Gambling is a cross-generational entertainment choice for millions globally. No matter if we’re talking about boomers, Gen X, Millennials, or Gen Z, each generation uses gambling as a way to have fun. However, there are some differences in preferences among these generations. Each of them experiences gambling differently, meaning that generations visiting onlinepokiesmates.com will opt for various online casinos available on that site. We’re going to explore all expectations that each of these generations has from an online casino. Let’s start with the oldest generations and their online gambling trends for 2025.
Boomers' Online Gambling Habits
Boomers belong to the most experienced gambling generation that’s currently active. They were there to witness the growth of the retail casino. Then they saw the digital revolution and how things have moved online, and the majority of them have adapted to the trends in the online gambling industry. However, there is one thing that makes their habits different from those of others.
The majority of Baby Boomers in online casinos prefer slots, bingo, and lottery sections. It was the go-to way to have fun with friends in a retail casino, and they want to recreate that feeling in the slots sections of digital casinos. They have an exceptional taste for nostalgic games, so retro games and arcade games are their favourite categories.
When it comes to preferred devices, they’ll most likely be using a computer to gamble online.
Gen X: The Bridge Generation
Generation X was at a critical age when digital advancements went mainstream. This has allowed them to learn about the latest trends, enabling them to become strategic thinkers who are always eager for knowledge. Several key factors, including their curiosity, knowledge, and financial situation, make the Bridge Generation significant.
They are equipped to use all devices, meaning that they can gamble on either a computer, smartphone, or tablet. When it comes to game preferences, they’ll most likely opt for live dealer games, such as blackjack or roulette, or find a poker table to challenge other players. These skill-based games will quench their thirst for knowledge and being strategic. Therefore, an online casino of their choice should be available on all platforms and feature table games in its live dealer section.
Another important fact is that this generation is financially stable. Their children are mostly in their teens, leaving them with a bit more time to have fun exploring online casinos. In fact, Gen X and Baby Boomers are responsible for the year-on-year gambling growth in Q4 of 2024, due to their financial status. As they belong to a generation with the most disposable income, they make up a high percentage of active bettors.
Millennials: Experience-Driven Gamblers
Millennials are the first generation that was born in the digital age. This generation is highly technical and is the largest user of mobile technology at present. As such, the majority of this generation will gamble at online casinos from their smartphones and tablets.
As they’re experience-driven gamblers, they expect online casinos of their choice to function smoothly on their mobile devices. This includes modern and secure payment methods, games optimized for mobile devices, and high-quality live streams in the live dealer section.
The more innovative features a casino has, the higher the chance that a millennial player will choose to use it. This includes mobile UX designs, loyalty programs, and high-quality customer service. The largest operators in the space are aware of this and are making a serious effort to deliver on all these fronts. They create platforms that are simple to use on all devices. Loyalty programs are built on gamification principles, drawing players back to online casinos daily for new rewards.
To cater to the unique experience requirements of this generation. You’ll see numerous casino promotional events prizes that include unique experiences such as cruises. Millennials are in it for a fantastic experience, and if a casino gives them that, they’ll come back for more.
Gen Z: The Next-Gen Bettors
Generation Z is the generation that is setting new online gambling trends in the online betting sector. This generation was born when smartphones were already dominating the market, and they grew up using them actively. They spent their passive time differently compared to millennials and have adopted different forms of entertainment that are tied to betting.
That’s right, Gen Z members are the largest group of bettors on esports. An entertainment category that's on a stable growth path with hundreds of millions of fans globally. This means that online sportsbooks will need to adapt and expand these categories to meet their customers' demands. The majority of gambling sites today offer esports betting, due to its growing popularity.
Gen Z is considered an early adopter of various technologies, including crypto. That’s another reason why many online casinos today offer crypto payments on their platforms. Gen Z is familiar with how these forms of payment are used and expects them to be supported by online gambling sites.
All operators are closely monitoring their trends, as we transition from the financial shift from Baby Boomers to Generation Z, with the majority of Boomers soon retiring and more Gen Zers entering the workforce in the coming years. Their gambling habits will undoubtedly change the online casino and sportsbook industry, as their expectations of online gambling operators will be completely different from what others want from them.
