(NewsNation) — America's relationship with risk and recreation is changing quickly, and two new milestones relating to sports betting and marijuana use show just how fast.
Since the United States Supreme Court struck down the federal ban in 2018, legal sports betting has expanded dramatically. It is now legal in dozens of states, with Americans wagering hundreds of billions of dollars every year.
In 2025, Americans spent roughly $166 billion betting on sports. According to Forbes, that's more than the movie, music, book and museum industries bring in combined.
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And it's not just the sportsbook apps. Prediction market platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket now let users bet on just about everything, including elections and war.
Industry analysts say tax revenue from sports betting continues to climb. But critics argue the rapid growth has also fueled an increase in gambling problems, particularly among younger adults and people using mobile betting apps.
Researchers say the shift reflects changing attitudes and greater availability across the country.
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated 21.4 million Americans used marijuana on a daily or near-daily basis in 2025.
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That's more than the 17.2 million who drank alcohol that frequently, and the 19.9 million who smoked cigarettes every day or nearly every day.
Researchers say it's the first time daily cannabis exceeds both daily drinking and smoking.
Public health experts caution that while many adults use marijuana without major problems, frequent use can increase the risk of dependence, cognitive impairment and mental health concerns, especially for adolescents and young adults.
Addiction specialists say the growing popularity of both sports betting and cannabis points to the same need: better public education, responsible-use campaigns and expanded access to treatment for people struggling with gambling or substance-use disorders.
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