In an interview with MarketWatch in 2002, the late Hunter S. Thompson said the only stock he ever bought was in the Boston Celtics. But in 2020, perhaps Thompson might reconsider, since the hot trend appears to be US online gambling operators becoming publicly traded companies.

Everything came to a roaring halt when the coronavirus ravaged the US. Sports and sports betting were all but nonexistent. It started with March Madness and then spread like a fever to other leagues. By April, your betting options were Russian table tennis and Belarusian soccer. When the US Supreme Court put an end to the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), it unknowingly opened the doors to gambling talks inside state capitals.

But in the last few months, it’s not the legalization of sports betting that’s been receiving widespread attention, but rather, well-established gaming companies taking their online business public. Online casinos are making record profits during the pandemic, and a few significant companies are pouring investment money into online segments, betting on long-term gains.

However, investing in online gambling can be just as rewarding as betting on the Boston Celtics to sweep the lifeless Philadelphia 76ers. It can also be as dangerous as betting on them to do it again against a more formidable foe.

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Here’s a look at three high-profile companies leading the charge.

DraftKings leading the crusade

This all started in April when popular daily fantasy sports (DFS) turned sports betting operator DraftKings (DKNG) debuted on Wall Street. The company’s opening price of $20.49 rose to an all-time high of $44.70 and is currently hovering around $38.91 as of 10:26 CST.

The company is known to suck the air out of a room. DraftKings Sportsbook is the leading sports betting operator, and whenever it does something as drastic as becoming a publicly traded company, others pay attention.

In its most recent earnings report, DraftKings said, “The company is well-positioned to continue to deliver on its key priorities, which include entering new states at the earliest opportunity, investing in product and technology to create new offerings for American sports — and acquiring and retaining customers.”

We don’t need to sit here and ramble on about the inner workings of DraftKings. The company knows DFS, it knows sports betting, it has a huge customer base and it has the potential to become sports betting/online gambling royalty. It is also in online casinos now.

The level of success DraftKings has been able to achieve in the two years since the repeal of PASPA is unmatched. But in doing so, it placed a giant target on its back, with other operators looking to overtake the behemoth.

Gambling Stocks

Golden Nugget is a leader in online casino gaming

Sometimes, when you have a game plan, you want it to be a secret — like when the Arkansas Razorbacks unveiled the Wildcat formation to utilize their three-headed monster, running backs Darren McFadden, Felix Jones and Peyton Hillis. Not only did they take other teams by surprise, but Arkansas also managed to finish the ’06 season 10-4.

Investing In Online Gambling Stocks To Buy

This was not the case for Golden Nugget — no secrets here. The company revealed its strategy to break off its online gambling arm and list it on the Nasdaq exchange.

Golden Nugget is the largest online casino in New Jersey and posted a net income of $11 million in 2019. The company also plans to launch online casino games in Pennsylvania and Golden Nugget sportsbook in Michigan in 2021.

In a transaction plan similar to DraftKings’, Golden Nugget’s online gambling business will be acquired by Landcadia II, a publicly listed special purpose acquisition company (SPAC).

Once the deal is complete, Landcadia II will change its name to Golden Nugget Online Gaming Inc. (GNOG).

The move is genius. What Golden Nugget does best is online casino games. When it becomes a publicly traded company, owner Tilman Fertitta can raise additional funds at a time when COVID-19 has crippled land-based operations.

In football terms, this move screams “We are going to run the ball right down your throat — try to stop us.”

Rush Street Interactive taking a page from its rival DraftKings

If it works for your competitor, it just might work for you. That appears to be the mindset of Chicago-based Rush Street Interactive, as it too will become a publicly traded company once its deal with dMY Technology Group is complete.

Rush Street has a tally of first-to-market achievements under its belt. It was the first company to launch online casino gaming in New Jersey and the first to launch online sports betting in Pennsylvania, Indiana, Colorado and Illinois.

According to the Chicago Business Journal, the transaction value of the combined companies will be around $1.78 billion. Once the transaction is complete, dMY Technology will change its name to Rush Street Interactive Inc. (RSI).

The move is not surprising and is a product of a rapidly changing industry looking to compete with top operators like DraftKings and FanDuel.

MGM Resorts and the value of investment

Lastly, we have MGM Resorts and the 10-figure investment from billionaire Barry Diller due to the outlook on online gambling. Diller’s company, InterActive Corp, purchased a 12% stake in MGM worth around $1 billion.

In a Fox Business report, Diller said the online gambling industry is worth $450 billion on a global scale and he has been looking to enter the online space for some time.

The substantial investment helps reinforce the narrative that online gambling is where the industry is heading. New Jersey online casinos recorded $84.9 million in revenue for June. Pennsylvania netted $55.8 million, and some market analysts anticipate Michigan’s online gambling value to be worth more than either of them.

The US stock market is extremely volatile and continuously in flux. To that extent, it might be wise to stick with Thompson’s advice and back the Celtics. They swept Philly 4-0 and now take on the defending NBA ChampionToronto Raptors in a best-of-seven series beginning Thursday, Aug. 27.

Us Online Gambling Stocks

While everyone is looking to the renowned stocks that have been in the exchange market for decades, some investors are shifting their focus on the online iGaming industry.

Most of us have by now tried betting on sports or playing online casino games. Recently, this is one of the industries that have been escalating at an alarming rate across the globe.

Besides the level of new gaming technology like mobile casinos, and live dealers giving this industry much support for visibility, the introduction and legalization of gambling in most countries have also contributed to its growth. But have you ever thought of investing in this industry as an investor?

Well, it is quite easy, and online casino is a fast-growing market as more and more countries legalize iGaming on the internet. From Canada, Sweden, China, the US, to the UK, the stocks might turn out to be a good investment. Here are ten iGaming stocks that everyone can invest in (this being intended exclusively for information purposes):

1. Ladbrokes – GP.22

This is another gambling stock that you can invest in that is on the London Stock Exchange. It is a benchmark in the United Kingdom when it comes to online betting. It is one of the most solid companies across the globe in this industry that has made its stocks very stable. After a close analysis of its 10 years in the stock market, experts call it a conservative investment.

2. NetEnt – NETB

This is another high-quality software provider in the virtual casino world. Every tester in Canada, usually go to this company as a quality seal. Although this company joined the gambling sector a little bit late compared to the others, it has been at the forefront when it comes to online casinos and popular slots. Its stocks in the Stockholm Stock Exchange has been doing well after overcoming stiff competition from the other companies in the market.

3. Stars Group – TSGI

Have you ever heard of PokerStars? This is the head and the hub of some of the largest poker sites across the globe. On the internet, it is one of the best gambling companies when it comes to its coverage. With its expertise in the field, it has positioned itself as one of the leading and key players in this industry. But, its stock and shares in the market have been volatile. It is on the Toronto Stock Exchange and it is good for the professional traders.

4. LeoVegas – LEO.ST

Over the past five years, this has been one of the most successful gambling company in Sweden. One of the things that giving LeoVegas a footing in online gambling is its smartphone casinos with the most popular one being Leo Vegas Casino. It has been making it possible for gambling fanatics to play their favorite online slots using their mobile phones. It is on the Nasdaq Stock Exchange.

5. Kindred Group – KIND-SDB

Investing In Online Gambling Stocks Against

These stocks and shares from the Kindred Group are on the Stockholm Stock Exchange. It is one of the great companies with various betting sites revolving around sports, online casinos, bingos, and poker. Unibet happens to be the trademark of the Kindred Group which so is the largest betting site in sports globally.

6. Caesars Entertainment Corporation – CZR

For many years, this has been a landmark in the gambling industry. It has recently turned out to be one of the most interesting stocks to put your money. It is one of the leaders in the gambling industry that most investors are watching and aspiring to invest in.

7. MGM Resorts International – MGM

If you are a conservative investor and don’t want risks around you, then you can decide to go with MGM. It is trying to get to US betting which will definitely spearhead its stocks and entire market share. It is one of the gambling stocks that has a great presence in China and has been doing well from one year to another.

8. Scientific Games – SGMS

It is one of the stocks that have gained online dominance and beat stiff competition around online casino gaming. It has been a significant company in providing digital gaming services, content, and products. As an infrastructure provider, it has all the chances of growth in this market making it a good stock to watch.

9. International Game Technology – IGT

This is another innovative casino gaming company that is increasing and expanding its digital gaming expertise across the globe. Its live streaming avenue of Dynasty Electronic Table Game (ETG) will provide more games for its players like blackjack and the famous baccarat. With such kind of innovations, definitely, its stock will grow to make it a great gambling stock to put your money in.

10. Playtech – PTEC

This Israel based software developer is one of the popular casino software providers across England. It has its stock listed on the London Stock Exchange. Playtech is an expert in online casino gaming has released over 500 games. It uses some of the most advanced technology in virtual casinos. Considering the vast and fast growth of the gambling industry, if you are an active investor, then you can consider one of the above gambling stocks.

DISCLAIMER:

News, data and statement included in this article is intended exclusively for information purposes.

It should not be considered a recommendation for the purchase, retention, or sale of the securities referred to herein.