A bibliometric analysis of the social, behavioral, and potential economic consequences of gambling among youth and Generation Z

Abstract

Objective – to conduct a bibliometric analysis of scientific publications on gambling among Generation Z indexed in Scopus during 2012–2025 and identify key research areas and factors influencing gambling addiction. Methods – bibliometric, comparative, cluster, and visualization methods, as well as systematization and synthesis of scientific literature. Results – an analysis of the dynamics of publication activity on the topic under study was conducted, identifying the main areas of scientific research related to gambling addiction in Generation Z, including risky behavior, pathological gambling, decision-making characteristics, and cultural aspects. As digital natives, Generation Z integrate gambling into digital entertainment, combining video games, eSports, and social interaction. A clear pattern emerges: this generation prefers fast-paced and interactive gambling games. A cluster analysis was conducted on the selected database, revealing four distinct clusters comprising key factors influencing gambling addiction in the socioeconomic context. Conclusions –research on gambling among Generation Z in the socioeconomic context is growing. Effective prevention methodology considers the digital environment and behavioral characteristics of young people. The findings contribute to the existing literature, identify directions for future research, and offer recommendations for policies and prevention programs to prevent gambling addiction among youth. Limitations are also identified.