interim leadership.
