US and Canadian Regulators Expand Responsible Gambling Tools as Prediction Markets Create Jurisdictional Conflicts

A special report by Focus Gaming News details how US states and Canadian provinces are deploying new responsible gambling measures in 2026 while addressing gaps in awareness and disputes over emerging products.

8 per cent of US adults showed at least one indicator of problematic gambling in 2024, equivalent to close to 20 million people. This marked an increase of 7 per cent from 2018 levels. The National Problem Gambling Helpline recorded more than 31,000 contacts per month in 2025, with nearly half from users under 35.

State and Provincial Tools in Operation

Massachusetts replaced its GameSense initiative with PlayWell, featuring staffed hubs at casinos and the PlayMyWay budgeting tool that sends reminders to electronic game patrons. Thomas Mills, spokesperson for the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, said PlayWell hubs assist patrons in need and help with enrollment in budgeting features.

Michigan Gaming Control Board Chair Jim Townsend outlined expansions to the Don’t Regret the Bet website with sections on warning signs and family resources, plus a Gamban partnership offering free blocking software to residents. Arizona Department of Gaming Director Jackie Johnson described a free on-demand Responsible Gaming Training launched in April, paired with no-cost financial counselling for those in voluntary self-exclusion.

In Canada, Ontario launched BetGuard for centralized self-exclusion across all regulated online platforms and requires mandatory Responsible Gambling Council RG Check certification. Alberta implemented equivalent self-exclusion and certification rules when iGaming launched in July.

Jeremy Locke, president of the North American Gaming Regulators Association, identified deposit limits, time limits, self-exclusion, reality checks, accessible account history, and links to support services as key tools. Locke said effectiveness depends on visibility, integration into the player experience, operator obligations, and staff training.

Emerging Conflicts, Illegal Markets, and Federal Proposals

Prediction markets triggered regulatory friction, prompting Michigan to withdraw from the National Council on Problem Gambling after it accepted Kalshi as a member. Townsend called it a straightforward conflict of interest because Kalshi offers sports event contracts the state views as unlicensed sports gambling.

The American Gaming Association estimated illegal gambling operations generate $53.9 billion in annual revenue, resulting in more than $15 billion in lost state tax revenue. Fewer than 10 per cent of Arizonans reported being asked about gambling habits during recent health visits, highlighting gaps between helpline awareness and treatment access.

The POINTS Act (HR 7875), introduced in March 2026 by Representatives Erin Houchin, Andrea Salinas, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, and Troy Carter, would redirect federal sports wagering taxes to produce approximately $100 million annually for prevention and treatment. The bipartisan bill remains in Congress.

Locke stressed evaluating the effectiveness of existing initiatives and using data analytics for earlier risk identification, while balancing innovation with evidence-based protections. Litigation over whether prediction markets constitute unlicensed betting remains unresolved in multiple states, leaving open which products fall under current responsible gambling rules.

Reporting: Focus Gaming News

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