Younger Bettors Driving Gaming Industry's Growth, Study Finds

A new study released by TransUnion on Wednesday exposed young gamblers are driving the development in America's video gaming industry.


- Online sports betting was especially attractive to both Millennial and Gen Z wagerers.


- Younger wagerers are more most likely to get involved in gambling since of their greater danger acceptance.


- Debt payments are increasing rapidly among young wagerers.


The study focused on gamblers who regularly risked a minimum of $50 monthly. While betting activity was up to 30% of consumers in Q2 2025, that number increased to 34% and 42% for Gen Z and Millennial bettors, respectively.


Both Gen Z and Millennial wagerers increased their participation in online sports wagering by 7% year-over-year.


Millennials increased their involvement in online gambling establishment video gaming by 7%, in retail casino and retail lottery game by 9%, and in retail sports betting and online lottery game by 11%.


Gen Z showed no change for online gambling establishment participation and reductions of 1% for retail lottery and retail sportsbook, 3% for online lottery game, and 6% for retail gambling establishments.


"We've seen that in prior editions," stated TransUnion senior director Declan Raines. "These particular demographics (Millennials and Gen Z), in particular within sportsbook, are hugely included from a participation 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 2 years, which we can validate."


Economic elements and obstacles


Among the specifying characteristics of younger generations is their higher level of threat acceptance compared to the older crowd.


The research study likewise discovered that with the highest portion of mobile video gaming use were younger, urban-area individuals who leased real estate units and did not have kids. These consumers were likewise more most likely to use cryptocurrency, which can be used at a variety of online gaming platforms.


"We used TransUnion's marketing services to better comprehend the profile of routine bettors and a pattern of financial speculation emerged," said Raines. "These sectors were likewise more most likely to invest for big benefits in the stock market, go on experience getaways, and make impulse purchases."


TransUnion said the most predictive element of consumers' desire to gamble was the accessibility of discretionary earnings. For example, payments such as loans and rent, the increasing cost of living, and minimized self-confidence might influence whether gamblers risk or save their cash.


Monthly debt payments for Millennials and Gen Z consumers are up 20% and 27%, respectively. Those are well ahead of the rate of inflation (6%) and wage growth (8%).