Shares in several gambling companies fell on 10 March amid a wider US market sell-off, with Penn Entertainment down 9.46%, Flutter Entertainment 8.36% and DraftKings 5.51%. The report linked the market-wide decline to economic uncertainty and concerns over US trade policy.
The share-price moves provide investors with a measure of gambling companies’ exposure to broader market volatility.
Quarter ended 30 September 2026
Quarter ended 30 September 2026
Quarter ended 30 September 2026
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DraftKings and Flutter shares fell in mid-January as prediction-market platforms attracted interest during the NFL playoffs, according to reports. DraftKings briefly declined by more than 8% and Flutter by more than 5%; New York online sportsbook revenue for the week ending 11 January was about 40% lower than a year earlier, the report said.
J.P. Morgan and Bank of America analysts said first-quarter results will reflect weaker consumer sentiment and pressure on digital gaming from prediction markets. Bank of America reported gaming stocks down 6% for the year, with US operators up 1%, Macau operators down 14% and digital and online gaming stocks down 36%.
Analysts discussed the proposed Fertitta Entertainment acquisition of Caesars, announced on Thursday, and its potential effects on casino operators. J.P. Morgan’s Daniel Politzer raised questions about financing, possible divestitures and shareholder approval, while CBRE’s John DeCree said the sector could see further leveraged and management buyouts.
Operators plan to pursue online casino legalisation in Illinois, Maryland and New York in 2026, while Deutsche Bank analyst Steven Pizzella said Maryland had the strongest prospects. Pizzella considered approval in more than one state highly unlikely, citing state-specific obstacles; he also reported discussion of prediction markets and regulators’ responses to sports contracts.
Gaming companies are due to report first-quarter results from this week, with Las Vegas Sands scheduled to report first, followed by other listed operators. Morgan Stanley analyst Stephen Grambling said casino trends weakened from the previous quarter, while digital handle remained stable. Deutsche Bank lowered its Macau forecasts for the first quarter of 2025 and subsequent periods, according to the report.