Desperate Gen Zers and millennials are turning to online gambling and AI to claw their way out of crushing debt — in part because of the “approachability” and “judgement-free advice” from computers, according to a new survey.

Sports betting, prediction markets like Polymarket and Kalshi, fantasy sports, day trading and even old fashioned casino gambling aren’t just hobbies — or addictions — anymore; they’re financial survival strategies for cash-strapped adults, according to a new poll from National Debt Relief and Wakefield Research

A whopping 65% of Gen Z and 49% of millennials who regularly gamble say they have done so to try to eliminate a chunk of their debt, compared to 39% of Gen X and 19% of boomers.

And when it comes to guidance, AI has become a personal financial guru, according to the survey of 2,000 US adults above the age of 18.

An eye-opening 69% of millennials and 64% of Gen Z report using AI for money advice during financial struggles, compared with 45% of Gen X and just 23% of boomers.

The survey found “judement-free advice” and “AI’s approachability” was a major draw for using AI to manage their money matters.

Sixty-five percent of millennials and 53% of Gen Z reported they felt more comfortable talking about their financial woes with computers rather than with family and friends, according to the poll.

“The data shows younger Americans are willing to seek help with their finances, but where they turn for that help is changing,” said Cathleen Bell, vice president of customer research & insights at National Debt Relief, in a press statement. 

“For those who may be a fit for debt settlement, that means developing a plan that works with their financial situation and budget,” Bell explained.

“Asking for help isn’t a sign of financial failure; it can be the first step toward regaining control and moving forward with confidence.”

The exact amount of debt also bothers Gen Z and millennials: 60% of both age groups would rather publicly disclose their weight rather than the amount of debt they’re saddled with.

Worse yet, more than a third of millennials (38%) and over a quarter of Gen Zers (27%) burdened by unsecured debt — including credit cards, medical bills, personal loans and Buy Now, Pay Later schemes — owe an eye-popping $7,500 or more, research shows.