FFOG Launches Truth & Integrity Movement for Independent Gambling Reform

A significant shift is occurring in the landscape of gambling advocacy as a new movement seeks to decouple addiction support from industry funding. Families and Friends of Gamblers (FFOG) has announced the appointment of its initial Board of Directors, marking the formal start of the Truth & Integrity: The Movement for Gambling Reform. Backed by the Public Health Advocacy Institute (PHAI), the group positions itself as a truly independent voice against the rising tide of the online sports betting epidemic. This move comes at a time when established organizations like the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) are facing intense scrutiny for their financial ties to betting operators and professional sports leagues.

The newly appointed board consists of professionals with zero ties to gambling interests or the sports betting industry. Leading the charge is Professor Richard Daynard, a pioneer in public health law who is best known for his successful strategic litigation against the tobacco industry in the 1990s. Alongside experts in law, finance, and mental health, FFOG intends to shift the focus from individual responsibility to systemic industry accountability. The movement views the current expansion of online gambling as a public health crisis that requires solutions grounded in independent research and strict government regulation rather than industry-funded programs.

Numbers and facts

The scale of the issue is highlighted by data from PHAI, suggesting that for every individual struggling with gambling disorder, up to 10 others are directly harmed. The financial entanglements of current reform groups became a flashpoint when the NCPG accepted a 2 million dollar investment from prediction market operator Kalshi, leading to the creation of a new sponsorship category. This decision triggered a wave of departures, with the Michigan Gaming Control Board, the Ohio Casino Control Commission, and the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling either ending their affiliations or withdrawing memberships to preserve their regulatory integrity.

Dr. Harry Levant, Secretary of FFOG and a leading public health advocate, voiced his concerns regarding the current state of the movement:

"As industry money has flooded the gambling reform movement, the effects can be shocking. For instance, it is likely no coincidence that since the Supreme Court struck down PASPA the NCPG have never opposed any position taken by the gambling industry or the sports leagues." - Dr. Harry Levant, Secretary of FFOG

Background

Founded in 2025, FFOG emerged as a response to what activists describe as the scientifically flawed Responsible Gaming (RG) model. This model has long been criticized for placing the burden of harm prevention almost entirely on the consumer, using slogans that imply addiction is merely a failure to bet smart. FFOG and the Truth & Integrity movement aim to replace this with a comprehensive public health framework. By uniting researchers, advocates, and families, the organization seeks to hold gambling companies and their technology partners accountable for the social costs of their products.

Why it matters for German players

For players in Germany, the developments in the US highlight the importance of the strict regulatory environment established by the Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021). While the US struggles with unregulated expansion, Germany has implemented safeguards like the 1 Euro per spin limit on virtual slots and the 1,000 Euro monthly deposit limit managed via the LUGAS system. These measures are designed to prevent the very epidemic that FFOG is now fighting in America. German players are strongly advised to stick to operators on the GGL whitelist, as providers licensed in jurisdictions like Malta or Curacao do not offer the same level of legal protection or integration with the OASIS national strike-off system.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

Licensed operators in Germany must recognize that the debate over the independence of player protection initiatives is gaining global momentum. As the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL) enforces strict compliance, the FFOG case shows that public trust depends on the clear separation between industry interests and addiction prevention. For GGL-licensed casinos, this means that transparency in their social concepts and collaborations with counseling centers is paramount. A credible approach to player safety must be a core business function, not just a regulatory hurdle, to ensure long-term sustainability in a highly regulated market.