Brightstar Lottery has once again received iCAP Ready accreditation from the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) for its iLottery operations.
The US accreditation program is designed for gaming suppliers and is based on the original Internet Compliance Assessment Program (iCAP), which was developed for gaming operators.
Supported by the NCPG, iCAP Ready draws on best practices from the Internet Responsible Gambling Standards.
The program requires suppliers to implement and maintain responsible gambling policies, provide staff training and offer player support tools.
To receive the accreditation, Brightstar underwent a compliance assessment conducted by an independent third party on behalf of the NCPG. The company first received the recognition in 2024, becoming the first gaming industry supplier to achieve it.
Wendy Montgomery, Brightstar SVP Branding, Communications and Sustainability, said: "We are proud to receive iCAP Ready accreditation again for our iLottery business, and it is especially meaningful to do so for the first time as a pure play lottery business.
"This achievement is a testament to Brightstar's comprehensive responsible gaming processes and practices and our commitment to protecting our employees, customers and players across the globe."
However, the renewed accreditation comes amid questions over the NCPG's direction and its growing engagement with prediction market operators.
In May, Kalshi committed $2m to a two-year strategic initiative with the NCPG focused on trader health and safety. The agreement also made Kalshi the council's first financial services and trading member and enabled the creation of a new category dedicated to the sector.
At the time, the NCPG said it maintained a “neutral position” on the regulation of specific gambling, wagering or prediction products. It also argued that cross-sector collaboration would become increasingly important as prediction market operators expanded.
The NCPG has also undergone several leadership changes over the past two years. Heather Maurer left her position as Executive Director on October 16, and the council appointed Charles H. Jeffers II as Interim Executive Director on October 26. Jeffers previously led the American Occupational Therapy Association and the Bermuda Tourism Authority.
The NCPG plans to begin its search for a permanent replacement in January 2027.
The leadership changes come amid scrutiny of the council's relationship with Kalshi. The $2m agreement prompted some state regulators to reconsider their ties with the NCPG, with Nevada, Michigan and Ohio taking steps to distance themselves from the organization.
Global Gaming Insider understands there are industry question marks surrounding the leadership direction taken at the NCPG this year.
The Ohio Casino Control Commission has recently withdrawn its membership from the NCPG due to the organization’s partnership with Kalshi
