US and Canadian Regulators Advance Responsible Gambling Measures While Contesting Prediction Market Status
Focus Gaming News interviewed five regulators and the NAGRA president about responsible gambling strategies for 2026. US states have mandatory requirements and voluntary tools while Canada’s Ontario and Alberta have province-wide self-exclusion and RG certification requirements. Prediction markets triggered regulatory conflicts in 2026 with Michigan withdrawing from NCPG over Kalshi’s membership and the POINTS Act would generate approximately US$100m annually but remains in Congress.
SCCG Take — Operators face fragmented requirements that demand jurisdiction-specific integration of budgeting, self-exclusion, and analytics tools. Regulators must close healthcare screening gaps and settle product classification before enforcement resources are stretched further.
North American responsible gambling policy continues to evolve through state and provincial initiatives that pair new technology with education and support services. A special report by Focus Gaming News draws on conversations with regulators and industry leaders to document the tools now in use and the disputes that test existing frameworks.
8 per cent of US adults displayed at least one indicator of problematic gambling in 2024, a figure equivalent to nearly 20 million people. More than 31,000 people reached out to the helpline every month in 2025, nearly half of them from individuals under 35.
Deployed Tools and Certification Requirements
Massachusetts replaced its GameSense program with PlayWell hubs staffed by responsible gaming experts and introduced the PlayMyWay budgeting tool that delivers spending reminders. Michigan refreshed the Don’t Regret the Bet website, distributed free Gamban blocking software licenses, and partnered with high school athletic programs for youth prevention. Arizona launched self-paced Responsible Gaming Training in April and extended no-cost financial counselling to residents in voluntary self-exclusion.
Ontario implemented BetGuard, a single-portal self-exclusion system covering all regulated online platforms, and requires Responsible Gambling Council RG Check certification. Alberta adopted parallel self-exclusion and certification mandates when its igaming market opened in July.
Jeremy Locke, president of the North American Gaming Regulators Association, listed deposit limits, time limits, reality checks, accessible account history, self-exclusion from marketing, and ready access to treatment resources as core instruments. Locke stated that effectiveness turns on visibility, integration into the player journey, staff training, and ongoing evaluation rather than mere availability.
Prediction Market Conflicts and Unresolved Gaps
Michigan withdrew from the National Council on Problem Gambling after the organization admitted prediction platform Kalshi. Jim Townsend said: “That decision came down to a straightforward conflict of interest” because Kalshi offers sports event contracts the state treats as unlicensed gambling. The American Gaming Association estimates illegal operations generate US$53.9bn in annual revenue and cost states more than US$15bn in tax receipts.
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 excise taxes to yield approximately US$100m per year for prevention and treatment. The measure has not yet passed.
Arizona data reveal that fewer than 10 per cent of residents report being asked about gambling behavior in recent health visits, exposing a shortfall in early intervention. Locke identified the next priority as rigorous evaluation of existing programs to confirm measurable outcomes while expanding data analytics under privacy safeguards.
Regulators and operators must therefore decide which products fall inside current responsible gambling obligations before funding and tools can be applied consistently.
Reporting: Focus Gaming News
Generated by SCCG’s automated editorial system from published source reporting. SCCG Management holds editorial responsibility.
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