They say the world is a stage, and each generation brings its own script to the theatre of life and each scene, from eating out to buying and gambling behaviours. Millennials are considered “the savvy strategists,” as they were kind of in between both worlds, the old and the new. Baby Boomers are the steadfast veterans, while Gen Z is rewriting the playbook entirely.
At Casino Online CA, our team of experts in gambling behaviours and gambling platforms explores a crucial niche: how are generational traits shaping the gambling behaviour of today and what makes these generations tick and gamble in their own unique ways.
Main Generational Traits of Baby Boomers, Millennials and Gen Z
Generations are shaped mostly by the external factors of the world they grew up in. From post-war optimism to the rise of the Internet and the era of working online, each generation has left a unique mark on society. Let’s explore their main traits.
Baby Boomers
Born between 1946 and 1964, Baby Boomers grew up in a time of prosperity, social change, and remarkable technological breakthroughs. Landing on the moon, the discovery of the computer, and the rise of freedom, rock ‘n’ roll, and disco, as well as the economic stability granted by the continuous technological advancements of society, are what shaped their world.
- Shaped by the post-World War II economic boom, they value stability and hard work.
- Strong believers of traditional values like loyalty, commitment and face-to-face communication.
- Tend to prioritize security and reliability, staying devoted to institutions, employers, and friends they can lean on.
- The tendency to approach new technology and modern innovations cautiously.
Millennials: The Tech-Savvy Realists
Born between 1981 and 1996, Millennials are often called the “bridge generation”—the last to experience a childhood without the Internet and the first to fully embrace it as adults. They grew up during the rise of social media, globalization, and worldwide connection and exposure to information like never seen before.
- Millennials value adaptability and resourcefulness because they grew up in the era of exposure and the rise of the Internet.
- Often referred to as “digital pioneers”, they transitioned from dial-up Internet and Pentium ! to smartphones and advanced technology.
- They prioritize experience over material possessions, seeking meaning and balance in both work and play.
- Navigated a job market disrupted by economic downturns, fostering an entrepreneurial spirit and tendency to question traditional norms.
Gen Z: The Digital Natives
Born in the late 1990s up to 2012, this generation grew up in a fully digital world, surrounded by smartphones, social media, and on-demand everything. “For Gen-Z’s, technology is not a mere tool—it’s an extension of their identity,” James Segrest, one of CasinoOnlineCA experts and authors, points out.
- They are “fluent in social media” and technology.
- Known for their multitasking abilities, they seamlessly juggle multiple tasks, screens and streams of information.
- Raised with instant access to information and products, they value speed, personalization and efficiency.
- Deeply connected with news and global issues, they prioritize diversity, inclusion and sustainability.
- Having grown up in economic uncertainty and the enormous rise in the cost of living, they are considered pragmatic and financially cautious.
Gaming Platform Preferences of Each Generation
The device we use reveals a lot about generational habits, and when it comes to gambling, preferences vary widely across these three generations.
- Baby Boomers are The Desktop Devotees: Since they grew up alongside the personal computer revolution, Boomers prefer using desktop devices for gambling, too. They value bigger screens, easy navigation, and, of course, familiarity, which is why almost 70% of Boomers stick to either a desktop or a laptop for engaging in online activities.
- Millennials are the Versatile Users: Millennials grew up before screens but also adopted the use of mobile very quickly. These gamers and gamblers, if avid, use mobiles to engage in gaming platforms wherever they are, but in their free time, they are more fond of desktops.
- The Gen-Z Mobile Mavericks: A smartphone is everyday life for a Gen-Z person, so it’s no surprise they favour mobile gaming and mobile apps exclusively for gaming, still appreciating sleek interfaces and, above all, personalization features to make them feel engaged since they have the shortest attention span of all generations.
Payment Method Preferences
How each generation pays at online casinos is as telling as the games they play. Preferences span from old-school methods rooted in trust to cutting-edge innovations that embrace anonymity and speed.
Boomers tend to stick to tradition, favouring the usage of bank transfers, credit cards, and e-checks—something that shaped the gambling habits of Canadian gamblers of this generation. Why? Because checks feel tangible and secure—qualities Boomers value highly.
Millennials prefer digital wallets, and platforms like PayPal, Payoneer, and Apple Pay offer the speed and flexibility they need. “While they embrace the convenience, Millennials also begin to explore cryptocurrencies because they, as a generation, are the ones that adjust, and crypto has an innovative appeal that enables greater control over transactions,” Segrest analyzes.
Gen Z prefer cryptocurrencies because, most of all, they know how to use these new technologies and are aware of the cyber threats that might occur. Apps like Venmo and crypto wallets are something they are comfortable using because, for this mobile-first generation, payments need to be instant and mobile-friendly.
Skill-Based vs. Chance-Based Games
There is a generational mindset toward risk, strategy, critical thinking, and entertainment. Studies and experience show that Boomers lean into chance-based games, like slots, roulette, and bingo, mostly because these games are easy to play, bring low pressure, and also, the nostalgia of the brick-and-mortar casinos they once used to play at. For Boomers, gambling is recreational rather than competitive, and chance-based games fit seamlessly into this mindset.
Millennials have a strategic approach, which is why games like poker and blackjack, where skill impacts the outcome, align perfectly with their desire for meaningfulness. Fantasy sports betting is also popular, as it allows Millennials to combine their analytical skills and their passion for sports because most of them were once active in their schools or on the playground.
Gen Z blurs the lines between gambling and gaming. They are usually masters at one or two first-person games, and arcade games too, and tend to play skill-based games that incorporate gamified elements even when stepping into an online casino. In-game rewards—games that offer tournaments and leaderboards that grant prizes—are what Gen Z is in for, but also, fantasy sports and eSports are particularly appealing, as they also tap into the competitive and interactive environment that this generation thrives in.
Social Interactions and Community in Online Gambling
Social interactions among these three generations are crucially different, and with social elements in gambling resurging in popularity, this is also an important side of generational shaping of the future of gambling.
For Baby Boomers, gambling is as much about the social experience as the games themselves. This generation loves shared excitement, which is why they also cherish live casinos. Online, Boomers gravitate toward features like live dealer games and chat functions that imitate the personal interactions of brick-and-mortar casinos.
Millennials seek platforms that offer competition and connection, favouring multiplayer poker games but also, live poker, where they could engage with friends or meet new people.
For Gen Z, social interaction is fully digital. They prefer gambling platforms that incorporate gamified social features and community challenges rather than live options. Partnerships with influencers or Twitch and Steam streamers can further enhance their engagement.
Takeaways
Gambling incorporates many aspects of our everyday lives, from our habits of spending to our risk assessment and free time preferences. This is why different generational traits have a big role in shaping gambling behaviours. Through the looking glass of a gambling operator, the future of gambling belongs to those who adapt, evolve, and keep all generations in the game, offering classic forms of entertainment, but also, keeping up with the preferences of the avid gaming and competitive appetites of Gen Z.
