Gambling and Gen Z: Australia's player expectations and behaviour

1) Introduction

Generation Z (born between about 1997 and 2012) forms the new face of the online gambling industry. In Australia, it is these players who are beginning to actively enter the market, bringing new expectations, unique behavior and a demand for modern formats. Unlike millennials and older generations, the Zetas grew up in an all-digital environment, which directly affects their consumption of gambling content.

2) Digital environment as normal

For generation Z, the smartphone is the main tool for interacting with the world. More than 90% of this generation prefer mobile access to entertainment, including gambling. In online casinos, they value not only convenience, but also integration with social networks, quick authorization, instant payments.

3) Expectations from interface and experience

The Zetas are used to a high level of UX: fast response, visually rich interfaces, intuitive navigation. Games without dynamic design and interactive features quickly lose their interest. For them, not only winning is important, but also the process itself, similar to a gamified experience.

4) A penchant for micro-entertainment

Generation Z values speed. Their attention is diffused between many digital sources, so long gaming sessions are less attractive. The greatest increase in popularity among "zetas" is given to microgames and instant slots, which can be completed in 2-5 minutes.

5) Social and collective aspect

Unlike older generations, Gen Z is focused on interaction. They are looking for formats with the ability to communicate: live games with dealers, social casinos, mini-games inside instant messengers. For them, gambling is primarily a social experience, not an individual occupation.

6) Financial habits and control

Despite the stereotype of recklessness, Generation Z shows a more conscious attitude towards money. They use deposit limits more often, prefer transparent rate mechanics and are more wary of risk. However, their involvement in bonus promotions and promos is above average.

7) Impact of technology

The Zetas are ready to actively use AR, VR, cryptocurrencies and NFT. For them, this is not a novelty, but part of the usual digital ecosystem. In the future, it is this generation that will become the driver of the integration of the metaverse and online gambling.

8) Prediction of Generation Z gambling behavior

Shift to mobile and fast gaming content.
Growing interest in social and live games.
Increased use of financial restraints.
Increased requirements for the visual and technological component of games.
Readiness to test new formats (VR slots, blockchain casinos, mini-games in social networks).

9) Conclusion

Generation Z forms a unique profile of an online casino player: mobile, social, experience-oriented, not just winning. Their behaviour and expectations set trends that will shape the development of the online gambling industry in Australia in the coming years.