Maybe we don't always understand each other, but there are probably more similarities between millennials and Gen Z than most of us think. When talking about gambling trends by generation, at least.
These two generations make up a large portion of gambling folk, so their gambling behaviours are not studied as mere statistics: they are actually shaping the world of casino gaming and sports betting due to their overwhelming influence on contemporary culture.
Casinos and providers look up to them for guidance in developing new forms of entertainment, while marketers scramble to meet their high expectations.
But how exactly do millennials and Gen Z do it, and how do they compare to each other?
Let's find out.
Millennials vs Gen Z: What Defines These Digital Natives
Born roughly between the early 80s and mid-1990s, millennials came of age during the rise of the internet, social media, and smartphones. They were the first to witness the transition from analogue to digital, which has greatly moulded their adaptability and comfort with both worlds.
If you're one of them, you know what we're talking about. These people were the earliest adopters of social media, online shopping, and mobile apps, so they learned to value connection and convenience and are adept at blending technology with social life.
Gen Z, born between the late 1990s and early 2010s, on the other hand, are the true digital natives. They have never known a world without high-speed internet, streaming, or social media. Their lifestyle and habits are shaped by non-stop connectivity and visual communication (TikTok, YouTube), as well as a taste for authenticity and immediacy. While millennials exhibit a sort of optimism toward tech, Gen Z tends to be more pragmatic and privacy-conscious.
While both generations are tech-savvy, millennials use technology as a tool for connection and progress, while Gen Z sees it as an essential part of identity and self-expression.
How do Millennials and Gen Z Differ in Gambling: Habits, Preferences, and Patterns
Land-based or online? Gamified or traditional gambling? Once or several times a month? Each generation has its own patterns and behaviours when it comes to gambling, so here are some insights into online gambling preferences of Gen Z and millennials, according to research:
Millennials' Betting Habits
Although they gamble less often than older generations, say Gen X or Baby Boomers, millennials' betting habits reveal they are very much into wagering. Did you know that 51% of millennials bet at least once a week, while 30% do so several times a month? Of those who don't usually bet, 3% say they dip their toes in gambling waters several times a year.
When it comes to their preferred type of platform, millennials tend to favour mobile gambling over traditional casinos, appreciating the convenience and social features of online gaming over a physical casino experience.
Sports betting and fantasy sports are big draws for this group, as are poker and skill-based games. Many millennials also experiment with crypto casinos or play-for-fun social casinos, with online slots holding a place, however, mostly via app-based or themed experiences.
When it comes to spending, millennials account for 57% of the so-called high-value bettors, i.e. people who spend $500 or more every month. Compared to older generations, millennials tend to spend less, but they do it more frequently, which is in line with their tendency to engage in microtransactions and in-app purchases that replace traditional big bets.
Gen Z Gambling Behaviour
On the other hand, Gen Z gambling behaviour shows a pattern of more frequent gambling: 17% of them say they place bets daily; meanwhile, 29% of Gen Z say they gamble several times a month.
Similar to millennials and, to no one's surprise, zoomers, too, appear to favour any kind of digital platforms, be it mobile apps, social casinos, esports gambling, or fantasy-style betting, over land-based venues.
As people born in the internet era, Gen Z is much more comfortable with digital currencies - for them, it's all about playing blockchain-based games. Gen Z's gambling is fast-paced, social, and tech-driven, with lower financial stakes but high engagement, as long as the experience quenches their thirst for interactiveness and modernity.
When it comes to games, their choices are driven by skill, competition, and community, so they feel most at home with sports betting, esports wagers, and loot boxes.
Finally, regarding spending, zoomers seem to be living large: 26% of them say they shell out between $50 and $99 per betting session!
Attitudes Toward Gambling
Millennials see gambling as a mix of entertainment and social activity, just like the online experience derived from social media, which they were the first to embrace. Being the pioneers of online poker, fantasy sports, and mobile betting, millennials tend to prioritise fun, strategy, and community aspects over the pursuit of profit. For many millennials, betting habits are tied to sports events or social gatherings. As long as gambling is responsible and transparent, they're fine with placing an occasional bet or two.
Zoomers, on the other hand, approach gambling with more caution, but with more curiosity, too. For them, it's all about gamification, skill-based, or crypto-integrated platforms. They are less motivated by winning money and more by the experience itself—competition, status, or digital rewards. However, ethical concerns play a stronger role among zoomers: this generation is more aware of problem gambling, influencer promotions, and data privacy issues.
So, one could surmise that Gen Z gambling behaviour prioritises experiences that feel ethical, social, and digitally native.
What's Next? Future Gambling Trends Driven by Gen Z and Millennials
Thanks to millennials and zoomers, the future of gambling is shaping up to be a fully digital, immersive playground, while crypto and blockchain are simultaneously transforming transactions, making them ever faster and more transparent, both in terms of money flow and game mechanics. Add a sprinkle of virtual reality, and everything goes up a digital notch.
Social gambling is booming, too. If we look at millennials' betting habits, we will see that multiplayer tournaments, live streams, and in-app communities are thriving. So, wagering as a shared, interactive experience, coupled with AI-driven personalisation for tailored game recommendations, dynamic odds, and experiences that adapt to each player's style.
Meanwhile, regulation is evolving to keep pace, balancing innovation with consumer safety. This is in line with Gen Z's gambling behaviour, so we could expect this generation to be already aware of and geared up for tighter oversight on crypto, loot boxes, and influencer-driven promotions.
Gone are the days of lining up for slot machines: these two generations are scrolling, streaming, and staking from their phones. In this brand new world, however, gambling is more than big wins—it's about connection, entertainment, and digital adventure. Together, Gen Z and millennials are redefining gambling as an interactive, socially connected, and metaverse gaming-ready experience.
The Generational Gamble: Key Takeaways
Convenience, social connection, and experiences; these are the values that best describe millennials' attitude toward gambling as a casual pastime. Meanwhile, Gen Z is more concerned with gamified, immersive, and tech-driven experiences. Think esports betting, loot boxes, and metaverse/VR casinos, where ethical play and personalisation take centre stage.
In responding to these generational differences (and similarities), the gambling industry must be quick on its feet to accommodate the shift toward mobile-first, socially integrated, and AI-personalised platforms. It should embrace crypto, blockchain, and VR while remaining heavily focused on responsible gambling and community engagement.
In other words, casino operators and providers must listen closely to the needs of millennials and Gen Z to stay on top of their game and give their customers what they want, not what they are used to offering.
At least until the next generation comes of gambling age.
