Younger Bettors Driving Gaming Industry's Growth, Study Finds
A brand-new research study released by TransUnion on Wednesday exposed young wagerers are driving the development in America's video gaming industry.
- Online sports betting was especially appealing to both Millennial and Gen Z wagerers.
- Younger bettors are most likely to take part in gambling since of their greater risk acceptance.
- Debt payments are increasing rapidly amongst young gamblers.
The research study concentrated on gamblers who routinely risked at least $50 each month. While betting activity depended on 30% of customers in Q2 2025, that number increased to 34% and 42% for Gen Z and Millennial gamblers, respectively.
Both Gen Z and Millennial gamblers increased their involvement in online sports wagering by 7% year-over-year.
Millennials increased their involvement in online casino gaming by 7%, in retail casino and game by 9%, and in retail sports betting and online lotto by 11%.
Gen Z revealed no change for online casino involvement and declines of 1% for retail lottery and retail sportsbook, 3% for online lottery, and 6% for retail casinos.
"We've seen that in previous editions," said TransUnion senior director Declan Raines. "These particular demographics (Millennials and Gen Z), in particular within sportsbook, are hugely included from an involvement perspective. So, it's not a surprise to see that they continue to drive growth within the sector this year. They 'd done that for the previous two years, which we can validate."
Economic elements and obstacles
Among the defining attributes of younger generations is their greater level of danger acceptance compared to the older crowd.
The study also found that customers with the greatest percentage of mobile video gaming usage were younger, urban-area individuals who leased housing systems and did not have kids. These consumers were also more likely to use cryptocurrency, which can be used at a range of online gambling platforms.
"We used TransUnion's marketing services to better understand the profile of regular gamblers and a pattern of financial speculation emerged," stated Raines. "These sections were likewise more likely to invest for big payoffs in the stock market, go on adventure holidays, and make impulse purchases."
TransUnion said the most predictive factor of customers' willingness to gamble was the accessibility of discretionary income. For instance, payments such as loans and rent, the rising expense of living, and reduced self-confidence might influence whether gamblers danger or conserve their money.
Monthly financial obligation payments for Millennials and Gen Z customers are up 20% and 27%, respectively. Those are well ahead of the rate of inflation (6%) and wage growth (8%).