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NCPG Leadership Splinters as New Responsible Gaming Coalition Emerges

By jili tutorial · October 8, 2026

NCPG Leadership Splinters as New Responsible Gaming Coalition Emerges

A Turning Point in Gambling Addiction Advocacy

The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), a leader in addiction resources for over 50 years, is facing a crisis of credibility. A new coalition, Families & Friends of Gamblers (FFOG), has emerged with a bold promise: independence from the gambling industry. This development highlights growing concerns about the influence of corporate funding in the field of responsible gaming.

The NCPG’s Funding Controversy

The NCPG has long been funded through corporate donations, including contributions from the legal gaming industry and prediction markets. In May 2023, the organization secured a $2 million deal with prediction market operators, raising questions about its neutrality. Critics argue that such funding compromises the NCPG’s ability to advocate objectively for problem gambling prevention and treatment.

Heather Maurer, the NCPG’s executive director, recently resigned amid mounting scrutiny. The organization maintains that its donors have no control over its research, advocacy, or public positions. However, FFOG argues that the NCPG’s financial ties to the gambling industry undermine its credibility.

The Birth of FFOG: A New Approach to Gambling Reform

FFOG, a nonprofit organization representing those affected by gambling addiction, is positioning itself as a strictly independent alternative to the NCPG. Unlike the NCPG, FFOG refuses to accept funding or memberships from gambling companies, sports leagues, or prediction markets. Its mission is to drive meaningful reform in the gambling industry through a public health lens.

A Board Built on Independence

FFOG’s inaugural board of directors includes professionals with no ties to gambling interests. Among its members are:

Other board members bring expertise in finance, law, healthcare, and advocacy, ensuring a multidisciplinary approach to gambling reform.

Corporate Funding vs. Strict Independence: The Key Divide

The NCPG’s reliance on corporate donations contrasts sharply with FFOG’s commitment to independence. FFOG argues that the NCPG’s ties to the gambling industry have diluted its ability to advocate for meaningful change.

The Opioid Crisis Parallel

FFOG has drawn attention to the parallels between sports betting and the opioid crisis. A social media post from the organization cited former U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams, who linked sports betting to addiction. FFOG aims to address gambling-related harm with the same urgency as other public health crises.

Federal Policy Goals: A Call for Overhaul

FFOG’s initial campaign, “Truth and Integrity: The Movement for Gambling Reform,” seeks to overhaul federal and state regulations on gambling products. Announced in September 2023 in Washington, D.C., the campaign has garnered support from prominent lawmakers, including Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Representative Paul Tonko (D-NY).

The campaign’s goals include:

A Broader Coalition for Change

FFOG is calling on advocates, researchers, public health professionals, and families to join its movement. The organization believes that a united, independent coalition can drive meaningful change in the gambling industry.

Leadership with Lived Experience

FFOG’s board includes individuals like Dr. Harry Levant, whose personal struggle with gambling addiction lends credibility to the organization’s mission. Levant’s story underscores the devastating impact of gambling addiction and the need for compassionate, evidence-based solutions.

The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

As FFOG gains momentum, it faces significant challenges. The NCPG’s established presence and industry connections make it a formidable competitor. However, FFOG’s commitment to independence and its focus on public health resonate with many who feel disillusioned by the NCPG’s corporate ties.

The emergence of FFOG marks a pivotal moment in the fight against gambling addiction. Whether it can unite the fragmented gambling reform movement remains to be seen, but its independence and vision offer hope for a more equitable approach to addressing gambling-related harm.