01/25/2022 | Press release | Archived content
27 January 2022
GAME ON! The New Face of Gaming is Revealed as Dads Control the Console
Gaming and technology isn't just for Generation Z. Midlifers, and especially dads, are among the most enthusiastic gamers. They are also big social media users, watch esports and experiment with Virtual Reality (VR), new research from Entain, the global sports betting, gaming, and interactive entertainment group, reveals today.
The findings of a study of 16,000 people in the UK[1], which looked at changing behaviours of consumers, challenge popular beliefs that gaming is predominantly for Zoomers (*see notes). A generation ofconsole-hoggers, once dubbed digital natives, have retained early enthusiasms for products like the PlayStation, Blackberry and Xbox to become "Digital Dads". Indeed, it found that men with children are more likely to spend time gaming and watching esports than those without and, in the 25-44-year range, men are twice as likely as women to spend time gaming and watching esports.
"Enthusiasm for gaming, mobile, and more social forms of interactive entertainment is far from confined to younger generations. People of all ages - particularly middle-aged dads - enjoy gaming and seem to love experimenting with new and exciting content," said Dom Grounsell, Deputy Director of Digital at Entain. "We're developing new interactive entertainment experiences, with more gaming and social features, because it's increasingly clear this is what people want."
There is also a clear link between betting and gaming. Entain's research shows that video gamers are more than four times more likely to bet or participate in online gaming that non-gamers, and more open to using social features[2]. Other findings include:
Other research studies commissioned by Entain show how interest in new technologies amongst the global adult population will continue to grow. These find, for instance, that:
Entain will be launching innovative new experiences for customers in the UK through some of its leading brands, like Ladbrokes. Based around Virtual Reality and mobile entertainment experiences in sport, gaming, and music, these ground-breaking products will show how Entain is meeting changing customer needs. For instance, through partnerships with bands, Ladbrokes's customers will be able to stream music content and gain exclusive access to gigs and events through its recently launched Amplify brand.
[1]Lippincott Research
[2]Activate Betting & Gaming Research Study
[3]Activate Betting & Gaming Research Study
Notes to Editors
*Generations (Source: Pew Research Center)
Media Contacts
Media - Entain plc Tessa Curtis, Head of Group PR & Media Relations Jay Dossetter, Head of ESG and Press Office Jodie Hitch, PR Manager |
About Entain plc
Entain plc (LSE: ENT) is a FTSE100 company and is one of the world's largest sports-betting and gaming groups, operating both online and in the retail sector. The Group owns a comprehensive portfolio of established brands; Sports Brands include bwin, Bet.pt, Coral, Crystalbet, Eurobet, Ladbrokes, Neds and Sportingbet; Gaming Brands include CasinoClub, Foxy Bingo, Gala, Gioco Digitale, Ninja Casino, Optibet, partypoker and PartyCasino. The Group owns proprietary technology across all its core product verticals and in addition to its B2C operations provides services to a number of third-party customers on a B2B basis.
The Group has a joint venture with MGM Resorts International creating a leader, BetMGM, in sports betting and iGaming in the US. Entain provides the technology which powers BetMGM and exclusive games and products, specially developed at its in-house gaming studios. The Group is tax resident in the UK with licenses in a total of 27 regulated markets. Entain is a leader in ESG, a member of FTSE4Good, the DJSI and is AA rated by MSCI. The Group has set a science-based target, committing to be carbon net zero by 2035 and through the Entain Foundation supports a variety of initiatives, focusing on safer gambling, grassroots sport, diversity in technology and community projects. For more information see the Group's website: www.entaingroup.com