Although the National Council on Problem Gambling has spearheaded addiction resources for more than 50 years, a recent $2 million arrangement with prediction market operators has increased worries about the industry's influence.
A new reform coalition is launching with a pledge to stay free from commercial financing, amid increasing doubts regarding the group's objectivity.
he Public Health Advocacy Institute (PHAI), a Boston-based nonprofit organization dedicated to using law and policy to decrease addiction, death, and disease caused by for-profit products and industries such as tobacco, alcohol, and obesogenic foods, is adding gambling to its list of targets.
Since October 2025, the nonprofit membership organization Families and Friends of Gamblers (FFOG), which represents those affected by gambling addiction, has been supported by the PHAI. In order to strengthen its position in the national gambling addiction market, FFOG revealed its first board of directors on October 6.
Only days after the resignation of NCPG Executive Director Heather Maurer, and in the middle of increasing doubts regarding the impact of NCPG money from gambling companies, sports leagues, and prediction markets, the news is released.
"FFOG calls on all those involved in problem gambling councils to join FFOG—for an independent, public health approach to addressing gambling-related harm,” read a release from FFOG provided to Casino.org.
FFOG claims its purpose is to unite researchers, public health experts, campaigners, and families in order to bring about "meaningful change in the sector."
Strict Independence vs. Corporate Financing
In addition to its membership fees, corporate donations are the main source of income for the NCPG. The majority of the NCPG's revenue comes from prediction markets (which have been in operation since May) and the legal gaming industry.
The NCPG has constantly stated that its research, grants, advocacy, or public positions are not influenced by its members or donors. According to the NCPG, gambling is not something they support or oppose.
Saying it won't take memberships or donations from gaming businesses, FFOG is taking a different tack. Its board is made up of specialists who have no ties to the gaming industry or the sports betting business.
“We are inviting people to join something new,” said FFOG Board Chairman Richard Daynard, a professor at Northeastern University who is described as a “trailblazer” in public health law. “FFOG is independent, family-first, and focused on reform.”
"The country needs a strong and independent voice to speak up on the harm the sports leagues, gambling companies, and prediction markets are causing. As industry money has flooded the gambling reform movement, the effects can be shocking,” said Dr. Harry Levant, secretary of FFOG.
Since the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) was overturned by the Supreme Court in May 2018, the NCPG has not objected to any stance taken by the gaming sector, according to Levant. According to Levant, a former lawyer and gambling addict who stole over $2 million from his clients to support his gambling habit, the gambling reform movement requires leaders with "lived experiences."
The FFOG board comprises Daynard and Levant, as well as:
- Mark Gottlieb: executive director of the Public Health Advocacy Institute
- W. Gordon Douglas: former tax partner with a large national accounting firm with 40 years of experience
- Fannie Maguire Glomb: activist, advocate, executive, and philanthropist
- John Hanamirian: tax attorney with extensive experience in tax law, business transactions, litigation, and financial matters
- Dr. Deborah Haskins: recognized advocate for problem gambling and mental health
- Michelle McIver: behavioral healthcare executive with more than 18 years of experience
- Dr. Thomas Powell: financier, entrepreneur, and scholar with more than 30 years of experience in banking, private equity, securities law, and financial strategy
- Brian Quinn: Pennsylvania attorney, advocate, and keynote speaker with five decades of legal experience
Goals and Reform Movement for Federal Policy
Families, advocates, and members of the public are invited to join FFOG and its first campaign, "Truth and Integrity: The Movement for Gambling Reform."
With Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY) present, the campaign, which was revealed in Washington, DC, in September, intends to revamp federal and state gambling product laws.
