Michigan’s Gaming Control Board has withdrawn from the National Council on Problem Gambling after Kalshi joined the organisation, saying the relationship no longer fit its mission or statutory duties.
In a July 1 letter, executive director Henry Williams told NCPG that the board could not remain associated with an organisation that included Kalshi, which Michigan views as a prediction-market operator tied to illegal gambling. He also directed the council to remove all references to MGCB membership or affiliation.
Williams said the council’s partnership with Kalshi created substantial confusion by suggesting the company was subject to the same consumer protections, licensing requirements and regulatory oversight as licensed sports betting operators. He argued that blurring that distinction undermined the framework MGCB enforces.
The letter went further, saying Kalshi was involved in lawsuits against states and was still offering unlicensed sports gambling in Michigan until a temporary restraining order was obtained on June 29. Williams said continuing MGCB’s membership in NCPG was inconsistent with the board’s mission, statutory responsibilities and commitment to responsible gaming.
The dispute follows NCPG’s announcement that Kalshi would become its first Financial Services and Trading subcategory member and a Platinum-level member. NCPG said Kalshi would also make a $2 million investment over two years to support a strategic initiative focused on trader health and safety.
MGCB’s June 30 release said the Ingham County Circuit Court granted a temporary restraining order against KalshiEX, LLC that immediately bars the platform from offering unlicensed internet sports betting to Michigan residents. The order was signed by Judge Rosemarie E. Aquilina and secured by the Michigan Attorney General’s Office, which serves as the board’s legal counsel in gaming enforcement matters.
The board said the injunction is part of its broader effort to hold offshore and unlicensed gambling operators accountable and to shield Michigan families, especially young people and those struggling with problem gambling, from predatory betting schemes. It said Michigan law requires sports bettors to be at least 21.
MGCB also said licensed sports betting operators must verify age and identity before any wager is placed and must provide self-exclusion tools, deposit and wagering limits, and links to addiction resources overseen by the board. Kalshi, the board said, offers none of those mandated protections and avoids fees, taxes and compliance costs by operating without a Michigan gaming licence.
Williams said Kalshi’s efforts to describe sporting-event contracts as investment or insurance products undermine the responsible-gaming message that gambling is for entertainment, not financial gain or loss protection. He said that messaging increases the risk of irresponsible and problem-gambling behaviour.
The board said its employees will no longer serve on NCPG boards or committees or attend NCPG events, including the annual conference. It also said it is cancelling its paid sponsorship for the conference scheduled at the end of July.
