Resolution of the NCPG Board of Directors Calling on Prediction Market Operators to Promote the National Problem Gambling Helpline™
Whereas the National Council on Problem Gambling (“NCPG”) is the only national nonprofit organization that seeks to minimize the economic and social costs associated with gambling addiction. NCPG is neutral on legalized gambling.
Whereas the National Problem Gambling Helpline™ (1-800-MY-RESET) provides nationwide free, confidential, and 24/7 support and resources for individuals experiencing gambling-related harm.
Whereas prediction markets that facilitate the buying and selling of event-based futures contracts have become increasingly accessible to the public through online platforms and mobile technology.
Whereas the buying and selling of futures contracts via prediction markets carries substantially similar levels of risk to the consumer as traditional sports betting, including risks associated with chasing losses, impulsive behavior, financial harm, and the development or escalation of gambling-related harm.
Whereas consumers engaging with prediction markets may not recognize their activity as functionally gambling, irrespective of whether legally defined as such, and may therefore be less likely to demonstrate responsible gambling behavior or seek support for a gambling problem.
Whereas 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.
Whereas promoting the National Problem Gambling Helpline™ (1-800-MY-RESET) is a critical baseline responsibility for any operator offering products that meaningfully resemble gambling activity and may contribute to gambling-related harm.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Directors of the National Council on Problem Gambling hereby calls on all Prediction Market Operators serving U.S. consumers to include clear, prominent, and ongoing promotion of the National Problem Gambling Helpline™ (1-800-MY-RESET) within their marketing and on-platform user experience in a manner that is comparable to practices in regulated mobile sports betting.
