NCPG Asks Prediction Markets to Highlight National Gambling Helpline

The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) has asked prediction market operators who serve US customers to highlight the National Problem Gambling Helpline. The NCPG warns that these platforms carry risks like traditional betting products.

Prediction Market Growth Raises Gambling Harm Concerns, NCPG Warns

On February 9, the nonprofit’s board of directors passed a resolution. It stressed that prediction markets, websites where people can buy and sell contracts based on real-world event outcomes, have grown through online access and mobile apps. The NCPG believes this growth has increased the chance of gambling-related harm even for users who might not see their actions as typical gambling.

The council claimed that buying and selling event-based futures can result in behaviors often linked to gambling problems. These include making rash decisions, trying to win back losses, and experiencing financial worries. Since companies often market prediction markets as financial or information tools instead of betting products, users might be less likely to consider that using them is gambling or ask for help when problems crop up.

To fix this issue, the NCPG asked all prediction market operators to show and promote the National Problem Gambling Helpline, 1-800-MY-RESET, on their platforms and in their ads. The group said this visibility should match the rules already in place for regulated mobile sports betting. They framed it as a basic public health duty rather than a regulatory burden.

NCPG Aims to Close Support Gaps Nationwide

The National Problem Gambling Helpline offers free private help 24/7 for people dealing with gambling issues, as well as worried family or friends. Calls and messages go through a network of approved contact centers across the country. Trained expert staff at these centers give quick support and link users to nearby treatment and recovery options.

The helpline is pretty new. The 1-800-MY-RESET number came out earlier this year, taking the place of NCPG’s old main hotline. This change was part of a bigger plan to update how people get help. By picking a neutral, easy-to-remember name, the council hoped to cut down on shame and make it simpler for people to ask for help before things get worse.

The resolution comes as legal gambling options keep growing across the US, including sports betting, online casinos, and new betting-related products like prediction markets. The NCPG has always stayed neutral on whether gambling should be legal, but has pushed for harm prevention and help to keep up with new market developments.

By asking prediction market platforms to show the national helpline, the council aims to fill awareness gaps and make sure people using gambling-like products know where to get support if they need it.