Younger Bettors Driving Gaming Industry's Growth, Study Finds

A new study launched by TransUnion on Wednesday exposed young wagerers are driving the growth in America's video gaming industry.


- Online sports wagering was especially appealing to both Millennial and Gen Z bettors.


- Younger wagerers are more likely to take part in gaming because of their greater threat approval.


- Debt payments are increasing quickly among young bettors.


The research study concentrated on bettors who frequently ran the risk of a minimum of $50 per month. While wagering activity was up to 30% of consumers in Q2 2025, that number increased to 34% and 42% for Gen Z and Millennial gamblers, respectively.


Both Gen Z and Millennial bettors increased their involvement in online sports betting by 7% year-over-year.


Millennials increased their participation in online gambling establishment gaming by 7%, in retail casino and retail lotto by 9%, and in retail sports betting and online lotto by 11%.


Gen Z showed no change for online casino involvement and decreases of 1% for retail lotto and retail sportsbook, 3% for online lottery game, and 6% for retail casinos.


"We've seen that in previous editions," stated TransUnion senior director Declan Raines. "These particular demographics (Millennials and Gen Z), in specific 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 past 2 years, which we can validate."


Economic aspects and challenges


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


The research study also found that consumers with the greatest percentage of mobile video gaming usage were more youthful, urban-area individuals who leased housing and did not have children. These customers were likewise most likely to use cryptocurrency, which can be utilized at a range of online betting platforms.


"We used TransUnion's marketing services to better comprehend the profile of regular gamblers and a pattern of financial speculation emerged," said Raines. "These sections were likewise most likely to invest for big rewards in the stock market, go on experience vacations, and make impulse purchases."


TransUnion stated the most predictive factor of consumers' desire to gamble was the availability of discretionary earnings. For example, payments such as loans and rent, the rising expense of living, and reduced self-confidence might affect whether bettors risk or conserve their cash.


Monthly financial obligation 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 development (8%).