Sports Betting: The Business of Risk

 

The business of Sports Betting is at an all-time high. Just 5 years ago, you could only make wagers on single games in Nevada. Now you can bet on a single game in over 30 states. Last year over 57 billion was bet legally by Americans on sports. I am not counting the illegal market that is still available to a segment of the gaming patrons.

So why is the stock market not reflecting this renaissance period? A review of the leading sports betting companies and gaming operators stock prices show dismal results over the past 6 months. While the amount of money wagered is staggering, the investors in the companies are seeing red digits on their portfolios.

While the slide could be due to global inflation, there are long term profitability concerns for the industry. Look for a merger or acquisition as a way for one or two operators to turn things around. CNBC Jim Cramer stated “But as we see what the reality looks like, there’s tons of competition for market share and little in the way of profits. Too bad because profits are what this market wants right now. That is why every single one of these stocks has been obliterated,”

According to Yahoo Finance, MGM Resorts International announced an offer to acquire the global gaming company Leovegas. MGM is attempting to build on the success of BetMGM in the United States with this acquisition allowing them to expand globally with an omnichannel strategy. I also found that MGM, as part of the Maryland Education Summit for Sports Betting, will offer a mentorship program to a qualified applicant that is pursuing a Class C sport betting license. This week, MGM was approved for a takeover of the Cosmopolitan amid questions about a monopoly on the Las Vegas Strip. MGM International is making progressive moves and has a stock price of 36.56.A year ago it was $51.17.

Any organization that has an established following on social media, does a high volume of sales and is known internationally may want to purchase a gaming company as a caveat to provide entertainment value to their customers. Imagine if Google or Facebook decided to offer sports betting to their followers. They would have to gain the trust of the public in a manner comparable to Uber and Disney. The patrons would have to be comfortable sharing their banking information and be guaranteed an enjoyable experience that is not based solely on winning.

Since gaining market share is the driver for the more renown operators, the winner of the Sports Betting race will be the operator with a brick-and-mortar venue in cities with a large population along with online gaming presence. The operator that provides visual content of the event to coincide with in game wagering will corner the market.

Check out my articles about sports betting in IGaming Player & Bettors Insider. Follow me on Twitter and Instagram.

 

 

 

Gaming Stocks to Watch in 2022

The gaming and casino industry took some hits during the last quarter of 2021 in the stock market. Most of this was attributed to the spread of the Omicron strain of Covid. The anticpation that we will go back to a period of less social engagement has made some investors leary of the hospitality industry. Keep in mind that the level of gaming online has never been higher. So while the 1st quarter of 2022 will require management adjustments based on restrictions and staffing, the top teams will still retain market share. You can find value by investing in companies that are historically resilient.

Rush Street Interactive: Current price is $16.78. The 52 week high is $26.55 while the low is $9.47. The recent ground breaking of a new property in Portsmouth Virginia and the prospect of expanding into Chicago Illinois are reasons for optimism. RSI has an outstanding reputation and a proven track record with sportsbooks and gaming in several jurisdictions. RSI is the retail market leader in the three most populous states that have legalized retail sports betting – Pennsylvania, Illinois and New York.

Penn National Gaming: Current price is $51.30. The 52 week high is $142.00 while the low is $43.36. Penn just opened a new casino in Morgantown,Virginia.Penn has been working with Barstool Sports on  opening sports bars in Philadelphia and Chicago as they promote the sports betting app.Louisiana is expected to offer additional sports betting licenses in January and Penn is in consideration.

Boyd Gaming Corporation: Current price is $65.39. The 52 week high is $71.00 while the low is $41.12. Boyd recieved 6 Buy reccomendations from a group of respected stock analysts. They project Boyd as having a high range of $88.00 over the next 6 months.

DraftKings:Current Price is $28.46. The 52 week high is $74.38 and the low is $25.80. DraftKings recieved an overwheming consensus to buy from 32 stock analyst. Name recognition has this as a brand that people are familar with when there is a conversation about sports betting. If the stock price goes up by 20% in 2022, you are looking at a price $34.15. If you purchase 100 shares today,your investment would increase in value by $569.00 in 2022.

 

I look at gaming stock as opportunities to invest in companies that have a presence in major markets that cater to tourism and city that have large populations.As more states add sports betting to their gaming offerings,the price and revenue of casino related stocks that have a strong online presence will go up. Do some research and find the stock and company that is right for you. Keep in mind that buying stock is an investment and should be viewed as long term speculation. Have a number in mind to sell any stock that is descending in price and value. 

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Christmas Gifts that a Gambler or Gaming Executive would love

With Christmas just a little more than a week away ,the scramble is on to pick out the perfect gift for the gambler or gaming executive in your life. There is a commonality in those two people. Not only do they share the same environment such as a casino, racetrack or sports book  but they are knowledgeable about the world of risk. They like the excitement and the fanfare of participating or watching games. So any of these gifts that I mention now are stocking stuffers.

The 1st is a scratch off or lottery ticket. The chance of a $1.00 ticket turning into a 6 or 7 figure payout is extremely low. But the recipient will feel like a million dollars until the drawing takes place or the result is revealed.

The 2nd is a smart watch from Apple. This serves no many functions other  than telling time. It can track the gaming executive's steps per day and the gambler withdrawals from the ATM. Either of those individuals will call and thank you on that same watch. The cost is approximately 199.00.

The 3rd is a trip to Las Vegas in 2021. No gambler or gaming executive would want to go right now, but if you plan a trip for the beginning of the 3rd quarter, they would take you up on it. A vaccine should be readily available by then. If the tickets and accommodations are booked no, you could get a good rate especially if the trip is planned mid week. Usher begins his Caesars Palace residency on July 16 2021. Tickets start at 150.00. 

Before I share the last two options here is my gift to you.

The 4th is buying a gift card from Draft Kings. This is an sports betting industry first. The recipient would love it if they live in a state that has sports betting. They could use the card to add funds to an already existing account. The account must be with Draft Kings. I am sure other operators will emulate this. The card will be available in $25 and $50 denominations  in convenience stores like Sheetz, 7 Eleven, Dollar General and Speedway. 

The 5th and final gift option is purchasing a stock from a publicly trading casino or gaming company. You may want to look at a sports betting company for the recipient. If you want to start the process you can open an E Trade account or confer with your broker if you already invest on Wall Street. Why not give a gift that gives your friend or family member more? There are several options that I see as definite buy situations. I will expand on that in a future article.

Follow me on Twitter for NBA and NFL conversation. You can see my videos and photos on Instagram. Reach out professional thru Linkedin. My website is smartresponsiblegaming.com I also write articles for Bettors Insider, where you will receive the most comprehensive gaming, casino and sports betting coverage from an outstanding staff of former writers for the Philadelphia Inquirer & Daily News.