Why Gen Z Responds to Play-to-Win Campaigns from Financial Brands

In today’s fast-paced world of digital finance, traditional marketing tactics aren’t cutting it with younger consumers. Gen Z, raised on smartphones and social media, expects more than banner ads or static promotions. They want interaction. They want fun. And most of all, they want to feel in control. That’s where gamification enters the picture and it’s why more financial brands are turning to sweepstakes, challenges and reward-based play to deepen engagement.

According to Deloitte’s 2025 Gen Z Consumer Trends Report, over 60% of Gen Z respondents say they’re more likely to interact with a brand that offers game-like elements or incentives. For financial marketers, this presents a huge opportunity to meet digital natives where they are – with smart, engaging campaigns that go beyond transactional messaging.

Offering Gen Z a Gamified Financial Experience

Gamification in finance isn’t about tricking users into spending, it’s about building habits and loyalty through fun, goal-oriented interaction. Financial apps and brands that tap into Gen Z’s love for games and progress tracking are gaining ground in a crowded space.

For example, instead of offering a flat $25 bonus for opening a new checking account, imagine a campaign that unlocks rewards as users complete steps like making a deposit, setting up bill pay or referring a friend. Add in a sweepstakes element, like completing all steps to be entered to win a $5,000 financial wellness package, and suddenly you’ve turned onboarding into a high-engagement experience.

Compliance + Creativity = Real Results

Of course, the financial space comes with scrutiny. Sweepstakes that run nationally must follow strict legal and regulatory frameworks. That’s where Enteractive Solutions Group comes in. We help financial institutions, fintech apps and investment platforms design campaigns that are not only engaging and on-brand, but also compliant in all 50 states.

From crafting official rules to managing winner selection and prize fulfillment, ESG removes the guesswork (and the risk) so our clients can focus on the fun part: engaging their audience.

Gen Z Wants a Real-World Payoff

Brands like Chime and Acorns have already started experimenting with gamified financial incentives – think referral tiers, daily cash giveaways and even virtual scratch cards. These campaigns not only improve retention, they create moments of excitement around services that used to feel dry or impersonal.

When sweepstakes and gamification combine, the benefits compound. You’re not just offering a reward – you’re offering an experience. And that experience drives the kind of emotional connection Gen Z craves from the brands they trust with their money.

Partner With Enteractive Solutions Group

If you’re a financial brand looking to modernize your engagement strategy, gamified sweepstakes and contests are an efficient, cost-effective, and highly scalable way to do it. At Enteractive Solutions Group, we bring decades of experience in compliance, promotional strategy and audience engagement to every campaign we run. We’re not just pushing paperwork – we’re building the backbone of campaigns that actually convert.

Want to know how ESG can help you connect with Gen Z through gamified sweepstakes and promotional marketing? Visit Enteractive Solutions Group or reach out for a free consultation. We’re ready when you are.