Christmas isn’t just about turkey dinners and gift exchanges. For many people in North America, it also comes with a spike in “festive flutter”, from spontaneous bets to scratchcard gifts tucked into stockings.
A new survey from BonusFinder Canada involving 1,063 respondents across Canada and North America shines a light on how gambling fits into the holiday period and what these trends could mean for Canadians.
Nearly half consider gambling at Christmas with many receiving “lucky gifts”
According to the survey, 48% of respondents say they either plan to gamble or might gamble during the holidays, indicating that betting is increasingly seen as part of the holiday experience. For some, it is more than a spontaneous decision: 25% say gambling forms at least some part of their Christmas traditions, while over 1 in 10 (11%) gambles specifically to try to earn more money for gifts.
Preferences vary, but casino games take a slight lead, with 57.5% favouring casino games and 42.5% choosing sports betting. One of the most striking findings, however, relates to gifting: 63.1%, nearly two-thirds, have received a betting-related Christmas gift such as a scratchcard, voucher or similar.
When asked what motivates festive gambling, most respondents point to impulse. 65% say they bet spontaneously “in the moment,” while smaller shares cite tradition (12.9%), extra free time (11.5%) or holiday promotions (10.6%). This shows that festive gambling is less about ritual than it is about seasonal mood and opportunity.
Cash to gamble vs Christmas gifts: 1 in 5 would take the betting money
When presented with a simple choice: a traditional Christmas gift or cash to gamble, the majority still prefer something to unwrap under the tree. However, the survey shows a strong minority willing to swap presents for a betting balance:
- 80% would rather receive a Christmas gift
- 20% would prefer cash to gamble
This suggests that for a notable share of people, gambling has become a normalised part of how they think about spending and entertainment during the holidays.
Spending, optimism and increased play
Despite the festive atmosphere, most respondents say their gambling budget remains stable: 69.8% spend the same amount in December as in any other month. Still, more than 1 in 5 (22.4%) report that their spending increases in December, while only 7.8% reduce it.
Emotional factors also play a role: over 34% feel more optimistic about winning during the holidays, indicating that the season’s positive energy may influence perceived luck and risk-taking.
This sentiment echoes a broader belief about holiday behaviour. Nearly 70% of respondents feel that people tend to gamble more at Christmas than at other times of the year. A perception that aligns with increased opportunities, stronger emotions and the cultural normalisation of gaming-related gifts.
Methodology
Survey conducted by BonusFinder, December 2–5, 2025, among 1,063 respondents across North America, aged 18+, via online questionnaire.
