Gen Z investors increasingly view sports betting as long-term financial strategy

A survey from asset manager Betterment reveals a significant shift in financial behavior among Gen Z investors. According to the 2026 Retail Investor Survey, 26% of Gen Z respondents view sports wagering as a deliberate component of their long-term financial strategy. This figure is notably higher than other generations, including 14% of Millennials, 6% of Gen X, and 1% of Baby Boomers.

The data also highlights a trend of capital reallocation. Approximately 52% of Gen Z respondents reported moving money originally intended for brokerage or retirement accounts into sports betting or prediction markets. Within this group, 14% indicated they make such transfers multiple times per month.

Participation rates also differ by age; while 63% of all investors report no sports betting activity, only 34% of Gen Z respondents say they do not participate in any form of sports wagering.