The Ways Gambling Platforms Are Gaining Gen Z’s Attention
Published: July 1, 2026
Gen Z has a language of their own online and gambling platforms are catching on. One of Kalshi’s most recent ads feature a well-dressed chimpanzee living in luxury with the caption “Life after switching from predatory sportsbooks to using Kalshi” — a trend Gen Z is very familiar with.
Among these eccentric memes, gambling platforms, including sports betting and prediction markets, have also been using influencer podcasts, mini-mic interviews, and other online trends to get the attention of Gen Z users and spoiler, it’s working.
A Simple System
The goal is to get a young person to place their first wager. Stephen Findeisen, a popular YouTuber who investigates internet scams, explains that platforms market low monetary entry points, like 50 cents on album of the year prediction, because “the hardest wager to get is the first wager,” and the rest become much easier (Journal-News). It becomes especially effective for prediction markets and games with users under 21, whose developing minds are much more likely to become long-term customers if they had a good first experience.
These companies know it just takes one good advertisement to affect a person’s behavior. An extremely effective strategy for that is curating their marketing language and aesthetic to fit seamlessly into social media feeds. This is where the odd memes and gamification come into play.
Since platforms started using new age marketing tactics, data from SweepsPulse shows that for the first time ever, young adults (18-27) are outspending older generations on gambling. Though Baby Boomers are more financially stable, they only make up 19% of U.S. dollars spent on gambling, as compared to Gen Z’s 22% (Yahoo Finance). This flip demonstrates the effectiveness of current advertising and the reasons for the increased engagement among younger audiences.
Getting Ahead
Once you understand the ways that platforms are engaging young users to wager money, here are some things to keep in mind if you have a child or loved one under 25:
- Stay aware of where the risks are presented. Gambling platforms include anything that prompts a user to risk money or something of value for the chance to win more based on an uncertain outcome. Prediction markets, video games, and sports betting are common ways young adults are engaging in gambling.
- Watch for certain actions and behaviors. Increased screen time and sudden changes in mood are two common warning signs a person is consistently engaging in gambling-related activities.
- Have a conversation about the risks. It’s important for developing minds to be aware of how certain platforms will try to influence them to interact. Read the blog or check out the Parent Guide for help starting the conversation.
By having a conversation, you are equipping them with knowledge they can use in the real world, which is why Change the Game Ohio offers discussion guides and resources for parents, educators, and community professionals. Change the Game Ohio also offers a quiz to help gauge a young individual’s risk for developing a gambling disorder.
If you or someone you know is experiencing sports betting or gambling-related harms, don’t hesitate to call the free and confidential Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline. Understanding, non-judgmental, local specialists are standing by 24/7 to take your call, with no commitments involved. Call 1-800-589-9966 or text 988 to get help from the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.