How Player Behaviour Changed After the Pandemic: Psychological Portrait of a New Generation of Gamblers

The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped many aspects of everyday life, but few sectors saw as rapid and transformative a shift as online gambling. With physical casinos shut down and people isolated at home, gambling patterns began to shift in both frequency and psychology. As of February 2025, long-term behavioural changes have taken root, signalling the emergence of a new generation of players. These gamblers are more digitally native, psychologically affected by global events, and often driven by factors deeper than mere entertainment.

Psychological Shifts in the Post-Pandemic Gambler

Following the pandemic, gambling has increasingly served not only as a form of entertainment but also as a coping mechanism. Mental health professionals have noted a sharp increase in gambling activity driven by stress, loneliness, and a sense of uncertainty about the future. According to research from the University of Bristol and the UK Gambling Commission, many players reported gambling as a way to “feel in control” during periods of lockdown and disruption.

This change in motivation is critical in shaping the psychological profile of today’s gamblers. While traditional gambling was often driven by thrill-seeking or social interaction, the new generation is more introspective, sometimes gambling to fill emotional voids. The line between recreational use and problematic behaviour has become increasingly blurred, particularly among those in their twenties and thirties.

Furthermore, studies from 2022 to 2024 indicate that many new gamblers exhibit higher emotional volatility. They are more prone to ‘tilting’—emotional spirals during losing streaks—which may be a by-product of pandemic-era anxiety. The psychological triggers behind gambling have diversified, requiring a more nuanced understanding by operators and regulators alike.

Loneliness and Digital Intimacy

One of the lasting impacts of lockdowns has been a surge in digital intimacy replacing physical interaction. This has extended to online gambling, where live dealer games and social slots became increasingly popular during 2021–2024. These features simulate real-world interaction and provide users with a sense of companionship in otherwise isolated environments.

Players today are not just gambling against odds but also seeking connection. A 2023 report from the International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction found that over 40% of regular online casino users engaged with chat-based features or multiplayer games primarily for social interaction. The emotional bonds formed in these settings, while digital, are psychologically significant.

In this context, gambling fills more than one role—it entertains, distracts, and even comforts. As this new psychological landscape emerges, operators must rethink how to support players’ mental well-being while providing engaging content.

Shifts in Betting Patterns and Frequency

The pandemic era saw the rise of ‘micro-gambling’—smaller, more frequent wagers spread throughout the day. This habit was reinforced by increased time spent at home and access to mobile devices. Players now engage in shorter, impulsive sessions, often while multitasking or during moments of boredom or stress.

According to data from Statista and GambleAware (2024), players in the UK and Europe saw a 23% rise in average betting frequency between 2021 and 2024. Interestingly, the average stake per session has decreased, suggesting a shift towards sustained, habitual play rather than high-risk gambling.

Moreover, the rise in use of crypto and e-wallets has enabled faster, frictionless gambling. This technological convenience may have contributed to the ‘instant gratification’ loop—a psychological cycle where small wins reinforce continued betting, despite limited financial gain. Operators must be aware of this and design responsible tools accordingly.

Increased Use of Automated Betting Tools

The modern player, particularly post-2020, has grown comfortable with automation. From auto-spin features in slots to AI-generated sports betting tips, automation now supports quicker, less cognitively demanding gameplay. This aligns with the behavioural trend towards passive gambling—gambling as a background activity rather than a focused event.

Research conducted in 2023 by Gambling Research Exchange Ontario revealed that over 60% of users under 35 use auto-play or pre-set strategies when betting online. This reduces decision fatigue but increases the risk of players losing track of time or money spent during sessions.

As this behavioural pattern gains ground, the industry must reassess the balance between engagement and player control. While automation enhances usability, it can also contribute to psychological detachment and loss of self-regulation.

The New Demographics: Who Are Today’s Gamblers?

The demographic profile of gamblers has become broader and more diversified since 2020. Online platforms have attracted younger audiences, particularly Gen Z, who were already digitally savvy. According to a 2024 report by YouGov, users aged 18–25 now represent 28% of online gambling traffic across Europe, up from just 17% in 2019.

This younger group has grown up amid economic uncertainty and digital saturation. Their gambling habits reflect values such as convenience, mobility, and customisation. They prefer games with social features, responsive customer support, and gamified reward systems. Additionally, Gen Z players are more likely to engage with financial literacy content and tools that track time or spending.

At the same time, the gender balance is shifting. Female participation in online gambling rose significantly during and after the pandemic. Women now make up around 42% of online casino players in Europe, driven in part by the appeal of mobile slots and bingo-style games, which are perceived as more casual and community-based.

Digital Native Expectations and Habits

Modern gamblers expect seamless experiences across multiple devices, instant verification, and robust privacy settings. This demographic is also highly sensitive to intrusive ads, slow payout times, or opaque bonus conditions. For many, a poor user experience equates to an immediate switch to another provider.

In terms of psychology, digital natives approach gambling with a consumer mindset—they want value, transparency, and engagement. They are less loyal to brands and more experimental with new platforms, often following influencers or reviews rather than traditional advertising. Trust is earned not by name recognition but through consistently good service and transparent terms.

Operators looking to engage this group must focus on app optimisation, clear UX design, and responsible gaming features. Emotional and technological intelligence are equally vital in maintaining a sustainable user base.