Latest news with #VixioRegulatoryIntelligence
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Churchill Downs Incorporated (CHDN): One of the Best Gambling Stocks to Buy According to Analysts
We recently published a list of 12 Best Gambling Stocks to Buy According to Analysts. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ:CHDN) stands against other best gambling stocks to buy according to analysts. Gambling stocks include companies that own, run, or manage lawful gambling activities and events such as horse and dog racing, online gaming, bingo, and video lottery, as well as companies that provide products or services to gaming operators. During the COVID-19 pandemic, social isolation and stay-at-home orders spurred a boom in online sports betting and gambling. Even after the COVID-19 outbreak ended, sales continued to rise. As per Vixio Regulatory Intelligence, the US online gambling industry is estimated to generate $26.8 billion in gross revenue in 2025, up from $23.4 billion in 2024, with projections pointing to more than $41 billion by 2028. While iGaming is still restricted to a few strongholds, mobile sports betting is still on the rise, with one state recently surpassing $2 billion in yearly revenue. Under normal conditions, New Jersey's online gambling revenue surpassed that of land-based casinos in October 2024, whereas states such as Pennsylvania and Michigan have iGaming earnings that exceed $200 million monthly. However, expansion encounters opposition. Legalization efforts in New York, Maryland, and Louisiana continue, but union opposition and legislative friction persist. If just one of these states legalizes iGaming, it could start a domino effect. Another obstacle is tax increases; in 2024, several jurisdictions raised their sports betting tax rates, raising concerns that such high rates could impede innovation and competitiveness. Payment processing also remains a significant concern. Major financial services networks continue to restrict gambling transactions, intensifying the need for digital wallets and other workarounds, which authorities examine with caution. Meanwhile, sweepstakes platforms are growing in unregulated marketplaces, raising concerns as policymakers consider stronger regulations. According to estimates, the US-regulated online sports betting market is anticipated to reach $150 billion by 2024, driven by 32 states that allow online gambling. The CEO and co-founder of Third Planet Affiliates, Adam Small, who owns and operates the iGaming news media company and the sports betting website stated that the two large platforms dominate the business, accounting for around 75% of total wagers and revenue. Small believes there is still room for digital gambling to expand in the coming years, as Texas, California, and a more open Florida will deliver 'a large jolt' to the digital sports gambling market. Small commented the following: 'Plus, states like Minnesota and Georgia are continually flirting with legalization, and Missouri will soon join the ranks, probably in time for the 2025 football season.' However, Nick Slade, co-founder and chief content officer at Cipher Sports Technology Group, noted that while digital-only sportsbooks dominate the market, their long-term sustainability is questionable due to hefty user acquisition expenses. Many sportsbooks struggle with profitability and rely heavily on marketing to keep clients. Casino-backed sportsbooks, on the other hand, have a competitive advantage since they may use a variety of revenue streams, such as hotels, resorts, and luxury experiences, to increase client loyalty. Recently, the New York State Gaming Commission released its findings for mobile sports wagering from April 2024 to March 2025. According to its report, mobile sports betting in New York grew 20% year on year to $23.9 billion in FY2024- 25, producing $2.14 billion in gross gaming revenue (GGR). January dominated with a $2.48 billion handle and $247 million in GGR, closely followed by March with $2.44 billion and $161.8 million. For the first time since legalization in 2022, the monthly volume was over $1 billion. The state raised $1.11 billion for education, with $6 million for gambling treatment and $5 million for youth sports. Fines and adjustments brought in an additional $23.3 million, including a significant $17.5 million penalty. A city skyline looking down on a busy racetrack with jockeys on horseback. For this article, we screened for companies that are involved in gambling and formed an initial list of 20 gambling stocks. Then, we selected the 12 stocks that had the highest upside potential as of April 11, 2025. We have only included stocks in our list with an upside potential of 40% or higher. The stocks are ranked in ascending order of the upside potential. Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter's strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 373.4% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 218 percentage points (). Analysts' Upside Potential as of April 11: 50.91% Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ:CHDN) provides online betting, racing, and gaming entertainment. It is organized into three business segments: gaming, wagering services, and live and historical racing. The category Live and Historical Racing includes both live and historical pari-mutuel racing. The Wagering Services section includes revenue and expenses from pari-mutuel wagers placed through TwinSpires, the company's retail and online sports betting operation. In 2024, Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ:CHDN)'s net revenues jumped by 11%, and adjusted EBITDA climbed by 13%, marking a new financial record. This accomplishment was mostly attributed to the Kentucky Derby, which achieved record-adjusted EBITDA as a consequence of increased ticket sales, sponsorships, and pari-mutuel betting. The expansion initiatives at Churchill Downs Racetrack aim to further improve the Derby experience. These projects include the renovations to the Conservatory and Sky Terrace. The firm's nearly $1.2 billion adjusted EBITDA came from HRM venues in Virginia, with plans to expand in Richmond and Henrico County. Revenue rose by $27.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, or 11.07% year on year, driven by a $30.3 million surge from the opening of the Terre Haute Casino Resort, which was partially offset by a $3.0 million decline from the other wholly owned gaming locations due to regional gaming softness and increased competition. Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ:CHDN)'s strong financial position was bolstered by $688 million in free cash flow ($9.22 per share), a roughly 33% increase per share over the previous year, which makes it one of the Best Casino Stocks. Overall, CHDN ranks 6th on our list of the 12 Best Gambling Stocks to Buy According to Analysts. While we acknowledge the potential of gambling companies, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter time frame. There is an AI stock that went up since the beginning of 2025, while popular AI stocks lost around 25%. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than CHDN but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about this . READ NEXT: 20 Best AI Stocks To Buy Now and 30 Best Stocks to Buy Now According to Billionaires. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Is Light & Wonder (LNW) Among the Best Gambling Stocks to Buy According to Analysts?
We recently published a list of 12 Best Gambling Stocks to Buy According to Analysts. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Light & Wonder, Inc. (NASDAQ:LNW) stands against other best gambling stocks to buy according to analysts. Gambling stocks include companies that own, run, or manage lawful gambling activities and events such as horse and dog racing, online gaming, bingo, and video lottery, as well as companies that provide products or services to gaming operators. During the COVID-19 pandemic, social isolation and stay-at-home orders spurred a boom in online sports betting and gambling. Even after the COVID-19 outbreak ended, sales continued to rise. As per Vixio Regulatory Intelligence, the US online gambling industry is estimated to generate $26.8 billion in gross revenue in 2025, up from $23.4 billion in 2024, with projections pointing to more than $41 billion by 2028. While iGaming is still restricted to a few strongholds, mobile sports betting is still on the rise, with one state recently surpassing $2 billion in yearly revenue. Under normal conditions, New Jersey's online gambling revenue surpassed that of land-based casinos in October 2024, whereas states such as Pennsylvania and Michigan have iGaming earnings that exceed $200 million monthly. However, expansion encounters opposition. Legalization efforts in New York, Maryland, and Louisiana continue, but union opposition and legislative friction persist. If just one of these states legalizes iGaming, it could start a domino effect. Another obstacle is tax increases; in 2024, several jurisdictions raised their sports betting tax rates, raising concerns that such high rates could impede innovation and competitiveness. Payment processing also remains a significant concern. Major financial services networks continue to restrict gambling transactions, intensifying the need for digital wallets and other workarounds, which authorities examine with caution. Meanwhile, sweepstakes platforms are growing in unregulated marketplaces, raising concerns as policymakers consider stronger regulations. According to estimates, the US-regulated online sports betting market is anticipated to reach $150 billion by 2024, driven by 32 states that allow online gambling. The CEO and co-founder of Third Planet Affiliates, Adam Small, who owns and operates the iGaming news media company and the sports betting website stated that the two large platforms dominate the business, accounting for around 75% of total wagers and revenue. Small believes there is still room for digital gambling to expand in the coming years, as Texas, California, and a more open Florida will deliver 'a large jolt' to the digital sports gambling market. Small commented the following: 'Plus, states like Minnesota and Georgia are continually flirting with legalization, and Missouri will soon join the ranks, probably in time for the 2025 football season.' However, Nick Slade, co-founder and chief content officer at Cipher Sports Technology Group, noted that while digital-only sportsbooks dominate the market, their long-term sustainability is questionable due to hefty user acquisition expenses. Many sportsbooks struggle with profitability and rely heavily on marketing to keep clients. Casino-backed sportsbooks, on the other hand, have a competitive advantage since they may use a variety of revenue streams, such as hotels, resorts, and luxury experiences, to increase client loyalty. Recently, the New York State Gaming Commission released its findings for mobile sports wagering from April 2024 to March 2025. According to its report, mobile sports betting in New York grew 20% year on year to $23.9 billion in FY2024- 25, producing $2.14 billion in gross gaming revenue (GGR). January dominated with a $2.48 billion handle and $247 million in GGR, closely followed by March with $2.44 billion and $161.8 million. For the first time since legalization in 2022, the monthly volume was over $1 billion. The state raised $1.11 billion for education, with $6 million for gambling treatment and $5 million for youth sports. Fines and adjustments brought in an additional $23.3 million, including a significant $17.5 million penalty. A close-up of a customer playing a gambling game on a computer tablet. For this article, we screened for companies that are involved in gambling and formed an initial list of 20 gambling stocks. Then, we selected the 12 stocks that had the highest upside potential as of April 11, 2025. We have only included stocks in our list with an upside potential of 40% or higher. The stocks are ranked in ascending order of the upside potential. Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter's strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 373.4% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 218 percentage points (). Analysts' Upside Potential as of April 11: 40.26% Light & Wonder, Inc. (NASDAQ:LNW) is a gaming firm that operates in three segments: iGaming, SciPlay, and Gaming. The company also provides casino and gambling equipment such as video lottery terminals, card shufflers, chip sorters, deck checkers, and other gaming devices. One of the reasons investors like Light & Wonder, Inc. (NASDAQ:LNW) is its good management. After going into debt to finance unsuccessful M&A transactions, the firm was unable to predict changing customer preferences in the gambling industry. This all changed with a new management, which not only turned the company's books around but also focused on crucial categories, including social gaming, gaming equipment, and services. Light & Wonder, Inc. (NASDAQ:LNW) had growth in 2024, with a 10% rise in consolidated revenue to $3.2 billion and exceptional EBITDA performance across all business segments. The gaming division stood out, with a 4% year-over-year revenue gain in Q4, aided by a 24% increase in systems growth and a 5% increase in EBITDA, retaining its position as the largest ship shareholder in North America and Australia. SciPlay also fared well, exceeding $820 million in sales, expanding 6% year on year, and outperforming the market with a record revenue per daily active user. iGaming's revenue jumped by 11% in Q4, driven by strong content releases and sustained expansion in North America and Europe, with over 1,000 game launches expected in 2024. The business also wisely acquired Grover Gaming's charitable gaming operation for $850 million, establishing itself for considerable synergies and future growth. Overall, LNW ranks 12th on our list of the 12 Best Gambling Stocks to Buy According to Analysts. While we acknowledge the potential of gambling companies, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter time frame. There is an AI stock that went up since the beginning of 2025, while popular AI stocks lost around 25%. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than LNW but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about this . READ NEXT: 20 Best AI Stocks To Buy Now and 30 Best Stocks to Buy Now According to Billionaires. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
DraftKings Inc. (DKNG): Among the Best Gambling Stocks to Buy According to Analysts
We recently published a list of 12 Best Gambling Stocks to Buy According to Analysts. In this article, we are going to take a look at where DraftKings Inc. (NASDAQ:DKNG) stands against other best gambling stocks to buy according to analysts. Gambling stocks include companies that own, run, or manage lawful gambling activities and events such as horse and dog racing, online gaming, bingo, and video lottery, as well as companies that provide products or services to gaming operators. During the COVID-19 pandemic, social isolation and stay-at-home orders spurred a boom in online sports betting and gambling. Even after the COVID-19 outbreak ended, sales continued to rise. As per Vixio Regulatory Intelligence, the US online gambling industry is estimated to generate $26.8 billion in gross revenue in 2025, up from $23.4 billion in 2024, with projections pointing to more than $41 billion by 2028. While iGaming is still restricted to a few strongholds, mobile sports betting is still on the rise, with one state recently surpassing $2 billion in yearly revenue. Under normal conditions, New Jersey's online gambling revenue surpassed that of land-based casinos in October 2024, whereas states such as Pennsylvania and Michigan have iGaming earnings that exceed $200 million monthly. However, expansion encounters opposition. Legalization efforts in New York, Maryland, and Louisiana continue, but union opposition and legislative friction persist. If just one of these states legalizes iGaming, it could start a domino effect. Another obstacle is tax increases; in 2024, several jurisdictions raised their sports betting tax rates, raising concerns that such high rates could impede innovation and competitiveness. Payment processing also remains a significant concern. Major financial services networks continue to restrict gambling transactions, intensifying the need for digital wallets and other workarounds, which authorities examine with caution. Meanwhile, sweepstakes platforms are growing in unregulated marketplaces, raising concerns as policymakers consider stronger regulations. According to estimates, the US-regulated online sports betting market is anticipated to reach $150 billion by 2024, driven by 32 states that allow online gambling. The CEO and co-founder of Third Planet Affiliates, Adam Small, who owns and operates the iGaming news media company and the sports betting website stated that the two large platforms dominate the business, accounting for around 75% of total wagers and revenue. Small believes there is still room for digital gambling to expand in the coming years, as Texas, California, and a more open Florida will deliver 'a large jolt' to the digital sports gambling market. Small commented the following: 'Plus, states like Minnesota and Georgia are continually flirting with legalization, and Missouri will soon join the ranks, probably in time for the 2025 football season.' However, Nick Slade, co-founder and chief content officer at Cipher Sports Technology Group, noted that while digital-only sportsbooks dominate the market, their long-term sustainability is questionable due to hefty user acquisition expenses. Many sportsbooks struggle with profitability and rely heavily on marketing to keep clients. Casino-backed sportsbooks, on the other hand, have a competitive advantage since they may use a variety of revenue streams, such as hotels, resorts, and luxury experiences, to increase client loyalty. Recently, the New York State Gaming Commission released its findings for mobile sports wagering from April 2024 to March 2025. According to its report, mobile sports betting in New York grew 20% year on year to $23.9 billion in FY2024- 25, producing $2.14 billion in gross gaming revenue (GGR). January dominated with a $2.48 billion handle and $247 million in GGR, closely followed by March with $2.44 billion and $161.8 million. For the first time since legalization in 2022, the monthly volume was over $1 billion. The state raised $1.11 billion for education, with $6 million for gambling treatment and $5 million for youth sports. Fines and adjustments brought in an additional $23.3 million, including a significant $17.5 million penalty. A woman at a betting table paying out customers who won their sports bets. For this article, we screened for companies that are involved in gambling and formed an initial list of 20 gambling stocks. Then, we selected the 12 stocks that had the highest upside potential as of April 11, 2025. We have only included stocks in our list with an upside potential of 40% or higher. The stocks are ranked in ascending order of the upside potential. Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter's strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 373.4% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 218 percentage points (). Analysts' Upside Potential as of April 11: 62.01% DraftKings Inc. (NASDAQ:DKNG) is a major force in the online sports betting industry. The firm has established a competitive advantage over traditional casino-operated sportsbooks by providing a world-class user interface and a strong brand presence. The company is already legal in 25 states and is growing its reach as new markets emerge. Its solid market positioning, continuous state-by-state legalization, and focus on profitability make it an excellent investment prospect. During the COVID-19 pandemic, social alienation and directives to stay at home fueled a rise in online sports betting and gambling. Even after the COVID-19 pandemic ended, its sales continued to climb. The company's business shows strong operating leverage. Its fiscal Q4 2024 earnings climbed 30% to $4.8 billion over the prior year. For the first time, free cash flow was positive, and adjusted EBITDA rose $332 million year on year to $181 million. DraftKings Inc. (NASDAQ:DKNG) also gained 3.5 million new customers at record-low acquisition costs, bringing its total client base to $10.1 million, representing a 42% increase YoY. On Super Bowl Sunday, the DraftKings Sportsbook app reached its highest ranking in the App Store, ranking third overall and first in the sports category. The online gambling company recorded the highest gross gaming revenue day in its history, with a sportsbook handle of $436 million. DraftKings Inc. (NASDAQ:DKNG) boosted its fiscal year 2025 revenue prediction from $6.3 billion to $6.6 billion, marking a 32% to 38% rise over the previous year due to planned expenditures in live betting. Overall, DKNG ranks 5th on our list of the 12 Best Gambling Stocks to Buy According to Analysts. While we acknowledge the potential of gambling companies, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter time frame. There is an AI stock that went up since the beginning of 2025, while popular AI stocks lost around 25%. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than DKNG but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about this . READ NEXT: 20 Best AI Stocks To Buy Now and 30 Best Stocks to Buy Now According to Billionaires. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Wynn Resorts (WYNN): Among the Best Gambling Stocks to Buy According to Analysts
We recently published a list of 12 Best Gambling Stocks to Buy According to Analysts. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Wynn Resorts, Limited (NASDAQ:WYNN) stands against other best gambling stocks to buy according to analysts. Gambling stocks include companies that own, run, or manage lawful gambling activities and events such as horse and dog racing, online gaming, bingo, and video lottery, as well as companies that provide products or services to gaming operators. During the COVID-19 pandemic, social isolation and stay-at-home orders spurred a boom in online sports betting and gambling. Even after the COVID-19 outbreak ended, sales continued to rise. As per Vixio Regulatory Intelligence, the US online gambling industry is estimated to generate $26.8 billion in gross revenue in 2025, up from $23.4 billion in 2024, with projections pointing to more than $41 billion by 2028. While iGaming is still restricted to a few strongholds, mobile sports betting is still on the rise, with one state recently surpassing $2 billion in yearly revenue. Under normal conditions, New Jersey's online gambling revenue surpassed that of land-based casinos in October 2024, whereas states such as Pennsylvania and Michigan have iGaming earnings that exceed $200 million monthly. However, expansion encounters opposition. Legalization efforts in New York, Maryland, and Louisiana continue, but union opposition and legislative friction persist. If just one of these states legalizes iGaming, it could start a domino effect. Another obstacle is tax increases; in 2024, several jurisdictions raised their sports betting tax rates, raising concerns that such high rates could impede innovation and competitiveness. Payment processing also remains a significant concern. Major financial services networks continue to restrict gambling transactions, intensifying the need for digital wallets and other workarounds, which authorities examine with caution. Meanwhile, sweepstakes platforms are growing in unregulated marketplaces, raising concerns as policymakers consider stronger regulations. According to estimates, the US-regulated online sports betting market is anticipated to reach $150 billion by 2024, driven by 32 states that allow online gambling. The CEO and co-founder of Third Planet Affiliates, Adam Small, who owns and operates the iGaming news media company and the sports betting website stated that the two large platforms dominate the business, accounting for around 75% of total wagers and revenue. Small believes there is still room for digital gambling to expand in the coming years, as Texas, California, and a more open Florida will deliver 'a large jolt' to the digital sports gambling market. Small commented the following: 'Plus, states like Minnesota and Georgia are continually flirting with legalization, and Missouri will soon join the ranks, probably in time for the 2025 football season.' However, Nick Slade, co-founder and chief content officer at Cipher Sports Technology Group, noted that while digital-only sportsbooks dominate the market, their long-term sustainability is questionable due to hefty user acquisition expenses. Many sportsbooks struggle with profitability and rely heavily on marketing to keep clients. Casino-backed sportsbooks, on the other hand, have a competitive advantage since they may use a variety of revenue streams, such as hotels, resorts, and luxury experiences, to increase client loyalty. Recently, the New York State Gaming Commission released its findings for mobile sports wagering from April 2024 to March 2025. According to its report, mobile sports betting in New York grew 20% year on year to $23.9 billion in FY2024- 25, producing $2.14 billion in gross gaming revenue (GGR). January dominated with a $2.48 billion handle and $247 million in GGR, closely followed by March with $2.44 billion and $161.8 million. For the first time since legalization in 2022, the monthly volume was over $1 billion. The state raised $1.11 billion for education, with $6 million for gambling treatment and $5 million for youth sports. Fines and adjustments brought in an additional $23.3 million, including a significant $17.5 million penalty. Aerial view of a luxury hotel tower surrounded by lush green landscaping. For this article, we screened for companies that are involved in gambling and formed an initial list of 20 gambling stocks. Then, we selected the 12 stocks that had the highest upside potential as of April 11, 2025. We have only included stocks in our list with an upside potential of 40% or higher. The stocks are ranked in ascending order of the upside potential. Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter's strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 373.4% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 218 percentage points (). Analysts' Upside Potential as of April 11: 63.01% Wynn Resorts, Limited (NASDAQ:WYNN) is ranked fourth on our list of the Best Casino Stocks. It is a diverse casino operator that owns 72% of the Wynn Palace and Wynn Macau in Macau. It also wholly owns the Wynn and Encore in Las Vegas, as well as the Encore Boston Harbor, which opened in 2019. Revenue climbed to $6.5 billion in 2023, with an operating profitability of $840 million. Wynn Resorts, Limited (NASDAQ:WYNN) achieved yet another record for adjusted property EBITDAR in 2024, with an annual record in Las Vegas. The company experienced exceptional operational success in Las Vegas, with table games falling flat against fierce competitors and slot handles growing by 13%, while gaming market share surged dramatically in Q4. The Macau firm generated $293 million in EBITDA in the fourth quarter, up 11% sequentially but down about 1% year on year. Despite the competitive market, it remained focused on increasing EBITDA and maintaining a high margin profile. Stifel maintained its Buy recommendation on Wynn Resorts, Limited (NASDAQ:WYNN) shares and raised the price target from $123 to $128. Although its Q4 report and projections 'probably aren't as strong' as MGM's, the company informs investors that 'it's pretty darn close and, more importantly, should allow WYNN shares to move higher.' Nightview Capital stated the following regarding Wynn Resorts, Limited (NASDAQ:WYNN) in its Q4 2024 : 'Travel and entertainment are transforming as consumers prioritize experiences over material goods. This isn't a return to pre pandemic norms—it's a reinvention of how we connect, explore, and enjoy life. Travelers seek uniqueness and personalization, while entertainment blends digital and physical realms to create new experiences. The companies leading this evolution are redefining tradition through innovation, delivering unforgettable moments to a new generation. These businesses are not just adapting—they're shaping the future of the experience economy. Overall, WYNN ranks 4th on our list of the 12 Best Gambling Stocks to Buy According to Analysts. While we acknowledge the potential of gambling companies, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter time frame. There is an AI stock that went up since the beginning of 2025, while popular AI stocks lost around 25%. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than WYNN but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about this . READ NEXT: 20 Best AI Stocks To Buy Now and 30 Best Stocks to Buy Now According to Billionaires. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Is Las Vegas Sands Corp. (LVS) the Best Gambling Stock to Buy According to Analysts?
We recently published a list of 12 Best Gambling Stocks to Buy According to Analysts. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE:LVS) stands against other best gambling stocks to buy according to analysts. Gambling stocks include companies that own, run, or manage lawful gambling activities and events such as horse and dog racing, online gaming, bingo, and video lottery, as well as companies that provide products or services to gaming operators. During the COVID-19 pandemic, social isolation and stay-at-home orders spurred a boom in online sports betting and gambling. Even after the COVID-19 outbreak ended, sales continued to rise. As per Vixio Regulatory Intelligence, the US online gambling industry is estimated to generate $26.8 billion in gross revenue in 2025, up from $23.4 billion in 2024, with projections pointing to more than $41 billion by 2028. While iGaming is still restricted to a few strongholds, mobile sports betting is still on the rise, with one state recently surpassing $2 billion in yearly revenue. Under normal conditions, New Jersey's online gambling revenue surpassed that of land-based casinos in October 2024, whereas states such as Pennsylvania and Michigan have iGaming earnings that exceed $200 million monthly. However, expansion encounters opposition. Legalization efforts in New York, Maryland, and Louisiana continue, but union opposition and legislative friction persist. If just one of these states legalizes iGaming, it could start a domino effect. Another obstacle is tax increases; in 2024, several jurisdictions raised their sports betting tax rates, raising concerns that such high rates could impede innovation and competitiveness. Payment processing also remains a significant concern. Major financial services networks continue to restrict gambling transactions, intensifying the need for digital wallets and other workarounds, which authorities examine with caution. Meanwhile, sweepstakes platforms are growing in unregulated marketplaces, raising concerns as policymakers consider stronger regulations. According to estimates, the US-regulated online sports betting market is anticipated to reach $150 billion by 2024, driven by 32 states that allow online gambling. The CEO and co-founder of Third Planet Affiliates, Adam Small, who owns and operates the iGaming news media company and the sports betting website stated that the two large platforms dominate the business, accounting for around 75% of total wagers and revenue. Small believes there is still room for digital gambling to expand in the coming years, as Texas, California, and a more open Florida will deliver 'a large jolt' to the digital sports gambling market. Small commented the following: 'Plus, states like Minnesota and Georgia are continually flirting with legalization, and Missouri will soon join the ranks, probably in time for the 2025 football season.' However, Nick Slade, co-founder and chief content officer at Cipher Sports Technology Group, noted that while digital-only sportsbooks dominate the market, their long-term sustainability is questionable due to hefty user acquisition expenses. Many sportsbooks struggle with profitability and rely heavily on marketing to keep clients. Casino-backed sportsbooks, on the other hand, have a competitive advantage since they may use a variety of revenue streams, such as hotels, resorts, and luxury experiences, to increase client loyalty. Recently, the New York State Gaming Commission released its findings for mobile sports wagering from April 2024 to March 2025. According to its report, mobile sports betting in New York grew 20% year on year to $23.9 billion in FY2024- 25, producing $2.14 billion in gross gaming revenue (GGR). January dominated with a $2.48 billion handle and $247 million in GGR, closely followed by March with $2.44 billion and $161.8 million. For the first time since legalization in 2022, the monthly volume was over $1 billion. The state raised $1.11 billion for education, with $6 million for gambling treatment and $5 million for youth sports. Fines and adjustments brought in an additional $23.3 million, including a significant $17.5 million penalty. The dazzling Las Vegas Strip lined with luxury Integrated Resorts, seen from a high elevation. For this article, we screened for companies that are involved in gambling and formed an initial list of 20 gambling stocks. Then, we selected the 12 stocks that had the highest upside potential as of April 11, 2025. We have only included stocks in our list with an upside potential of 40% or higher. The stocks are ranked in ascending order of the upside potential. Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter's strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 373.4% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 218 percentage points (). Analysts' Upside Potential as of April 11: 85.04% Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE:LVS) is a casino operator focused primarily on the Macau market. The company's five casinos in Macau and Marina Bay Sands in Singapore are primarily geared toward the Asian market. Since strict lockdowns in China and other Asian countries caused traffic to drop during the COVID-19 pandemic, the strategy of concentrating on Asia unfortunately backfired. However, the company rebounded in 2023 with operating profits of $2.3 billion and revenue of $10.4 billion, an improvement of more than 150% from 2022, showing that it is back on solid ground. Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE:LVS)'s Macao betting market expanded significantly, with Q4 2024 gaming revenue up 6% year on year, owing to a 5% increase in mass gaming income. Marina Bay Sands did well in Singapore, with an adjusted property EBITDA of $537 million, up 28% from the previous year. The Londoner Grand Casino, which opened in late September with 315 suites, is planned to have expanded to 1,500 suites and rooms by May 2025. By repurchasing $450 million of stock and increasing the dividend to $1 per share in 2025, the firm proved its commitment to shareholder returns. Citi maintained its Buy rating for Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE:LVS) and raised its price objective from $64.50 to $67. Marina Bay Sands claims that its Q4 EBITDA of well over $500 million positively shocked the market. Given Londoner Grand's slow opening, it is confident that its Macau property has excellent EBITDA recovery potential. The company is still the analyst's 'Global Top Pick'. Overall, LVS ranks 2nd on our list of the 12 Best Gambling Stocks to Buy According to Analysts. While we acknowledge the potential of gambling companies, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter time frame. There is an AI stock that went up since the beginning of 2025, while popular AI stocks lost around 25%. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than LVS but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about this . READ NEXT: 20 Best AI Stocks To Buy Now and 30 Best Stocks to Buy Now According to Billionaires. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
