Casino Guru, a leading authority in online gaming with the largest database of online casinos, recently conducted a survey to understand how the Christmas season impacts the behavior of online casino players. The survey, completed by 173 participants from the Casino Guru Community, offers valuable insights into players’ motivations during the holiday period.
The survey, conducted from December 5 to December 12, 2024, is part of Casino Guru’s ongoing efforts to improve standards and safety within the online gambling industry. It explored factors such as player demographics, including age, gender, and country of residence, as well as the reasons players engage in online gambling over Christmas. Additionally, the survey gathered data on how many players gamble during the holidays to generate funds for gifts and whether the frequency of their gambling increases during this period.
One notable statistic from the survey was that 87.28% of participants viewed gambling during the Christmas season as a form of relaxation. This aligns with findings from previous studies, such as one from GamCare, which noted that individuals who engage in harmful gambling behaviors often experience increased anxiety or depression around the holidays. Casino Guru’s survey provides further data on this issue, drawing from a substantial subscriber base to help foster a more informed gambling environment.
The survey revealed that 49% of respondents spent more money on gambling during the holidays than they typically do, with 37.79% of players reporting they engage in online casino games every day. This surge in interest in online casinos, particularly during December, may be linked to the frequent holiday promotions and bonuses. According to the survey, 67.44% of players are motivated to gamble by these seasonal offerings, although it is important to note that these promotions may not necessarily offer greater profitability than regular promotions throughout the year.
The data also highlights a gender-related difference in gambling expectations. About 45% of male respondents indicated they do not gamble with the aim of earning money for Christmas gifts, suggesting more realistic expectations of gambling outcomes compared to female players.
While the findings of this survey provide valuable insights into the behaviors of online casino players during the Christmas season, Casino Guru emphasizes that further research is needed to gain a more comprehensive understanding of gambling trends and player behaviors during the holidays.
“Based on the results of our survey, it is safe to say that most people experience financial stress during the holiday season,” says Šimon Vincze, Casino Guru’s Head of Sustainable & Safer Gambling. The data revealed that 61.63% of players admitted to gambling to earn money for Christmas gifts, while the main reason for playing games during Christmas is to win money (59.54%), which outweighs other factors like entertainment (17.34%), a way to decompress (8.09%), or playing games with a Christmas theme (5.78%).
Vincze says: “Informing players and the general public about the potential gambling harm that can result from unsafe or unjust gambling practices continues to be our top priority.” Therefore, Casino Guru has decided to commit to standardized research in the upcoming year 2025 to educate players about gambling and make it safer for everyone.