NBA and WNBA Launch Responsible Gambling Campaign

Jonathan Rodriguez

Written by: Jonathan Rodriguez

Published: Thu Oct 15, 2026, 8:00 am ET

Read Time: 5 minutes

NBA and WNBA Launch Responsible Gambling Campaign

industry

The NBA and WNBA are partnering with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) to educate fans about the risks of sports betting and prediction markets. The initiative will launch during the 2026-27 NBA season, with a particular focus on young adults.

The campaign arrives as fans encounter more betting-related content while following professional basketball. From comparing NBA odds and WNBA odds to researching NBA picks and WNBA picks, fans have increasing opportunities to engage with sports wagering. However, familiarity with teams and players does not guarantee profitable outcomes.

The partnership also comes amid controversy surrounding the NCPG's relationship with the prediction-market industry. That connection raises questions about the organization's role in a campaign warning consumers about the risks of prediction markets.

NBA and WNBA Expand Responsible Gambling Education

Scott Kaufman-Ross, the NBA's Head of Media Distribution and Partnerships, said the campaign reflects changing ways of engaging with sports.

"As the ways people engage with sports continue to evolve, it is important that fans understand the risks associated with putting money on sports outcomes," Kaufman-Ross said. 

"Through this campaign, we want to help fans make informed decisions, understand the risk and, if they choose to bet, trade or anything similar, that they do so responsibly."

The campaign will feature a new spot distributed through NBA- and WNBA-owned channels and media partners. 

The planned rollout includes broadcast and streaming partners such as NBC and Peacock, Amazon Prime Video, and ABC and ESPN, alongside the leagues' social media channels. The spots will run during regular broadcast slots, bringing responsible gambling messaging to fans as they watch basketball.

The initiative will encourage fans to understand financial risks, set limits on their time and spending, and avoid risking money they cannot afford to lose. It will also direct people toward educational materials and support services if gambling becomes difficult to control.

Colie Edison, the WNBA's Chief Growth Officer, said the campaign would bring practical guidance to the league's audience.

"Helping our fans make informed decisions is central to this effort," Edison said. "By bringing this campaign to WNBA audiences, we can reach more fans with practical guidance on understanding financial risk, setting limits and recognizing when and where to find support."

Prediction Markets and the NBA's Cautious Approach

The campaign addresses both conventional sports betting and prediction markets, where users trade contracts tied to future outcomes. The inclusion of prediction markets is significant as professional sports leagues consider how closely to associate themselves with these platforms.

The NBA has taken a more cautious approach than Major League Baseball and the NHL, whose organizations have established prediction-market partnerships. However, the league has not ruled out entering the market. Individual NBA stars have already established relationships with prediction platforms.

LeBron James signed an endorsement deal with Polymarket, while Giannis Antetokounmpo became a shareholder in Kalshi. Their arrangements are separate from any potential league-level agreement.

The NBA's concerns include outcomes that could be vulnerable to insider information or manipulation. Such examples are markets tied to player transactions, and injuries. The league has also raised concerns about the integrity of certain event contracts, underscoring the questions surrounding these products.

Against that backdrop, the new campaign warns fans that both sports wagers and prediction-market trades can result in financial losses. It does not resolve the ongoing debate over whether sports event contracts should fall under state gambling laws or federal commodities regulation.

NCPG's Kalshi Deal Draws Scrutiny

The partnership also puts the NCPG's relationship with prediction markets under the spotlight. In May 2026, the organization announced a two-year, $2 million commitment from Kalshi to support trader health and safety initiatives.

The NCPG created a new Financial Services and Trading membership category for the arrangement. Kalshi became its first member, distinguishing the prediction-market operator from traditional gambling companies.

The decision sparked opposition among several state-level organizations. The Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling in Washington, the Michigan Gaming Control Board, the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling, and the Ohio Casino Control Commission withdrew their affiliations or membership, citing concerns about the Kalshi relationship.

The controversy also coincided with the departure of NCPG Executive Director Heather Maurer. The organization did not publicly attribute her resignation to the deal, although reporting linked the departure partly to the partnership.

The NCPG has maintained that its position on prediction markets' legality is neutral. It also says that financial support or membership does not amount to an endorsement. The NCPG emphasized its mission to prevent and reduce gambling-related harm across different products.

Derek Longmeier, President of the NCPG Board of Directors, said awareness remains central to preventing harm.

"Awareness is an important first step in preventing gambling-related harm," Longmeier said. "We're proud to support a campaign that brings greater visibility to the risks of sports betting and prediction markets and puts education at the forefront, helping fans better understand the potential for harm and the resources available to those who may need help."

Consumer Protection Remains a Priority

The NBA, WNBA, and NCPG want fans to view betting and prediction-market participation as entertainment rather than a way to generate income. The campaign will also emphasize warning signs, spending limits, and access to support.

For consumers following US online sportsbooks and emerging prediction platforms, the initiative offers a reminder that sports knowledge cannot eliminate financial risk. Its impact will depend partly on how widely the campaign reaches fans. It also will depend on how clearly it explains the differences between products.

Additionally, fans can find responsible gambling information through ResponsiblePlay.org. People concerned about gambling can also contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline, 1-800-MY-RESET, for confidential support.

Jonathan Rodriguez
Jonathan Rodriguez

Jonathan is an avid basketball fan, and is often looking forward to the next upcoming NBA season when not checking players' stats during games. He also likes to keep his ears on the ground for the latest rumblings in the online casino industry.

This site contains commercial content. We may be compensated for the links provided on this page. The content on this page is for informational purposes only. Betting News makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information given or the outcome of any game or event.