87.28% of Online Gamblers Play During Christmas Holidays to Relax

According to a survey conducted by Casino Guru between December 5 and December 12, 2024, among 173 participants, the Christmas season significantly impacts the behavior of online casino players. The survey results provide valuable insights into player motivations during the holidays.
Why Do Players Choose Gambling During Holidays?
The primary reason why 87.28% of the survey participants engage in gambling during Christmas holidays is to relax. This finding aligns with previous studies, which link gambling during this period to attempts to cope with anxiety or stress often associated with the holiday season.
Gambling as a Way to Earn Money for Gifts
The survey revealed that 61.63% of players attempt to earn money for Christmas gifts through gambling. Moreover, 49% of respondents spend more money on gambling during this period than usual, while 37.79% play daily. These figures highlight the influence of financial stress on players’ behavior during the holiday season.
The Role of Seasonal Promotions and Bonuses
Seasonal promotions and bonuses are key factors motivating players to participate in online casinos in December. According to the survey, 67.44% of participants noted these offers as the main incentive to play. However, it is essential to remember that holiday bonuses are not always more beneficial than regular promotions.
Gender Differences in Motivation
An interesting aspect of the survey concerns the differences in motivation between men and women. Approximately 45% of men indicated they do not aim to earn money for gifts, suggesting more realistic expectations from gambling compared to women.
Expert Opinions
Šimon Vincze, Head of Sustainable & Safer Gambling at Casino Guru, stated: “The results of our survey show that most people experience financial stress during the holiday season. This drives many to gambling as a way to cope with tension or earn money for gifts.”
He also emphasized the importance of educating players about the potential risks of gambling: “Our priority is to inform players and the public about safe gambling practices to make the industry fair and safe for everyone.” As part of this mission, Casino Guru plans to conduct standardized research in 2025 to raise awareness about gambling risks and promote safer gambling practices.
The Casino Guru survey highlights the impact of the Christmas season on the behavior of online casino players. The primary motivations for gambling are relaxation and attempts to earn money. However, financial stress driven by holiday expenses also plays a significant role.
To minimize risks, it is important for players to be aware of safe gambling practices, and operators should offer transparent terms of participation. Casino Guru continues to work on improving industry standards, emphasizing the importance of player safety.