MGCB breaks up with NCPG over Kalshi admittance

MGCB leaves the NCPG

The Michigan Gaming Control Board, or MGCB, has ended its membership with the National Council on Problem Gambling. It is the first state gaming regulator to leave the group because of Kalshi. Kalshi offers sports event contracts in several states. The company says it supports responsible gaming. It also says its products are different from regular sports betting.

MGCB does not accept that view. The regulator says the contracts are sports betting — even if Kalshi describes them in another way.

Regulator raises concerns

MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams explained the decision in a public letter. Kalshi provided sports betting in Michigan without a license until a temporary restraining order was issued on June 29, 2026, he said.

Williams also added that Kalshi might still be available with similar products in other states. The company has cases pending throughout the country, he added. He thinks that Kalshi is attempting to evade state gaming laws and consumer protections. Apart from that, Kalshi's membership is in contravention of the NCPG's commitment to responsible gaming, he said.

Williams also disagreed with Kalshi's description of its products. He said sports event contracts should be treated as sports betting — not as investment or insurance products. He also said betting should always be seen as entertainment. In his view, Kalshi's message could confuse users.

MGCB ends conference support

The decision does not stop with membership — it also affects future plans. MGCB cancelled its paid sponsorship for the NCPG safer gambling conference. The event is set for the end of July.

Williams also asked the group to remove MGCB's name from all conference material. That request shows the regulator wants a full break from the organization. The regulator has taken three steps:

• Left the NCPG.

• Cancelled its conference sponsorship.

• Asked for its name to be removed from conference material.

The dispute may continue

The case shows a growing disagreement between state regulators and companies offering sports event contracts. Several states are still deciding how these products should be regulated. Nevertheless, Kalshi continues to defend its business and challenge state actions in court. Those cases could affect future gaming rules across the United States.

For now, MGCB has made its position clear — it believes Kalshi's membership does not match the NCPG's mission. Hence, the regulator decided to leave the group. The legal debate is far from over. More states may review these products, and the outcome could shape future gaming rules across the country.