Stories that are getting the most attention from our readers this month.
GamblingHarm.org's February 2026 report compiles data from over 50,000 online sports bettors surveyed nationwide using the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI), a validated 9-question tool assessing gambling behaviors over the past year. Additional data draws from anonymized app usage logs from major platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel, covering 12 months through January 2026. Key findings show 7.4% of U.S. online sports bettors meet criteria for problem gambling, up 1.8 percentage points from 2025, affecting an estimated 2.8 million adults. This rise correlates with a 22% increase in monthly betting handle to $12.4 billion. The methodology ensures reliability through stratified sampling by state, age, and betting frequency, highlighting a public health concern amid sports betting's expansion to 45 states.
LeBron James, the NBA's all-time leading scorer, announced his retirement on March 8, 2026, after 23 seasons, with his final years spent with the Los Angeles Lakers. The four-time champion reflected on his journey from Akron, Ohio, to global icon status in a press conference following a Lakers win. James leaves behind records in points, playoff appearances, and finals MVP awards, reshaping the league's narrative.
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