Like him, many of the mostly 20-something male gamblers start out with $1,000. They then aim to double it to $2,000, then again to $4,000, and so on, until they pass the $1 million mark on day 10.
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And research shows it’s more than just another TikTok trend. Gen Z—and specifically its male cohort—is leading the way on most gambling and sports betting participation. But experts warn the “fleeting sense of control” is exactly what keeps them coming back for more, often with devastating financial and emotional fallout.
Professor Chris Hand from Kingston Business School says Gen Z’s search for a quick fix to their finances is a reflection of this generation, changes in the gambling market and social media.
Not only is it easier than ever for young people to gamble on their phone, it’s also easier for them to share their experience online—enticing others to join in on the thrill.
“Gambling Commission results show that the lure of another big win, or hearing of someone else’s big win, are key motives for gambling,” he adds. “Of course, that may be amplified by economic conditions, especially where people gamble for fun or as an escape.”
Gina Battye, founder and CEO of the Psychological Safety Institute, says leaders should take this trend as a big flashing sign for how broken the system feels to young people right now.
“Gen Z are turning to gambling because so many feel the odds are stacked against them,” Battye explains. “Wages don’t stretch, housing feels out of reach and work often doesn’t give them the stability or belonging they need.”
“For some, gambling offers a distraction, a quick dopamine hit and a fleeting sense of control when affording things on their own feels impossible.”
But that control is an illusion—and for most people, betting away their wages isn’t a reliable path to financial freedom. You can’t rely on luck to solve challenges you didn’t create, Battye stresses.
While the job market, economy, and rising housing prices are out of anyone’s hands, there are tangible ways that young people can invest in themselves without putting their capital at risk.
“Focus on building skills, connections and habits that give you real control over your future,” she advises Gen Z. “Seek out communities and spaces that support your growth and allow you to make practical progress toward the life you want.”
In the end, Battye argues the bigger fix lies with employers.
“To organisations, the responsibility is clear,” she says. “If people feel disconnected or disposable, they’ll search for escape routes; whether that’s gambling, side hustles or checking out altogether.”
“Real change starts with creating safe and authentic workplaces.”
