Gen Zers are over being told they just need to work harder if they don’t want to be stuck living with their parents forever. So they’re gambling their paychecks away in the hopes of becoming a millionaire without having to climb the greasy pole—they’re winning (and losing) thousands, and it’s all on camera.
On “day 3” in his attempt of becoming a millionaire, @chrisoneal4 filmed himself losing $4,000 all in the click of a button in Black Jack.
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.
One user, @tizmtv_, filmed himself turning $1,000 to $256,000—and losing it on day 9. “There’s now way,” he screamed in disbelief to camera, while hitting the dashboard of his car. But he’s racked up thousands of social media followers in the process and now, he’s trying from scratch all over again.
Most of these videos fall under the same style of double-or-nothing template. But others are gambling a dollar (or pound) for every follower they have, “playing for rent money,” and more. One Instagram account is even aptly called “Gambling my paycheck”.
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.
Gen Z men really are gambling more than any other generation right now
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.
“UK data suggests that males 25 to 34 have the highest gambling participation rates, not counting National Lottery players,” Hand tells Fortune. “The US shows a similar pattern.”
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.”
It’s perhaps no coincidence that young men are also most likely to be locked out of the work force right now—otherwise known as NEETs, not in education, employment or training.
Research has shown that specifically male Gen Z grads are more likely than women to be economically inactive, making adulthood milestones further out of reach for young men, than they already are. In fact, over 2 million young men are now classified as NEETs. Another study warns that they’re so disillusioned with the system that they’re not actively looking for work, either. What’s worse, Goodwill’s CEO Steve Preston recently told Fortune that he’s preparing for an influx of jobless Gen Zers as automation and AI wipes out entry-level jobs.
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.”
‘Don’t rely on luck to solve challenges you didn’t create’
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.”
