Responsible Gaming Leader Keith Whyte Abruptly Leaves National Council
Keith Whyte, the executive director of the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), has abruptly departed the nonprofit organization.
Whyte had been with the only national nonprofit dedicated to minimizing the economic and social costs associated with gambling addiction for more than 26 years. He joined the NCPG as its executive director in October 1998. His departure was effective January 13.
Whyte’s parting came as a surprise. The NCGP didn’t provide a reason for his exit, though Whyte’s LinkedIn profile shows his updated title as “consultant.”
On behalf of the entire board, I want to thank Keith for his leadership and contributions to the organization during his tenure,” said NCPG Board President Susan Sheridan Tucker. “During this transition, our mission to lead awareness and advocacy efforts to reduce gambling harm remains our top priority, and we are confident in the team we have in place to seamlessly carry out this vital work.”
Nancy Green has been named interim executive director. Green specializes in “transition management” and most recently served as interim director of the American Sustainable Small Business Network.
Lasting Legacy
Whyte’s tenure leading the most prominent responsible gaming organization in the United States came during what will likely be remembered as the country’s greatest expansion of casino gambling. When Whyte joined the nonprofit, casinos largely remained confined to Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and tribal communities.
Today, gamblers lose over $100 billion a year playing slot machines, table games, betting on sports, and other gaming verticals, according to the American Gaming Association (AGA). Commercial and/or tribal casinos operate in all but five states, sports betting is legal in 39 states and Washington, DC, and iGaming is permitted in seven states.
During his nearly three decades in the nation’s capital, Whyte testified before Congress over a handful of times. He also traveled the country appearing before state legislatures about the dangers of gambling, though he maintained that the NCPG didn’t support or oppose legal gaming.
Whyte’s position centered on legislative advocacy, media relations, research, and public policy. Along with appearing before state lawmakers, Whyte provided input on gaming to officials in Austria, The Bahamas, Canada, Greece, Hong Kong, Macau, Malawi, New Zealand, Spain, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. He also appeared on nearly every major news organization in the US.
National Tollfree Hotline
Among Whyte’s many contributions to promoting responsible gaming was his leading the NCPG in acquiring the 1-800-GAMBLER number for use across the country. In 2021, Whyte negotiated a deal with the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ) to leverage the hotline nationwide.
Now, when someone seeking help for themselves or on behalf of another calls 1-800-GAMBLER, they are directed to their state or nearest responsible gaming resource. The helpline is active in all 50 states and DC.
Calls are routed based on the area code of the caller’s phone number. Geolocation isn’t used because of federal personal privacy and telecommunications laws.
Numerous responsible gaming organizations have reported a more than twofold uptick in the number of calls since their councils became associated with the 1-800-GAMBLER number.
1-800-GAMBLER assistance is also available via text at 800GAM. An online chat can also be initiated at this website.
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